Emily Lane Joins Cast of New Drama at Riverside Studios


Family tensions erupt in Sarah Shelton’s 1960s drama


Picture: Emily Lane

July 28, 2025

Actor Emily Lane has been confirmed to join the cast of Blessings, a new stage play making its world premiere at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. The production runs from 30 September to 26 October.

She will appear alongside Gary Webster and Freddie Webster in the dramatic work written and directed by Sarah Shelton. She takes on the role of Sally, joining a cast that also includes Jane Slavin, Hannah Traylen, and Milly Roberts. Her previous credits range from Les Miserables and Frozen to Anne Boleyn: The Musical. The play marks Freddie Webster’s professional stage debut, appearing opposite his father, Gary Webster who played Arthur Daley’s nephew in Minder.

Set in a 1960s English town, Blessings explores the tensions within a Catholic family confronting secrets and change. The story centres on Dorie Deacon’s efforts to maintain tradition while her household’s fragile unity begins to unravel. Themes of faith, control and hidden truths are examined as the characters confront personal and familial conflicts.

The play was previously presented in a shortened format at the 2024 Riverside Bitesize Festival and returns in full for its debut production.

Creative contributors to Blessings include lighting designer Dan Terry, sound designer Andy Graham, and set and costume designer Alice Carroll. The producer is Justin Savage, with casting overseen by Denise Silvey.

Performances will take place at Riverside Studios’ Studio 3 on Queen Caroline Street. Evening shows run Tuesday to Saturday at 7.45pm, with matinees on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2.45pm. The play runs approximately 90 minutes without an interval.

Further details and ticket bookings are available via Riverside Studios’ website.

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