About Me
I am a black British creative originally from the Midlands with a background in music and dance. I trained in acting at Drama Studio London and musical theatre at Associated studios. My dance background consists of ballet, tap and jazz. Musically I play guitar, violin and ukulele which I have used in my performing over the years. I also have a background in choral singing and trained with The National Youth Choir of Great Britain singing at some of the most beautiful venues in England as well as internationally. In recent years I have had the opportunity to direct for theatre and create my own work consisting of poetry, film and music. It has been wonderful to use my skills in movement and music within my storytelling. I am passionate about telling stories within stage, screen and audiobooks that entertain, inspire and bring hope to audiences.
Recent credits include:
Gaze, The Wizard of Oz, The Jungle Book, Return of The Soldier, Zelda: A Postmodern Musical, The Crucible, A Little Night Music, Sky 1 TV’s ‘Sing: Ultimate A Cappella’ and audiobook narrator of the young adult novels Stranded' by Sarah Goodwin and ‘Arctic Zoo’ by Robert Muchamore.
Credits
A selection of my credits. To see the full list please check out my Spotlight CV through the link:
Hero/ Verges in Much Ado About Nothing
September - October 2020
An online rehearsed reading & live streamed performance of an adaptation of the Shakespeare comedy classic with 1623 Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Ensemble/ Pupeteer in The Wizard of Oz
November 2019 - January 2020
Leeds Playhouse, Dir James Brining
Bagheera (Panther) in The Jungle Book
April 2019
Derby Theatre, Dir Sarah Brigham.
An actor musician production with intergrated BSL.
Jenny Baldry in Return of The Soldier
September 2018 - October 2018
Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester and New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich.
Dir Charlotte Westernra.
A beautiful five hander British period chamber musical set in World War 1 and adapted from Rebecca West’s novel.
Mrs Segstrom in A Little Night Music
May 2018 - July 2018
Storyhouse Theatre in Chester.
Dir Alex Clifton.
Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical.
Mercy Lewis in The Crucible
June 2018 - July 2018
Storyhouse Theatre in Chester.
Dir Geraldine Alexander.
Arthur Miller’s iconic play about the Salem witch trials.
Zelda: A Post Modern Musical
August 2018
The Other Palace, London
Dir Jessica Williams & Written by Vicky Gimby
A workshop musical based around the story of Zelda Fitzgerald using a Jazz juke box score of reworked contemporary songs to fit the era.
Tinkerbell/ Violinist in Peter Pan
December 2017 - January 2018
Derby Theatre
Dir Sarah Brigham
An actor musician production of the classic tale adapted and written by Mike Kenny.
Vocalist for Gospel Essence in Sky 1 TV Show Sing: Ultimate A Cappella
July 2017
Produced by Fizz TV for Sky TV
Sky 1 competition show hosted by Cat Deeley, filmed at ‘The Troxy’ featuring performances from celebrity guests.
Angela/ Ensemble in Parade (Musical)
September 2017
Frogmore Paper Mill, Hemel Hempstead
Dir Dan Cowtan for Vivo D’ Arte
Jason Robert Brown’s musical, telling the true story of the harrowing case of Mary Phagan and the trial surrounding her murder in a pencil factory based in Georgia, Atlanta in 1913. This production was set in the worlds oldest mechanised paper mill as a site specific immersive promenade production.
News and Reviews
The Jungle Book
Derby Theatre
Role: Bagheera
April 2019
“Esme Sears is a very sleek and often wise Bagheera.” The Stage ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Esme Sears impresses as Bagheera and gets to display her undoubted vocal talents.” British Theatre Guide.
“Bagheera, deliciously played by Esme Sears.”
East Midlands Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Esme Sears was exquisite as Bagheera and her rapport with Mowgli was enchanting.” Arts Beat Blog.
Return of The Soldier (Musical)
Location: The Hope Mill Theatre Manchester & Ipswich New Wolsey Theatre.
Role: Jenny
Sep - Oct 2018
“Esme Sears is a poised and dignified presence throughout as Jenny Baldry.”
Musical Theatre Review.
“Esme Sears shines in the role of Christopher’s dedicated cousin Jenny.”
”Sears’ portrayal is delicate and gently determined, delivered with striking style.”
“Esme imbues the part with great dignity and inner strength.”
“Esme Sears is wonderful to watch....”
Esme brings warmth and a touching gentleness to the role.”
”Sears’ remarkably expressive manner draws sympathy from the audience.”
Cinderella
Derby Theatre
Role: Cinderella
Dec 2015 - Jan 2016
“Esme Sears is a thoughtful and tender Cinderella. She has a voice that can soar to reach operatic quality.”
The Stage ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Esme Sears charms as Cinderella and has a singing voice and personality that pulls on the heart strings.” East Midlands Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Esme Sears gives a thrilling interpretation of the role. She has an impressive voice.” British Theatre Guide.
Portfolio
Esme Sears: Liminal Reflections (Short Experimental Film)
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Contact
Get in touch with me directly by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.
Or for performance enquiries please contact my agency via the details below.
JBR Creative Management
Email: info@jbragent.com
Tel: 020 8933 4531
Website: https://jbragent.com/clients/
