Emily Lane will join the cast of Blessings, a darkly comic and emotionally charged new play from playwright and director Sarah Shelton. The world premiere production will run at Riverside Studios from September 30 to October 26, 2025.
Emily steps into the role of Sally in this new family drama, joining the previously announced Gary Webster and Freddie Webster. Known for her work in musical theatre, including Frozen, Hello, Dolly! and Les Misérables, Emily will take a rare turn in straight theatre this autumn. Before Blessings, she will appear in the title role of Anne Boleyn: The Musical at Hever Castle, and take the stage in Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium later this year.
Set in a quiet English town during the 1960s, Blessings centres on the Deacon family—a household held together by tradition, appearances, and the occasional white lie. With Easter bringing the adult children home, tensions begin to rise as old secrets, simmering resentments and hidden truths bubble to the surface. Behind Dorie Deacon’s well-kept home, a storm is brewing.
Emily joins a cast that features television and stage veteran Gary Webster as Frank, and rising talent Freddie Webster, making his professional stage debut opposite his father. Also appearing are Jane Slavin (Call the Midwife) as Dorie, Hannah Traylen (Educating Rita) as Frances, and Milly Roberts as Penny.
Blessings was initially presented as a shorter work during last year’s Riverside Bitesize Festival, where it drew attention for its unflinching look at family dysfunction and faith. The upcoming full-length production expands on that early version, delving deeper into the lives of the Deacon family as their Easter reunion spirals into a weekend of confrontation, confession and emotional reckoning.
Artful Entertainment presents this production, featuring lighting design by Dan Terry, sound design by Andy Graham, and set and costume design by Alice Carroll. Sarah Shelton also directs, with Justin Savage producing. Casting director and general manager for the production is Denise Silvey.
With a mix of familiar names and new talent, Blessings brings together generations both on stage and off. As the Deacons navigate love, loyalty and long-held secrets, the play promises a timely and resonant look at how families fracture—and what might bring them back together.
Dates: 30 September – 26 October 2025; Evenings: Tuesday – Saturday at 7.45pm; Matinees, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday at 2.45pm
Previews: 30 September and 1 October
Press Night: Thursday 2 October
Running Time: 90 minutes approx (no interval)
Box Office: https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/blessings-177622/; phone bookings 020 8237 1010
Age Guidance: 16+
Content Warnings: none
Access information: the venue is fully wheelchair-accessible on all levels.
https://riversidestudios.co.uk/plan-your-visit/supporting-your-access-needs
Tickets are now on sale:Â https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/blessings-177622/.
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