EMILY-MAY Hyde has been performing in and around Colchester since she was young, first with KATS, then CO2 and most recently with the Mad Hatter Theatre Company.

Her last show in Colchester for a while, before she moves to London to study drama and theatre arts at Goldsmiths, will be A Matter of Life and Death, which takes place at the Headgate Theatre, Colchester, from April 13 to 16. For tickets call the box office on 01206 366000.

What or who got you interested theatre? Did you take part in any productions at school?

I started dance lessons when I was three which was my first introduction to performing but I was always a very shy child so my Mum thought it would be a good idea for me to start drama classes to help boost my confidence. I joined KATS when I was ten and instantly caught the bug. I quickly joined CO2 and got involved with all of my school productions from Fiddler on the Roof in Year 7 to playing Sarah in Our House (Year 11) and Meatloaf in We Will Rock You (Year 13).

Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in the theatre?

My mum joined COS when I was very young so I have always been used to being in and out of rehearsals, my Grandma used to be a dancer as well so I think that was the start of our family career on the stage.

Who is the most inspiring person you’ve worked with and why?

I've been lucky enough to work with so many inspiring people but my teachers at Philip Morant School and College have always been massively inspiring and I really owe them so much for helping me to get where I am today. The freedom that they always allowed us to try out new ideas and skills still makes me believe that anything is possible.

What formal training have you done?

Aside from my dancing and singing lessons, none! I'm off to Goldsmiths University in September to study Drama and Theatre Arts which will be the start of my professional career.

Do you have any specialist skills – anything from stilt walking to dress-making – which you work into your repertoire?

I'm actually trying to build on my 'special skills at the moment because I haven't really developed anything to a high level. I studied BSL at school and would love to brush up on those skills and gain few more. I do write a blog though and I would love to develop my writing skills further.

Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your career to date?

I played Sarah Brown in CO2's Guys and Dolls in 2013. Not only was it a massive confidence boost but so much fun and I got to sing some notes I wasn't even sure I could hit but I got there! Meatloaf in We Will Rock You was also fantastic as the character was so far out of my comfort zone and so different to anything I had done before. I learned so much about myself and my abilities.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I had a horrifying moment in Guys and Dolls and blanked on the words to If I Were A Bell I covered it by kissing Richard who was playing Sky for slightly longer than strictly necessary. I haven't done anything like it since though thank goodness!

Which actor (s) performer (s) do you most admire and why?

I honestly can't pick one person! I love people like Emma Rice who adapted A Matter of Life and Death because she isn't afraid to take risks and really pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved on stage. I think the best people are those who are passionate about their art and want to use it to make a change.

What role would you most like to play and why?

There are so many fantastic new plays at the moment, I would really love to be involved in helping a new work come to life for the first time. I'm very passionate about the development of strong female characters but I can never say no to a big belty musical.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

Fortunately not during a performance but it happens at most rehearsals for A Matter of Life and Death. I guess that's what you get for working with a cast that love to have fun but I know we'll all be able be fine when it comes to the performances.

Any big plans for the future?

I'm moving in with my partner in London straight after A Matter of Life and Death closes, so this is going to be my last show in Colchester for some time as I'm starting university in September. I'm really sad to be leaving the Colchester theatre scene as there are so many fantastic opportunities coming up soon but it's a really exciting time and I can't wait to start my next adventure.

Any tricks for remembering your lines or other useful tips to pass on to other actors/directors?

When in comes to lines I always find writing them down and making patterns between the lines really helps, I have a couple of particularly tricky sections in A Matter of Life and Death so I'll be putting my own advice to the test! Other than that I would just say that the most important thing is to find stories and characters you really believe in and surround yourself with people that inspire you, that way you'll never be afraid of a challenge.