Emily Stride
Actor
Wooden Overcoats (2015-2022)
Role
“Marlene Magdalene (Seasons 2, 3 & 4).”
Bio
“Emily is an Actress and Voiceover Artist based in London.
She plays Marlene Magdalene in the award-winning podcast sitcom Wooden Overcoats, meets a sticky end as Khati Fuqua in Audible's Alien: River of Pain - directed by Dirk Maggs - and is proud of having begun her career as young Holly in BBC Radio 4 drama The Forsyte Chronicles, alongside Sir Michael Hordern.
Further audio credits include work for BBC Sounds, Audible, audio book recordings and lots of brilliant indie scripted podcasts, such as Victoriocity, The Amelia Project, The Unseen Hour, Ramon Fear’s Terror Tapes and more.
In 2019 Emily won an Audioverse award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role for Penne in We Fix Space Junk.
Emily studied Drama at Royal Holloway, University of London. She is the daughter of Susan Sheridan (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, The Moomins, Family Ness, Noddy, Jimbo and the Jet Set).”
“…know your selling points.”
How did you become aware of Wooden Overcoats?
“Tom Crowley flyered me at my own show! Cheeky get.
The flyer was intriguing (coffin-shaped?) and I soon became a firm fan.
When I auditioned, I initially went up for a different role, but they hadn’t had as many applicants for the crazy-accented Marlene - so I thought I’d stand a better chance if I went for her. I was right - and, to date, she’s been my favourite scripted podcast character to play…”
What was your aim in getting involved?
“To enjoy it! So many talents worked on the show and we had such a hoot, recording - I spent much of my time giggling into my script.”
What was the biggest challenge?
“Giggling silently is tricky…”
What would be your dream project?
“I would love a recurring role in a scripted podcast. I’d love to chomp on a lead part! I’m great at baddies! Or unhinged goodies!”
How did you land the role? Any tips for a strong audio reel (or virtual audition)?
“I auditioned through my voice over agent - it was excellent getting to read opposite the voices I’d admired as a fan.
Reel tips:
Try to get a range of what you do on your reel - and know your selling points. For example mine are: accents, baddies, fierce women.
Put your strongest and/or most recent material at the beginning of the reel.
If you’ve got a scene with, say, three other actors in it try to make sure your voice is distinguishable. There’s no visual to identify you with, so any prospective listeners need to know it’s you!”
How does acting for audio compare to other media, for you? Any skills or techniques you’d recommend learning?
“I love all forms of acting, but audio is especially fun. You can play (almost) anyone with your voice, and do almost anything.
Do look after your voice before a recording, and keep hydrated, during. Watch and learn from the other actors, they are your best learning tool! It’s amazing watching seasoned pros in the room.”
If your character was an occasional part, how did you characterise them quickly and memorably?
“Guest parts are fun! You get to come in, light a fire, and exit singing!
The regular cast are happy to see you, because you’re a new face, and you get to plug in to the joy of the show.
That said, it can be hard to leave a mark if it’s a one-episode role - and it can depend on the strength of the character development and the writing. Find out as much info as you can about what the writer or the director wants for the role, and do as much backstory imagining as you can to give your character ‘flesh’.”