New Shows, Old Shows, Casting & Cuppas
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Hello,
How’s everyone doing? That’s been a question on my mind lately.
Fancy a Cuppa?
I organised a cuppa morning for arts and media professionals in Manchester. We had a great turn out and people said to me later, the event was “welcoming”, “warm” and “inspired”. Building connection in these isolated times is something I get a lot from and I hope it helps others too.
Baby Girl – The Musical
I’ve been developing the musical theatre adaptation of my award-winning young adult novel, Baby Girl – about teen parent, Missie, and her fight to survive and thrive, by writing songs to her daughter’s nursery rhymes playlist. During a one-week workshop, we developed staging, book and lyrics and songs. I’m now raising funds and building partnerships, to move the show towards touring in 2027-8. Contact me for more info.
Casting – Musical Theatre Performer
I’m casting an actor to play Missie during the next stage of Baby Girl’s development.
Opera
I’ve been spending time at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on a Director Observership. I observed rehearsals, in the studio and on the stage, for Ariodante, Turandot and Rigoletto. This follows my work as Guest Artistic Director of Leeds Opera Festival, Creator and Director of Opera Rave feat. Carmen, Librettist of Leeds Opera Story and Producer/Director of factual video content about opera careers, for BYO Hub.
Fish, Chips & Beats
If I said “Chip Shop: The Musical” to you, would you know what I’m talking about? It’s my grime and brass, site-specific show that is performed in fish & chip restaurants, last out on the road in 2016 and including a chippy tea. I am currently in talks with two exciting locations to restage the show. The show had a sold-out tour – and huge audience reaction – last time around. Watch this space for more updates…
Recruiting – MD/Arranger and Sound Designer
I’m also on the lookout for both a musical director/arranger and a sound designer to get involved with Baby Girl, as the show’s music and sound world develops. Baby Girl is electronic beats focused, with plenty of bass and the melodies of nursery rhymes – beats produced by Owly Beats. Please contact me here to arrange a conversation, if you’d like to know more.
Artist/Producer Workshop
I’ve had a few queries about the Artist/Producer workshop I ran last year. If you’re keen to learn about making your own work happen – from the practicalities, through to the ethics and resources of making your own work, contact me here to register your interest and let me know where you are based.
Website Refresh
I’ve given my website a little refresh, using the data from how people behave on my site, to streamline things and get to the heart of where my work is now. It’s been a challenge to strip all the things back from my three-decade career, but ultimately deeply clarifying. Onwards.
Thank You
Arts Council England, the Jette Parker Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House and The Space Bursary Programme 2026 have all supported my work and development over the last several months.
Get in Touch
If there’s anything here that sparks your interest, or if you want to discuss a collab or project, reach out here.
Thanks so much for reading and all the best,
Emma
Emma Hill
emmahillwrites.com
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