Emma Connell

Emma Jane Connell was born 1st October, 1986, in the rural village of Kelvedon, Essex to parents John Shelley and Amanda Jane Connell. Emma is best known for her role as "Anne Boleyn" in the television series Henry and Anne: The Lovers Who Changed History (2014) "Jane" in A Royal Night Out (2015) starring Sarah Gadon, Rupert Everett and Emily Watson, and "Helen" in Late Shift (2016) Other television credits include "Gemma McCormick" in Doctors (2000) and "Anne Mylner" in Tony Robinson's Gods & Monsters: Evil Spirits (2011) for Channel 4. Emma has just finished shooting a role in Stan Lee's Lucky Man (2016) starring James Nesbitt coming Summer 2017.Emma began acting whilst attending Hedingham Secondary School aged 15, achieving A grades in Drama and English. In 2005 she continued her studies at the Sixth Form College in A-level Drama, English Literature, Biology and Chemistry where she achieved further distinctions for both Drama and Performance. She went on to study Drama and Theatre at the University of Essex, Colchester. In 2009 during her first year at University Emma was cast in her debut leading role in a production of 'Fen' by Caryl Churchill. In her final year she directed an adaptation of Harold Pinter's 'Party Time' at the Lakeside Theatre, Colchester. After graduating University with first class honours Emma met Uri Roodner, actor and Head of BA Contemporary Theatre at East 15 in Loughton who both inspired and encouraged her to audition for a place at the drama school. After a successful audition Emma was offered a place at East 15 Acting School in the Autumn 2009. Emma went on to play Russian modernist poet, Anna Akhmatova in a production directed by Andrea Brooks at Battersea Arts Centre in 2010 and Lady Macbeth in a performance directed by Simon Usher who has also staged major productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Court Theatre and the National Theatre. Since finishing her training with first class honours and a successful showcase at BAFTA in London Emma has been represented by leading actor's agency Wintersons Talent in Covent Garden.Emma's theatre credits include Anne Boleyn in - Fallen in Love (2013) which was staged at The Tower of London. It was this role as Queen Anne that landed Emma the task of playing her once more for the television series later that year. Emma received critical acclaim for her performance as Anne Boleyn by the Telegraph who reported:"Emma Connell's performance is beguilingly playful, intelligent, graceful, momentarily imperious before her downfall but above all she remains a tantalising enigma. And that's as it should be." May 19 2013.Including a star review in What's On Stage:"Emma Connell is superb as Anne, effortlessly imbuing this complex character with a naivety and ambition that are clearly at odds with each other and a sure sign that Anne's time as queen consort will not end well.""...Emma Connell is the finest actress that I have seen play Anne Boleyn." May 18 2013 Show less «