Lung Ha at 40: Spotlight on… Emma McCaffrey

Dec 3 2024 | By Thom Dibdin More

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Lung Ha Theatre Company, All Edinburgh Theatre is delighted to collaborate with the award-winning professional company for actors and theatre makers who are autistic or learning-disabled.

Lung Ha have marked the occasion by commissioning a series of portraits of every member of its 25-strong ensemble from Edinburgh-based photographer Peter Dibdin. Æ will publish the individual portraits over the coming year of celebrations (see our News story: Lung Ha hit 40). We are publishing a new spotlight on a different actor every fortnight.

Lung Ha Actor Emma McCaffrey, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

Spotlight #15: Emma McCaffrey

Emma joined Lung Ha in 2013. She plays tenor horn and enjoys filming and editing. Emma enjoys character work, improv, voice work and movement as well as getting to be on stage. She has also worked with the National Theatre of Scotland, Stellar Quines and Catherine Wheels.

Emma was nominated for the Outstanding Performance Award at the CATS Awards (Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland) in 2023 for her performance as Annis in Castle Lennox.

Lung Ha Actor Emma McCaffrey, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

Emma McCaffrey Q&A

What do you think is the most fabulous thing about being an actor? Getting to perform and having the arts community of Scotland take my skills seriously.

If you could give an aspiring actor one piece of advice, what would it be? There is no such thing as a perfect actor.

40 years is a big milestone during which we look back but also look ahead! What are your hopes or ambitions for the future? I’ve been very lucky with acting work because Lung Ha has given me training as well as a platform to showcase what I’ve learned, which has helped me connect with other companies including the National Theatre of Scotland, Birds of Paradise and Stellar Quines.

I have also gone on to create my own shows as well as a YouTube channel. This is a privilege I get to enjoy thanks to the members who came before me and who worked to make Lung Ha a respected theatre company.

I get to work with actors who want each show to be the best it can be and that helps my performances. I truly hope to keep acting but also delve into playwriting or even directing.

Earlier this year, Emma made a short documentary film to mark Lung Ha Theatre Company’s 40th Anniversary.

The 40th anniversary photo shoot took place at the Traverse Theatre. Costumes by Karen Tennent; hair and make-up by Catherine Christie.

Browse the rest of the Spotlight on series here.