Hailing from Hull and heading to Bridlington, actress Gemma Oaten will be casting a magical spell over audiences at Bridlington Spa in the enchanting pantomime tale of Beauty and the Beast this Christmas.
Instantly recognisable as Rachel Breckle from ITV’s Emmerdale, Gemma has appeared in BBC’s Casualty, Holby City and Doctors, and starred on the big screen with Jamie Bell, Julie Walters and Annette Benning in the BAFTA nominated Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool. She was recently seen on our TV screens in Coronation Street in the role of Isla Hayworth to much critical acclaim, giving poor Tyrone a run for his money!
Gemma has toured the country starring in productions of Up n Under, Bedroom Farce and Alan Ayckbourn’s Ten Times Table with Bill Kenwright Productions, and returned to her hometown and the renown Hull Truck Theatre last year in the role of Shelley in the world premiere of Ladies Unleashed by playwright Amanda Whittington.
A champion for raising awareness for mental health, eating disorders and bullying, Gemma is the CEO of her family’s charity, SEED Eating Disorder Support Services, making regular appearances on TV, in addition to working in the community, NHS and with corporate businesses on confidence building, public speaking, team-building, resilience and facing adversity. She is an ambassador for Anti Bullying Pro and works tirelessly as an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK.
Mark Lonsdale, General Manager, Bridlington Spa said “As a local actor we’re delighted that Gemma will be spending Christmas in East Yorkshire, she is instantly recognisable by people from the region, and will bring a touch of Yorkshire humour to the show!
“As well as freezing ticket prices this year, we’re excited to offer customers our panto payment plan. Piloted for the first time last year, we recognise that the cost of living crisis can put a strain on families and by allowing them to spread the cost in this innovative way to pay for theatre tickets, it allows them to still enjoy the magic of panto and get into the festive spirit.”
Gemma has recently co-hosted the Breakfast Show on Viking FM, she will be on stage in Beauty and the Beast at Bridlington Spa from 13 December to 2 January 2024 playing the role of the misguided witch Mauvaise. Cheerfully, the production promises a happy ever after ending as the bullying witch meets her retribution in true pantomime style!
