Meet the Gems Team
All the Gems team are highly trained and experienced performers and teachers. Our mission is to provide children with an enjoyable learning experience that they will never forget. All teachers are covered by Insurance and have a Full DBS Police Check, First Aid & Safeguarding Training.
Founder / Principal
Emma Drysdale
A graduate of the renowned Central School of Speech & Drama, I spent years performing across West End theatres, UK tours, TV, and radio but these days, I work primarily behind the scenes at Gems HQ while raising my own two little gems! Growing up, I spent every Saturday and school holiday at a theatre school; an experience that completely changed my life. It showed me that the performing arts aren't just about learning skills; they are about discovering who you are, stepping out of your shell, and finding your community. I founded Gems to pass that exact magic on to the next generation. Building Gems has been a true joy, and watching it transform into a safe, inspiring place where your children can learn, express themselves, and grow into confident individuals is the greatest reward.
Vice Principal / Safeguard lead
Melissa McKeigue
I trained at KSA Academy of Performing Arts after a successful youth career as a competitive dancer, earning titles like ISTD National Set Dance Champion and ISTD Rock and Roll Champion. As a performer, my credits span UK and international tours, including A Midsummer Night's Dream, Willy Wonka The Musical in Dubai, and The Sixties Show. Recently, I worked as Company Manager for the Wicked world tour and The Choir of Man in the West End. Today, I pass on that energy by managing the day-to-day running of Gems classes, Holiday Camps, and our sister company, Stars Performing Arts. While I’m definitely the organised one who loves a spreadsheet, my biggest goal is making sure every student builds confidence, learns, and has a complete blast!
Manager / Deputy Safeguard lead
Marcella Freeman
Trained in Musical Theatre at KSA Academy of Performing Arts, where I received the Principal’s Award, I’ve spent the past decade teaching drama, singing, and dance to young performers aged 2 to 18. My professional credits include performing in London Fringe theatre and appearing in television series like UKTV and Netflix's Murder Maps. Alongside teaching, I’m a lifestyle blogger and content creator focusing on motherhood, family life, gluten-free living, and London adventures. I am deeply passionate about encouraging children to explore their imaginations, express themselves, and grow into confident individuals through the performing arts. When I'm not editing, I’m busy raising my son and preparing to welcome my second baby into the family!
Singing teacher / Holiday Club leader
Anya Williams
I am a highly experienced vocal educator, musician, and performer with over a decade of teaching and choral leadership. I hold a BA in Acting from Exeter University and love working with young performers aged 3 to 18. Beyond private vocal coaching, I’ve supported students as a primary school TA and lead educational workshops with The Music Workshop Company and The Drama Hut. As a performer, I regularly appear in productions across London, ranging from musicals to opera, alongside screen roles in Bergerac and Tapped. Singing has always been my greatest passion, and my main goal is helping students find their authentic voice, refine their technique, and build true self-belief through song!
Dance teacher / Holiday club teacher
Anna Guzak
Born in Poland and raised in Yorkshire, I am a professional dancer, model, and performer. Since graduating from London Contemporary Dance School, I’ve had the privilege of dancing at Disneyland Paris, doubling as Ginger Spice on Netflix's The Crown, and performing in Carmen at the Royal Opera House and with the English National Opera. Skilled across contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and improvisation, I love sharing my deep passion for movement with young dancers. In my classes, my goal is to bring curiosity, playfulness, and energy to every session, helping students build technical skill, express themselves freely, and fall in love with dance!
After School & Holiday club teacher
Tom Watson
A graduate of Bird College with a BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre, I’ve spent my career performing across stages in London and beyond. My professional stage credits include The Wizard of Oz, The Lion Inside, and playing Nostradamus in Something Rotten!. Beyond performing, my passion lies in teaching and mentoring the next generation of young talent. I bring a fun, vibrant, and encouraging energy to my classes, helping students step out of their comfort zone, hone their skills and thrive in a supportive space where they can grow into confident, well-rounded performers!
After school & Holiday club teacher
Hannah Lochhead
Over the past 14 years, I’ve had the absolute privilege of teaching drama, singing, and dance to students in Dublin, Hong Kong, and London! I trained in Acting at Dublin’s Conservatory of Music and Drama and Musical Theatre at Chiswick Theatre Arts. Recently, I’ve been busy producing, directing, and performing in the musical 10K? Jog On!, as well as finishing my original feature film, Esoteric, debuting this December. I love helping young performers push their creative boundaries, support one another, and build self-belief that lasts a lifetime!
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Dance teacher / Holiday club teacher
Etisyai Philip
Etisyai trained at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, specialising in Musical Theatre. Etisyai has many years of experience teaching drama, dance, singing and puppetry, as well as facilitating MT workshops across a range of ages. She is the founder of ‘Always Take Care of the Story’, a storytelling group who specialise in sharing folklore from around the world, particularly stories from the Afro-Caribbean diaspora, with primary school children. The mutual sharing of ideas is something Etisyai is passionate about and believes is crucial in bringing people together from all walks of life. Encouraging people to develop their communication skills and enquiring minds, whilst practicing tolerance, respect and compassion is something we all can strive for.
Holiday club teacher
Elana Martin
Elana trained at Central School of Speech and Drama and has been teaching at Gems for over 10 years. You may have spotted Elana playing lead roles in Miss Saigon (UK & European Tour); Travesties (West End); The 39 Steps (UK Tour); Merrily We Roll Along (West End); Scrooge (UK Tour) She believes it is vital for children to have the freedom to express themselves within their peer group in a safe environment, where they can grow in confidence and push the boundaries to discover their abilities. Elana also works with individuals who have low to moderate phonological disorders and articulation errors. CELTA certified, she has taught English as a Foreign Language for over ten years, with a particular interest in pronunciation. Additional training: MGH IHP (Speech Language Pathology); Waikato University, NZ (CELTA).