Emma Kingston | |
|---|---|
| Born | Emma Esther Kingston (1991-02-19)19 February 1991 (age 34) Watford, England |
| Alma mater | Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts |
| Years active | 2013–present |
Emma Esther Kingston (born 19 February 1991)[1] is a British stage actress. She is best known for playing Vanessa in the original London cast ofIn the Heights, Eva Perón on the international tour ofEvita and Elphaba inWicked.
Kingston was born atWatford General Hospital to an Argentine mother and aLiverpudlian father, both Jewish. Her maternal grandparents are Argentine and Welsh, with more distant Italian and Turkish roots, while her paternal ancestors had fled to England from Eastern Europe.[2]
Kingston attendedImmanuel College. She studied acting atMountview Academy of Theatre Arts.[3]
In 2014 Kingston starred as Vanessa in the original London production ofIn the Heights, withDavid Bedella as Kevin, Josie Benson as Camilla, Damian Buhagiar as Sonny,Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Daniela, Sam Mackay as Usnavi,Christina Modestou as Nina,Sarah Naudi as Carla,Eve Polycarpou as Abuela and Wayne Robinson as Benny.[4] The show was directed by Luke Sheppard and choreographed by Drew McOnie, transferred to theKing's Cross Theatre, after a successful run and closed in 2016.[5]
Kingston was due to play the role of Luisa in theHope Mill Theatre revival ofZorro the Musical in March 2020.[6] The show closed after only two previews due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but transferred to London'sCharing Cross Theatre in March–May 2022.[7][8]
In September 2020 Kingston played alongside Waylon Jacobs inThe Last Five Years at theMinack Theatre inCornwall.[9]
Kingston was Heather Chandler in the cast ofHeathers: The Musical from November 2021 to February 2022, when the show returned toThe Other Palace for a limited final run, with Ailsa Davidson as Veronica and Freddie King as J.D.[10]
In 2022 Kingston played the titular role in an online only revival ofBKLYN - The musical, withJamie Muscato playing Taylor andMarisha Wallace in the role of Paradice.[11][12]
She joined the cast of the European premiere ofThe Band's Visit, performing at theDonmar Warehouse from September to December 2022. She played the role of Sammy's Wife and main character Dina at certain performances.[13]
Kingston then joined aWest End star studded cast inSchwartz at 75, two performance concert in celebration of the famous composer, held in September 2023 at theLyric Theatre. Also in the castKerry Ellis,Louise Dearman,Rachel Tucker,Rob Houchen,Jamie Muscato, Sharon Rose,Hiba Elchikhe and Carl Spencer.[14][15]
In June 2024 Kingston made her debut in New York at54 Below with her solo show "My Love Letter to New York". Special guests in the show wereRob Houchen andCourtney Reed.[16][17][18]
In January 2025, it was announced that Kingston would playElphaba in the West End production ofWicked from March 2025, alongsideZizi Strallen as Galinda/Glinda.[19]
| Year | Title | Role | Theatre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Priscilla Queen of the Desert | Diva | UK tour |
| 2014 | In the Heights | Vanessa | Southwark Playhouse |
| 2015 | Les Misérables | Ensemble/ u.s. Eponine | Queen's Theatre |
| 2017 | Fiddler on the Roof | Hodel | Chichester Festival Theatre |
| 2017-2018 | Evita | Eva Perón | International Tour |
| 2020 | Zorro The Musical | Luisa | Hope Mill Theatre |
| 2020 | The Last Five Years | Cathy | Minack Theatre |
| 2021-2022 | Heathers: The Musical | Heather Chandler | The Other Palace |
| 2022 | The Band's Visit | Sammy's Wife/ Dina at certain performances | Donmar Warehouse |
| 2025 | Wicked | Elphaba | Apollo Victoria Theatre |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Been So Long | BV Trio | |
| 2021 | BKLYN the musical | Actor |