Home / News / Five Minutes With Emily O'Dell
It's time for another edition of '5 minutes with…' and this time, we're thrilled to sit down with our Group Head of Projects at Trafalgar Entertainment, Emily O’Dell! Emily has been an integral part of Trafalgar Entertainment since 2017, with a long history of working alongside our team, especially with our co-founder, Dame Rosemary Squire. So, make yourself comfortable. Stick the kettle on, grab your favourite pack of biscuits, and settle in as we chat with Emily about all things Fareham Live. In our conversation, Emily shares her journey into her current role, highlights some of her proudest project achievements, and offers an insider's view of the exciting new developments happening ahead of our September launch.
Hi Emily! Could we please start with you telling us a bit about you, your background and how this developed into your role at Trafalgar Entertainment? I’m the Group Head of Projects for Trafalgar Entertainment, which means I get to oversee some of our most exciting and innovative projects. I’ve been with Trafalgar Entertainment since 2017, but my journey started long before that. I previously worked with Trafalgar Theatre founder, Dame Rosemary Squire for many years, and it was during this time that I developed a keen interest in understanding the theatre and entertainment industry. My role allows me to combine years of working within various areas of the theatre with my project management skills, ensuring we create unforgettable experiences for our audiences and communities. What is a project that you have managed that you are really proud of? One of my absolute favourite projects to date has been the restoration and refurbishment of what is now the Trafalgar Theatre. This project was particularly challenging because we kicked it off during the Covid lockdown in 2020. Imagine trying to choose colours and samples over Teams calls! We also had to rely on Royal Mail to deliver them to my house for approval. It was quite the experience! We transformed the theatre from its previous two studio spaces, when it was known as Trafalgar Studios, back to a single auditorium. Along the way, we rediscovered and revived all the hidden art deco features, which was incredibly exciting. The building has such a rich and varied history, making the project a fascinating journey into the past. One of the highlights for me was when Timeout London listed the Trafalgar Theatre as a must-visit venue to see the interior, even if you’re not there to watch a show! It was a proud moment and a testament to all the hard work that went into bringing the theatre back to life. To what extent were local suppliers and contractors involved in the fit out of the build for Fareham Live? For the final fit-out of the building, we contracted Premier Group, whose offices are conveniently located within just 2 miles of Fareham Live – you can't get more local than that! Their Managing Director has a special connection to the venue, as he used to be a keen visitor of the previous building, Ferneham Hall. We’re excited about this local collaboration and hope he will continue to enjoy and support the new Fareham Live just as much. What are some of the key features of the new theatre that make it stand out? The new theatre boasts several key features that truly make it stand out. Alongside the main auditorium, there is a versatile studio theatre and a smaller studio designed for a wide range of community events and performances. The foyers are incredibly bright, thanks to the extensive use of glass, creating an inviting and open atmosphere. One of the highlights is the café bar, which features floor-to-ceiling glazing and a perimeter bar perfect for laptop work or casual gatherings. Additionally, there is a terrace just off the first-floor bar, offering stunning views over the gardens below. What specific features have been included to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities? The building is fully accessible, featuring lifts both front and back of house. This ensures that patrons and actors with mobility needs have access to all areas, including the main auditorium, studio theatre, and smaller studio. For more insight into what accessible features we have at Fareham Live, please check out our blog here. What’s the most exciting part about the build for you? The most exciting part of the build for me is watching the building come to life during the fit-out phase. It starts with laying down the flooring, then installing the bars, and finally bringing in the furniture. Each step brings the project closer to completion and it's incredibly satisfying to see our vision take shape. There's a certain magic in transforming a space from an empty shell into a vibrant, functional venue that will host countless memorable events and performances. Thanks for chatting with us Emily! To keep up to date with the latest updates from Fareham Live, make sure you follow our social media channels for all the news behind the scenes. • Facebook • Instagram • X • LinkedIn