Emereld Productions unravels An Artist’s Disguise at the Rosemary Branch Theatre
After the success of our 2025 Camden Fringe Interviews, we thought it only right to attempt a repeat for 2026. So throughout July we’ll be publishing new interviews each day to give a taste of what to expect from London’s best fringe theatre festival. The festival starts Monday 3 August this year, so we may give ourselves a couple of days off inbetween the end of the interviews and the first shows… then again, we might not.
You can find out more about Camden Fringe, along with details of every show playing this August here. You can also find all of this year’s interviews as they are published here.
What happens when the world stops looking, and your true self is forced into hiding? Behind the closed doors of the classroom, Emereld Productions is asking a haunting question for this year’s Camden Fringe: What if no one saw me?
In an era where arts education is quietly being stripped away from working-class youth, An Artist’s Disguise peels back the layers of teenage identity, hidden affection, and nostalgic school-day secrets. To pull back the curtain on this intimate WLW coming-of-age story, we sat down with writer and performer Elizabeth Brameld alongside cast members Mia Rose Emery and Abbie Horne. Step into the rehearsal room as they reveal unexpected casting twists, the bane of their set design, Smirnoff Ice nostalgia, and what it really means to bring your younger self to light on stage.
If you had to describe the vibe of your show in just one sentence, what would it be and how does it manifest on stage?
What if no one saw me?
Why is 2026 the perfect time for this show to be seen?
Because in recent years and right now, there has been a decline in students being pushed or allowed to take arts subjects in school. This show gives the audience the perspective of how that is affecting the average working-class girl.
What was the ‘eureka moment’ that made you realise this story had to be told right now?
The character came to me first, and I felt as though she was a projection of how I myself felt during my school years.
Is this version how you originally envisioned it or has it changed drastically since you first put pen to paper?
The project has been collaborative. What you see on stage has elements of the original script with the language remaining the same, but the meaning and story have developed slightly with the help of our director and devising from the cast.
What is something a performer has brought to a character that completely surprised you?
Abby’s character was originally supposed to be played by a male-presenting actor. However, during the audition process, Abby stood out significantly and her portrayal of the character connected beautifully with the script.
What was it that drew you to this show and role?
I had worked with this company before on a previous show and really enjoyed their process and how they structure rehearsals, so I was really excited when I found out they were doing another show. What drew me to the role? I suppose I’ve never really been able to play a reciprocated love interest in a serious sense. I was interested in playing that kind of role and finally being seen as someone worthy of being a love interest.
What is it about your character that you most enjoy?
I enjoy the fun I’m able to have with her. I’ve been allowed to make a lot of choices; to be silly, embarrassing, and cringe, just channelling a younger, more free version of myself.
How challenging has this role been for you?
At first, it was challenging because the character reads as quite flirty on paper, and I’m not! Even when acting, it’s a struggle. I had to find ways around that. Instead of thinking “she’s flirty,” I thought “she’s cheeky.” Changing the descriptive words on paper to something I could access was a challenge.
Being fringe and a festival, sets have to be bare minimum. How have you got around this?
Using the material we had as a collective, we created the world using set pieces we already owned. Through creative abilities, we were able to make what we were missing from scratch!
How important is audience interaction to you?
Very important! This is our second show at the Rosemary Branch Theatre, and we feel that having such an intimate space encourages the audience to get involved and see themselves within the story. It’s a big part of our methodology to help portray our values effectively (we love a pre-show!).
Are there any plans for what comes next after the show has finished its run?
Hopefully, this show will be a success, allowing us to take it further and have a run in both of our home towns. We also have two other shows in the works that will be performed in the coming years. We hope to be a theatre company that stands the test of time.
What does “success” look like for you this August, beyond just selling tickets?
Good reviews, publicity, an understanding of our core values, and the ability to spotlight the lack of dedication and funding to children’s art education.
Who would play you in the Hollywood adaptation of your future autobiography?
Mia: Saoirse Ronan
Liz: Isa Briones
If you had to describe your show as a colour, what would it be?
Pink and orange… and why becomes very clear when you see the show! 😉
If you had to describe your show as a meal, what would it be?
Pasta King. There’s something so quintessentially British secondary school about it.
If you could perform this show anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Birmingham. It sounds silly, but this is where we feel the show would connect with people the most.
If your show was a love letter to a specific person, place, or era, who would it be?
It’s a love letter to our secondary school selves.
If your show was a drink at the venue bar, what would be the ingredients?
Smirnoff Ice.
What’s the weirdest or most unconventional prop used in your show?
The giant metal frame that we have used for all of our shows… which has officially become the bane of Liz’s existence!
If budget or reality was not an issue, what’s the one piece of scenery/set you’d love to have in your show?
We would perform it as a completely immersive piece inside a real school classroom with real art on the walls.
What words of advice/encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
DO IT!!
Many thanks to Elizabeth, Mia and Abbie for their time. An Artist’s Disguise plays at Rosemary Branch Theatre on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August.
