Our Story

The foundations of Ember Eve were laid long before the company existed and this is our story.

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D’Andre knew both Austin and Corey in separate circles through church networks and had even spoken to Corey about the industry before they properly became friends. D’Andre then joined Austin’s school for sixth form where they became very close friends and even had part time jobs in the same café.

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Austin got a job as a lettings consultant in Hammersmith and then 1 year later D’Andre got offered a place at LAMDA, just a 5 minute drive from Austin’s office. It is there that he re-united with Corey and met Dumo and Elijah. 

When it came to finding a place to live for 1st year the cohort had to split up into groups and find a property to rent. D’Andre ended up living with Dumo in East Acton, renting a property through one of Austin’s colleagues. Just before the start of the term Dumo travelled down to London and was picked up from the station by D’Andre and Austin, who took him to the pub where they spoke about all the things they thought would happen over the next 3 years. They had no idea what was coming. It later came to light that Dumo and Corey had performed the same pieces on the same day during the audition process. To say it was meant to be would be an understatement.

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At the end of first year, it was time for the directors showcase and typically 1st year students do not really get involved. However, this year was different as 4 of the 1st year students played major roles in four different plays at Theatre 503. You’ll never guess which four students that was: D’Andre, Dumo, Corey & Elijah.

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In October of the 2nd year an opportunity came up to perform in the black history month showcase and Corey, Dumo, Elijah and D’Andre all came together to create a movement piece for the song Physco by Dave. This cemented their friendship as a group and also got them a lot of attention in the school. 

At this time John Pfumojena was working as a teacher in the school and saw the potential of this group and what they could create. With John’s involvement the concept for Mother’s Prayer was born and the group began writing and developing their first play. The process was an incredible experience full of emotion, innovation and creative freedom, but Corey, Dumo, Elijah and D’Andre knew this was going to be bigger than just one play. This was the birth of Ember Eve Productions. 

 

The group were inspired by the work of Dave Hearn, who they also had the opportunity to work with when he taught at LAMDA. Dave is a LAMDA alum who was instrumental in starting the production company Mischief Theatre while studying at the school and Ember Eve shares this ambition to do more with the tools given to them.

 

It was at this stage they got Austin involved as he was keen to invest in what the group were building and to assist with the administrative side of the company. Given he worked within 5 minutes of LAMDA, all they had to do was take action and start planning the future.

The prospect of producing their own work and having full creative control is why Ember Eve was founded and the talent Corey, Dumo, Elijah and D’Andre have will open countless doors in this industry. This coupled with Austin's knowledge and experience in business and sales is why Ember Eve will succeed.