Currently, Emma Crossley is playing Jill Pickle in Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, working with Joe Sleight as Jack Trott, Nigel Harman as Fleshcreep, Andy Collins as Silly Simon and Leon Craig as Dame Trott, and the pantomime is open until Sunday 4th January 2026. Emma was in the original cast of world premiere of Military Wives – The Musical at York Theatre Royal, in which she played Bex, with her previous roles including Mary Delgado in the Jersey Boys tour, and covering Meat in We Will Rock You. A further production for Emma is the West End musical MAMMA MIA!, having covered the role of Sophie Sheridan before taking on the role full time the following year, and whilst in the show, she closed the Olivier Awards with Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA. We spoke to Emma about playing Jill Pickle in Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, originating the role of Bex in the world premiere of Military Wives – The Musical and her time as Sophie Sheridan in MAMMA MIA!.

You can be seen as Jill Pickle in Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Sunday 4th January, what are you looking forward to for taking on the role in Aylesbury (having played the character last year at the Sunderland Empire) and what is Jill like to play?

The character of Jill is great, she’s not your typical Princess, which makes it so much more fun! I’ve played the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre before and it’s such a gorgeous theatre and I also get to do it all with my good pal Leon Craig this year, which is even more fantastic!

What is it like interacting with the audience throughout a pantomime?

Pantomime audiences are not like your regular audience! They are much more vocal, which is amazing and can also lead to some rather hilarious moments where you certainly have to think fast!

What are pantomimes like to rehearse for and how different do you find these shows to full musical productions?

Pantomime rehearsals are a lot quicker than a musical production, you usually have around two weeks to rehearse, tech and open, which can feel crazy at times but that’s the beauty of it.

Why would you recommend booking tickets to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas?

Everyone should come on down to the Aylesbury Waterside… we’re going to have the most magical festive and funny time! What more do you need at Christmas!

How was your time originating the role of Bex in the recent world premiere of Military Wives – The Musical at York Theatre Royal?

Military Wives was such a special show and a really important story. I didn’t know much about how these wonderful women live and how strong they all are, and to meet them all was a real gift. It was an honour and a privilege to bring Bex to life and getting to work with the genius of Debbie Isitt and George Dyer again was magical.

What was it like touring with Jersey Boys as Mary Delgado?

Jersey Boys is a fantastic show and I loved every minute. It was always a dream so getting to tick that off was amazing. Mary Delgado is a force and, again, another strong woman with her own struggles, a really great role. You also get the iconic 12-second (I think) quick change including wig change! I do love touring, you get to see so many places and your cast really do become your family, I’ve met so many of my best friends through shows.

How did you find the experience taking over the role of Sophie Sheridan in the West End production of MAMMA MIA!, having covered the role the previous year?

MAMMA MIA! was a real highlight, moving from first cover to taking over the role was such an unbelievable moment and I will never forget the phone call from my agent. Getting to close the Olivier Awards singing with Benny (Andersson) and Björn (Ulvaeus) will also be the most insane thing I’ve ever done. That day was also so special as it was the day my first nephew was born… our parents were overloaded with joy that day! Singing ABBA will never get old and that will bring a smile to you however you’re feeling.

What are some of your favourite memories from touring with We Will Rock You, and how was it performing as cover Meat?

We Will Rock You was a real dream for me. My Dad loves Queen, we were brought up on it, and getting to introduce him to Brian May was a real highlight! Such iconic music and it was my first big job and I loved every minute of it. Playing Meat Loaf was a ball, the costume alone is sensational, your first entrance is via a trap door under the stage, which could be tricky negotiating with the boots, a backpack, a corset and a wig, but what a role.

How did you originally get into performing and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?

I stated ballet when I was three… I say ballet, it was probably more running around and trying to skip! But it’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do and I feel very lucky I get to do it.

Do you have any favourite theatre shows to watch and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?

I NEED to see Operation Mincemeat, I’ve heard such amazing things and one of my best pals Chloe (Hart) plays the role of Bevan, so that’s on my list!

How do you like to spend your free time?

Free time at the minute is decorating! Me and my partner just bought our first home 😊 It needs a bit of love so any free time currently is spent on that. We can’t wait to get it all done.

What are you hoping 2026 brings for you?

2026 can just keep bringing the happy. Oh and that the boiler doesn’t break… again!

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