Jemma’s Biog
Since making her professional debut at the tender age of seven, playing Victoria Larkin in ‘The Darling Buds of May’, Jemma has appeared in a wide variety of productions including; Judy in ‘Babes in the Wood’, ‘The Life and Crimes of William Palmer’ for Yorkshire Television, Punk in a video production of ‘The Dracula Show’, a grand total of ten professional pantomimes, a soloist in ‘The Life Of Riley’ at the Covent Garden Theatre Museum, and Monday in ‘Thursday’s Child’ at Sadler’s Wells, London. Jemma also played Annie at the Theatre Royal, Lincoln in 2001, and for the UK National Tour of ‘Annie’ in 2002, as well as doing a showcase for the production in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Additionally, in 2003 she was critically acclaimed for her portrayal of Alice in a new version of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’. In the 2003/04 Panto season Jemma played the role of Wendy in ‘Peter Pan’ at the New Theatre in Hull alongside Gareth Hunt and Vicki Michelle, which again was a notable critical success for her. She was then asked to reprise the role of Wendy later in the year for a production of ‘Peter Pan - The Musical’, once more travelling to Kuala Lumpur with the show.
Since making her professional debut at the tender age of seven, playing Victoria Larkin in ‘The Darling Buds of May’, Jemma has appeared in a wide variety of productions including; Judy in ‘Babes in the Wood’, ‘The Life and Crimes of William Palmer’ for Yorkshire Television, Punk in a video production of ‘The Dracula Show’, a grand total of ten professional pantomimes, a soloist in ‘The Life Of Riley’ at the Covent Garden Theatre Museum, and Monday in ‘Thursday’s Child’ at Sadler’s Wells, London. Jemma also played Annie at the Theatre Royal, Lincoln in 2001, and for the UK National Tour of ‘Annie’ in 2002, as well as doing a showcase for the production in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Additionally, in 2003 she was critically acclaimed for her portrayal of Alice in a new version of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’. In the 2003/04 Panto season Jemma played the role of Wendy in ‘Peter Pan’ at the New Theatre in Hull alongside Gareth Hunt and Vicki Michelle, which again was a notable critical success for her. She was then asked to reprise the role of Wendy later in the year for a production of ‘Peter Pan - The Musical’, once more travelling to Kuala Lumpur with the show.
A native of Lincoln, Jemma trained at Redroofs (London) Theatre School and has recently gained a post grad diploma in film and screen acting; studied singing with Greg Snape and dance at The Janet Ashton School/Urdang Academy.
During the past year Jemma’s time has been taken up with her position as Principal Singer for ‘Encore – A Tribute to the Musicals’ as well as undertaking a number of successful photographic modelling assignments and several short films. In the summer she starred in the film ‘Adventures in Technicolor’ as ‘Archie’, and appeared as Cinderella at the Embassy Theatre, Skegness for Barry Stead and Richard Cadell of Duo Entertainment. She has also recently been Principal Singer in a unique theatrical event staged for the grand launch of the ‘Deltar’ – a new musical instrument, and filmed an episode for ‘Poirot’, (ITV).
In 2007-08 Jemma played the part of ‘Alice Fitzwarren’ in Middleton, Manchester, for Mark Andrews Productions in panto, and this year she has been cast in the leading role of ‘Cosima’ in the new musical ‘Adore’. After completing a lengthy series of readings, recordings, workshops and promo video shoots, this show is due to open in the first part of 2010. You can see her singing ‘Spiders in the Park’ and ‘Home Again’ from Adore at www.youtube.com/adorethemusical
Jemma will be playing Principal Girl ‘Alice’ for David Lee of Pantoni Pantomimes in the forthcoming Christmas production of ‘Dick Whittington’ at The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, alongside Andy Scott Lee as Dick Whittington.
Away from live performance Jemma is a featured soloist on the Thursday’s Child Songbook CD released by UNICEF (The United Nations Children’s Fund), together with working as a session singer for a range of pop and theatre recording projects.
To keep up with all the latest developments in Jemma’s career be sure to check out her news page.
To keep up with all the latest developments in Jemma’s career be sure to check out her news page.
What The Critics Say About Jemma...
"Jemma Carlisle as Annie steals the show. All credit to her because it takes some stealing and her success is a tribute to her talents which include singing, dancing, and acting her heart out." The Stage
"The amazing vocals of Jemma Carlisle brought the role of Annie to life" Derry Journal
"Young Jemma Carlisle with her powerful voice has the demanding role of Annie, she seems so relaxed and at ease in the part, as if born to it" Gloucestershire Echo
"Jemma Carlisle brings a great naturalness and charm to Annie in a role that could otherwise be unbearably saccharine" Coventry Echo
"Jemma Carlisle’s belter of a voice and simple charm, nicely measured, makes her an appealing heroine. She is extremely able in acting singing and dancing"
Southsea Times
"15 year old Jemma Carlisle as Alice was able to command the attention of the audience as well as being genuinely funny and gifted with a great voice. If any young performer in the Country deserves to make it to superstar status, I have a feeling that it might just be her" Gainsborough Standard
"But one cast member has a very nice voice indeed. Young actress Jemma Carlisle sings beautifully and makes a very charming and winsome Wendy" Yorkshire Post
"Jemma Carlisle is a very talented singer and actress who is excellent in the role of Wendy and is surely destined for a bright future" Hull Daily Mail
"Jemma Carlisle as Annie steals the show. All credit to her because it takes some stealing and her success is a tribute to her talents which include singing, dancing, and acting her heart out." The Stage
"The amazing vocals of Jemma Carlisle brought the role of Annie to life" Derry Journal
"Young Jemma Carlisle with her powerful voice has the demanding role of Annie, she seems so relaxed and at ease in the part, as if born to it" Gloucestershire Echo
"Jemma Carlisle brings a great naturalness and charm to Annie in a role that could otherwise be unbearably saccharine" Coventry Echo
"Jemma Carlisle’s belter of a voice and simple charm, nicely measured, makes her an appealing heroine. She is extremely able in acting singing and dancing"
Southsea Times
"15 year old Jemma Carlisle as Alice was able to command the attention of the audience as well as being genuinely funny and gifted with a great voice. If any young performer in the Country deserves to make it to superstar status, I have a feeling that it might just be her" Gainsborough Standard
"But one cast member has a very nice voice indeed. Young actress Jemma Carlisle sings beautifully and makes a very charming and winsome Wendy" Yorkshire Post
"Jemma Carlisle is a very talented singer and actress who is excellent in the role of Wendy and is surely destined for a bright future" Hull Daily Mail
