This summer, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre was home to not one, but three Emil Dale Academy graduates, featured across two of London’s most talked-about musical productions: Shucked and Brigadoon.
The season kicked off with the UK premiere of Shucked, a Broadway hit that brought its blend of heart, humour and country-pop flair to the capital. Emil Dale Sixth Form alumni Georgina Onuorah led the cast as Lulu, while BA (Hons) graduate Taila Halford performed in the ensemble and covered the role of Maizy.
Later in the season, Georgina returned to the same venue to take on the role of Fiona MacLaren in Brigadoon, a major new adaptation of the Lerner and Loewe classic. Her performance was joined by that of fellow BA graduate Jessica Odeleye, who covered multiple tracks in the production as a swing. With direction and choreography by Drew McOnie and a new adaptation by Rona Munro, Brigadoon brought Highland magic to the London stage in its first revival in over 35 years.
To see three Emil Dale graduates featured across both productions in a single summer season speaks volumes about their talent, versatility, and readiness to step onto the professional stage. Their performances brought excellence and energy to one of the UK’s most celebrated outdoor venues - a reminder of the impact emerging talent can have when given the spotlight.
