Emily Carding is a highly experienced actor, theatre-maker and writer, specializing in Shakespeare, responsive immersive theatre, and the horror genre. They hold a BA (hons) in Theatre Arts from Bretton Hall and an MFA in Staging Shakespeare from the University of Exeter. They have won multiple awards internationally for their innovative interactive approach to Shakespearean performance with Brite Theater, including Richard III (a one person show) and Hamlet (an experience). Both adaptations use the audience as characters within the play and create a truly immersive experience with very little other than actor, text, space and audience. A third solo interactive Shakespeare adaptation including gaming elements, Timon(opoly), is currently being developed for performances in 2025.
This focus on the intimate connection between actor and audience has led to further immersive and interactive work, with Emily playing lead roles in both The Locksmith’s Dream and The Key of Dreams which have both received great praise from critics, (including The Guardian and The Express) and guests, including actor Neil Patrick Harris.
Emily is also an accomplished screen actor, and played opposite Martin Freeman in the British horror movie hit, Ghost Stories. They will appear in a supporting role in the forthcoming Return to Silent Hill which is due in cinemas in 2025.
In 2018 Emily was commissioned by London Science Museum to create a solo theatre piece inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Quintessence imagines a future where humanity has become extinct and must be recreated by an AI, using Shakespeare as a guide to the human spirit. This won the outstanding theatre award at Brighton Fringe in 2019 and Emily recently performed the show at WorldCon in Glasgow in a 2000 seater venue.
Emily is also the creator of a number of highly popular Tarot decks including The Transparent Tarot, The Transparent Oracle and Tarot of the Sidhe, (all published by Schiffer Books) and author of esoteric works, including Faery Craft,(Llewellyn 2012), So Potent Art: The Magic of Shakespeare (Llewellyn 2021) and Seeking Faery (Llewellyn 2022)
Latest News
Return To Silent Hill
Emily recently finished filming an exciting supporting role in the latest movie instalment of popular horror franchise Silent Hill. Return to Silent Hill was directed by Christophe Gans and is based on the video game Silent Hill 2, with an expected release in late 2024.
Locksmith's Dream
“The Locksmith’s Dream is, above all else, the most thoroughly immersive event I’ve ever attended … there really is nothing else like this.”
Locksmith's Dream, featuring Emily as the Curator, is taking bookings for this Autumn and Winter HERE
Quintessence at WorldCon 24
Emily Carding's solo show Quintessence, orginally commisioned by London Science Museum and now available for touring and festivals, will next be performed at Worldcon in Glasgow on August 10th. Emily will also be appearing on some discussion panels related to immersive theatre.
The Key of Dreams
A new Lovecraftian immersive mystery event from the makers of Locksmith's Dream premiered in May 2024, featuring all new characters and secrets to uncover. Emily plays Dee, an occultist with a dark past. More dates in September, October and December...For a 24 hour immersive experience unlike anything else, book your place HERE
Richard III (a one person show)
Buxton Fringe
Emily won best female actor at Buxton Fringe in July for their performance in Richard III (a one person show), which was also nominated for best production. For the complete list of awards, winners and nominees, visit HERE
Richard III
Verona Shakespeare Fringe
Richard III (a one person show) has been accepted into this year's Verona Shakespeare Fringe! One performance only on August 28th. More details HERE
Workshops and Lectures
Emily has run workshops and given talks on many subjects internationally, including Shakespeare, Tarot, Mythology, Alternative Spirituality and Folklore. They are experienced in both online and in person speaking and have worked with all ages and knowledge levels.
To book Emily for your event or workshop, please email using the button below:
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