Emma Connell

Emma Jane Connell was born on October 1st, 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. Further television credits include Lucky Man (2016) starring James Nesbitt and "Gemma McCormick" in the award-winning BBC series Doctors (2000). Most recently Emma has worked with two of Britain's, best-loved comedians, Peter Kay and Rob Brydon and has just finished filming her debut, leading role in the short film The Familiar Fingers of Culture (2018) which is premiering in LA this fall. Emma first encountered the art of acting aged fifteen whilst attending Hedingham Secondary School. After achieving A grades in Drama and English she continued her studies at the Sixth Form College in Drama, English Literature, Biology and Chemistry where she achieved further distinctions. In 2009 during her first year at the University of Essex whilst studying Film, Drama and Theatre, Emma was cast in her debut, leading role in a stage adaptation of Caryl Churchill's "Fen". In her final year she also directed a production of Harold Pinter's 'Party Time' at the Lakeside Theatre, Colchester. After graduating with first class honours Emma met Uri Roodner, actor and Head of Contemporary Theatre at East 15 Acting School. Uri encouraged Emma to apply to the drama school and after a successful audition she was offered a place. Emma went on to play Russian modernist poet, Anna Akhmatova in a production directed by Andrea Brooks at Battersea Arts Centre and Lady Macbeth in a performance directed by Simon Usher. After completing her training, graduating with first class honours and a successful showcase at BAFTA Emma has been working full-time as a British actor. Further theatre credits include Anne Boleyn in - Fallen in Love (2013) which was staged at The Tower of London. It was this role that landed Emma the task of playing Queen Anne for the television series later that year. Emma received critical acclaim for her performance as Anne Boleyn by the Telegraph: "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