Emil Dale - Official Website

1984

Born

United Kingdom

Born to an Arab mother, Lika Dale, and an English father, Patrick Dale. His mum was the strongest and most resilient person he ever knew.

1987

Loss

United Kingdom

Patrick, Emil's father, tragically dies in a car accident. With very little family, Lika found herself bringing up Emil alone with no income and small child.

1988

Homeless

Arlesey

Unable to keep up with the rent they were eventually placed in a half-way temporary accommodation in Arlesey. No inside toilette or bathroom. Emil's mum tried to find work but struggled as she was a foreigner with qualifications from different countries.

1992

Move to Biggleswade, Bedfordshire

Biggleswade, Bedfordshire

Emil and Lika were placed in a council house. This was a lifeline for Emil's mother as they had a place they could call home.

1999

Fantasia

Church Hall

Emil's first self-written show in a church hall with help from Mum and friends. Proof you can make something from nothing.

2001

Fluid Theatre Company (age 17)

United Kingdom

Emil's first theatre company was launched. Early original work (The Habit That Kicks You). Step from hobby to habit.

2003

Receptionist at Toni & Guy

United Kingdom

Emil worked on and off here for six years before, during, and after drama school. Learned about brand, service, retention, processes, systems and people.

2004

National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT)

National Theatre, London

Emil performed at the National Theatre with NYMT.

2004–2007

Arts Ed London (BA Musical Theatre, scholarship)

Arts Educational School, London

Here Emil learnt everything about discipline, hard work and the industry. People who raise the bar become lifelong collaborators.

2009

Launches Emil Dale School of Performing Arts in Hitchin (Part-Time)

Hitchin

Launch of Emil Dale School of Performing Arts with £60 worth of flyers. He did not know it at the time, but this was the start of everything we see today. Starting with 22 students, in one primary-school hall in Hitchin.

2011

Opens small office in Pixmore Avenue, Letchworth

Pixmore Avenue, Letchworth

Emil opened the first office as the part-time school grew.

2012

DHA Agency (Dale Hammond Associates)

United Kingdom

Emil co-founded talent representation arm with Vicky Hammond, a friend from Primary School.

2014

Launches Emil Dale Studios & Sixth Form

Wilbury Way, Hitchin

Emil launched first full-time course (Sixth Form) in all round musical theatre and took out the first 5-year lease on an old, disused Factory in Wilbury Way, Hitchin.

2015

Launches Factory Playhouse Theatre

Hitchin

Emil was sure a theatre could be built on the first floor of the Factory premises when the team looked around at Wilbury Way - the stud ceiling had some missing tiles which meant he could see that the ceiling had height. By May 2015, a 200-seater theatre with a revolving stage was built – The Factory Playhouse. Inaugural show: West Side Story. One of Emil's proudest achievements.

2018

Launches BA (Hons) pathway

University of Bedfordshire

A new University-awarded degree delivered at Emil Dale concentrating on all round musical theatre training.

2019

Launches 2nd building LIME Studios

Hitchin

Second building was opened around the corner from the main building; five more studios. "LIME" is "Emil" backwards.

2021

Launches Factory Playhouse Productions

Hitchin

The aim was to produce professional productions, and to make and develop new work. Starting with Kin a new musical, written by Emil and Stefan Kelk.

May 2022

KIN Other Palace Theatre in London

Other Palace Theatre, London

Emil produces in London.

Aug 2022

KIN premieres (Factory Playhouse)

Factory Playhouse, Hitchin

New British musical in development world premiere – Sold out.

Nov 2023

KIN London production

Teatro Technis, King's Cross

Nine sold-out performances.

Sept 2025

Launches multi-million pound campus

The Broadway, Letchworth Garden City

Emil Dale Academy relocates to a ground-breaking multi-million-pound facility in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. The new facility spans 56,000 square feet over two stories, featuring 22 studios, including dedicated spaces for singing, acting, dance, and musical theatre training. It includes a costume and props workshop, 8 private 1-to-1 singing rooms, a content creation studio, and a fully equipped on-site theatre, with access to a third 450 seater theatre across the road.