Meet the team: Emily Woodward, Rep Actor

Welcome to a new series of blog posts where you’ll hear a bit more from each of the Creation Rep Company and office team. Kicking off with Rep Actor Emily Woodward:

What was the first Creation production you were involved with, and what’s your favourite memory of it?

The first Creation production I was a part of was The Tale of the Beauty and the Tale of the Beast at the North Wall last Christmas. My favourite memory of it was when my little boy (who was 5) came to see me in it.  It was the first time he had been able to see me on stage (nothing else had been appropriate and he had been too little) and it was utterly magical. Looking up into the gallery and seeing his little face beaming was so gorgeous. He came up on stage afterwards and gave me flowers and it reminded me of that wonder I felt seeing my first Christmas show when I was little…memories that never leave you.

When did you first decide you wanted to be an actor? What was your journey into professional theatre?

It was actually watching a Christmas show when I decided that I wanted to be an actress! My mum was playing Fairy Bow Bells in Dick Whittington, alongside Les Dawson at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth and it was on the last note of her song, the first time I watched it, that I decided (and I remember the moment SO clearly) that I wanted to do THAT! I was 8. The magic of a Christmas show…it’s so special for children.  I followed my heart and went to Drama School at 18 and started professionally at 21.

What does it mean to be part of a rep company?

Being part of a Rep Company is fantastic.  I have got to know these three wonderful actors in a way that you don’t when you’re doing a short job.  We are like a family.  We really enjoy working together and it feels comfortable and safe to play and explore different texts, stories and projects together. I feel very lucky.

Where abouts in Oxfordshire do you live now? What’s your favourite thing about the place?

I live on the Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire border in a little village just outside of Bicester.  My husband and I and two little boys moved here from London about 2 years ago and I adore it.  One of the best decisions we ever made.  I love Oxford and the surrounding countryside and also our proximity to London, when we need it, is very handy.

What are you playing in this summer’s show?

This Summer, in Much Ado About Nothing, I am playing Beatrice – for the first time! And I can’t wait!