THERE are few theatre roles more iconic than Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton but Staincross star Emily-Mae Walker has taken it on with both hands and showing off her skills on the West End.
Now 28, it’s been seven years since Emily-Mae picked up her first role in the theatre world as one of the three Dynamites in the national tour of Hairspray.
And it’s been a rollercoaster since then - touring the country and making it to the promised land of the West End in numerous roles.
But it all started in Barnsley.
She told the Chronicle: “I’ve been dancing, singing and acting since I was three years old.
“I wanted to do everything that my big sister was doing.
“I started at Pickering School of Dance and then went to Wendy Charles’ School of Dance.
“It was a hobby at first and I think my parents thought it was a good way to get rid of some energy.”
She then went on to Wakefield’s CAPA college and then at the Arts Educational School London.
And that’s when she realised her hobby could perhaps become a full-time job.
She added: “I didn’t really think that this would be something you’d be able to do for a living.
“It was just a dream for me.
“I auditioned for a number of schools down in London and I moved down there which was terrifying.”
Emily picked up her first role in the industry with the national tour of Hairspray - a surreal moment for the Staincross star.
She said: “It was 2017 when I got my first role with Hairspray.
“We were travelling up and down the country.
“It was like I’d won the lottery.
“And from there it just kept going and going.”
Since then her other credits include Ronette in Little Shop of Horrors, Bulda in Frozen and Nikki Marron in The Bodyguard.
She’s performed with some of the biggest stars in the industry - Layton Williams, Vanessa Williams and Samantha Barks.
And her first performance in the West End was in the City of Angels - but it didn’t take long for Covid to cause some disruption.
“I only managed to do eight shows before Covid hit,” she said.
“I didn’t work any theatre shows for about two years.
“I ended up doing some work in a Barnsley factory before I went back to performing.”
And she’s now taken up the role as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton - perhaps the most well-known theatre show of all time.
Emily admits there’s a lot of pressure but it’s something that she’s revelling in.
“We’re doing eight shows a week,” she said.
“It feels like I have a lot of responsibility.
“Everyone knows and loves the show.
“The audience probably knew the show more than I did so there was no room for any mistakes.
“I’m doing it until next June and I just absolutely love it.”
Barnsley has produced a number of West End stars over the years - from Danielle Steers to Penistone man Steven Houghton.
And Danielle says anything is possible if you’re willing to put the work in.
“It’s a really tough industry,” she said.
“You face a lot of rejection and you ask yourself if you’re good enough.
“But it’s so amazing when you’re in work.
“It’s lovely to hear a Northern accent when you’re down here.
“It is possible to make it but you’ve just got to put in a lot of hard work.
“You’ve just got to keep at it.”
Emily will be taking part in an ‘In Conversation’ event as part of the Art Abart Tarn Festival this Sunday at Barnsley Civic.
Tickets can be found online.
