After leaving Hymers in 2019, Emily took a year out to travel and then studied English at the University of Bristol. She graduated with a First Class Honours and now works for a mental health charity, alongside continuing her writing and working with Middle Child Theatre.

The English department at Hymers encouraged creativity and confidence in writing that I hope I’ve taken with me beyond school. The teachers fostered organic, challenging conversations which pushed me to think more critically and creatively. I was even part of a writing club whilst there!

Emily Lidgard, Old Hymerian, 2009-19

Fresh Ink is an annual theatre festival supporting writers from Hull to create and develop new plays in Hull  Inspired by “scratch” theatre nights, Fresh Ink showcases early versions of new plays especially commissioned for the festival. Fresh Ink will return to the Fruit Market in the summer of 2026, with seven further commissioned writers. Fresh Ink is produced by co-founders Middle Child and sponsored by co-founders Wykeland, with support from the J F Brignall Charitable Trust, Hull City Council, the University of Hull, Hull Truck Theatre and Garrick Charitable Trust.

Emily is appearing in Hull Playwriting Festival 2026;  Read more here - Old Hymerian Emily Lidgard , the monologue will be performed as part of rehearsed readings at Stage@TheDock in Hull’s Fruit Market on 18th and 19th July.

Emily's piece is titled 'Please Don’t Make Me Explain This'. It follows Joan as she prepares for her nightly ritual: a swim on the Flamborough coast. Haunted by her family history, she confides in the audience about her obsessions, memories, and the fears she can’t shake. Standing on the cliffs, she wonders whether the sea will free her - or pull her under.

Photo Credit: Middle Child Theatre