Emily Carding is an actor, theatre-maker, writer and artist. They are best known for their award-winning interactive solo Shakespeare shows, as well as the role of Dara 2026’s Return to Silent Hill. Their award winning work immersive experiences such as The Key of Dreams and, of course, Bridge Command, where they play the dour and disciplined Captain Athena Hamilton. We caught up with them to find out more.
How did you end up working for Bridge Command?
Owen Kingston (artistic director of Parabolic Theatre) is very careful about who he hires and thankfully I was recommended to him by a couple of people on the immersive scene whose opinion he trusts. As a lifelong fan of Star Trek and sci-fi in general as well as specialising in responsive immersive work, it’s a dream!
And how would you pitch it to someone who can quote Wrath of Khan?
Live your dreams of being part of a real starship crew and be the hero of your own adventure. We don’t believe in the no-win scenario- at Bridge Command we know you’ll succeed.
What is the trickiest part of your job?
One of the extraordinary things about the company is how every aspect is run by the actors, including the bar, admin, video editing…everything! I can find working in the mess pretty stressful when it’s loud and busy but we all muck in and get the job done and remember how lucky we are to essentially play pretend in space for a living.
Why science fiction?
Genres like science fiction allow us to view humanity through an alternate lens and look at real issues in a revelatory and insightful way as a result. The possibilities of immersive adventures in this environment are not just escapist but allow us to explore facets of ourselves that the everyday may not allow for or support.
How does it compare to other, similar shows?
Tricky to say what’s out there that is similar, but in terms of other immersive shows it’s incredibly responsive and remembers your progress. For example, you can be promoted and that’s the rank you’ll be when you come back. There are now around 25 different missions running and we always do our best to make sure you won’t do the same mission twice. For our most committed regulars who have been even more times than that, we do our best to put unique spins and twists in when we can. Outside of the missions there is a constant, unfolding and developing world in which your actions have consequences, and ongoing relations between our characters in that world that you become part of. It’s truly unique in that sense.
Is this the future of entertainment?
I think people are hungry for something that feels real in a world that is too often virtual and detached, yes. Video games are obviously incredibly popular as they give you agency and put you at the centre of the action. At Bridge Command you really get to live that experience and interact with the world in a physical way which is beyond anything virtual reality can achieve, along with an incredible community-building social experience.
How similar is this to other projects you’ve worked on?
It’s very unlike anything else, but in terms of immersion, responsivity and audience agency it has some crossover with Key of Dreams, the 24 hour luxury Lovecraftian experience by Lemon Difficult which is my other main gig. It’s a very, very different show for many reasons but the personal interactions and consequences are special in both. You never know what extra magic or challenges audience members will bring and it’s a privilege to co-create their experience with them in this way.
What is your favourite moment in the show?
Every show is different, but the moment when you can create real magic and wonder for someone- that’s my favourite.
What’s next?
More Bridge Command, more Key of Dreams, and I have a small role in the new Silent Hill movie, Return to Silent Hill, which is out in January. In the new year I’ll look into touring possibilities for my new solo show with Brite Theater, Timonopoly, which had a great run at Edinburgh fringe this summer (2025).
Doctor Who or Doctor No?
Always the mad individual in the blue box.
Death Stars or Dragon?
Why not both? Imagine riding a dragon down the trenches of the Death Star!
Truth or Beauty?
Is there in Truth no Beauty?
Bridge Command can be found at Vauxhall in London, England. Book now to avoid disappointment.
