Emma Bate

about Emma

Emma Bate is a freelance creative director and choreographer specialising in live entertainment.

Born to parents who met on stage, live entertainment was never far away. She trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), and her vibrant, driven and tenacious approach has since taken her on many adventures across the UK and Europe — working as a dancer, stilt walker, magician’s assistant, drag performer, choreographer and producer.

In 2009 she founded Spectacular Entertainment, developing productions that blend dance, physical theatre, circus and visual storytelling into distinctive, audience-led experiences.

Alongside her company work, Emma collaborates as a freelance creative, working at every scale from intimate, bespoke performances to serving as assistant creative director for the Opening Ceremony of Glastonbury 2025.

Emma wears many hats — always hands-on from concept to curtain call — building teams where artists feel trusted enough to take risks and make the work their own.

Armed with a rucksack, powered by coffee and always ready for the next creative challenge, she thrives on bringing clarity to chaos.

The end goal remains simple – to entertain.

Credit: Charles Gervais - Both Hemispheres Photography

The Great Gatsby Ball

Creative direction, costume design, choreography and stage management for The Great Gatsby Ball — a UK cathedral tour celebrating the glamour and theatricality of the 1920s.

Circus Hassani

Creative direction and choreography for Circus Hassani — a big top circus production combining aerial, acrobatics and ensemble performance for UK theme parks.

Festival of the Dead

Creative direction for Festival of the Dead, produced by Mega Events — a large-scale touring production blending circus performance, live music and immersive club culture — shaped through collaborative ensemble work and high-impact staging.

Character Design & Stilt Performance

Character design, casting and team management for themed stilt and walkabout performers, created for seasonal events and immersive experiences including Tulley’s Farm.

Swedish Music Connection

Choreography for Swedish Music Connection, produced by Romantic Corporate for the Spanish hotel touring market — celebrating the influence of Swedish pop music.

The Big Fresher's Icebreaker Tour

Casting, logistics and artist management for The Big Fresher's Icebreaker, a nationwide UK student tour across 30+ cities, coordinating over 100 performers.

Boyband Revolution

Choreography for Boyband Revolution, produced by Romantic Corporate — a touring production celebrating four decades of boyband music.

Honda Retailer Conference & Awards

Creative concept, direction, choreography, costume design and music production for the Honda Retailer Conference & Awards Dinner — a fully bespoke corporate production.

Emma Bate

Emma's WorK

about Emma