Biography:
Lady Emma Louise Vickers, born Lady Emma Louise Herbert on March 12, 1969, is a remarkable British circus trapeze artist, stuntwoman, and teacher of circus arts. Her upbringing was strongly influenced by her prestigious family background, as she is the daughter of Henry Herbert, the 17th Earl of Pembroke.
Lady Emma was raised at Wilton House in Wiltshire and received her education at St Mary’s, Calne. She had the honor of being a bridesmaid at the wedding of Andrew Parker Bowles to Camilla Shand at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks on July 4, 1973. Described by her mother, Claire (née Pelly), as very avant-garde and a bit of a wild child, Lady Emma demonstrated a rebellious spirit from an early age. The Sunday Times even noted that she seemed to be born with rebellion in her blood.
Her father, an accomplished film director and producer, worked on movies such as Emily (1976) and The Girl with Brains in Her Feet (1997), the latter of which was partly filmed at their family home. Sadly, Lady Emma’s father passed away in 2003. She has a younger brother named William Herbert, who has since become the Earl of Pembroke.
Lady Emma’s unique and eccentric lifestyle was accepted and supported by her parents. After completing her education, she embarked on a journey to New York City, where she resided in the Lower East Side. Reflecting on this experience, Lady Emma revealed, It was straight from A-levels to crack dens, junkies, shootings. I saw lots of very ugly things which made me decide I didn’t want to do them myself.
Upon returning to England, Lady Emma discovered a performance art group called the Mutoid Waste Company, with whom she formed a deep connection. She learned acrobatic skills from the Mutoids and embarked on tours across Europe. During this period, she also befriended prominent figures such as the pop group Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Lemmy, the renowned singer of Motörhead.
Her fearless and adventurous spirit led her to pursue a career as a stuntwoman. Her first significant role was in the popular television series Xena: Warrior Princess. Lady Emma recalls an exhilarating experience, stating, I whiplashed my spine falling out of a tree, but it was brilliant fun jumping through explosions and coming out of the sea in leather loincloths.
Additionally, Lady Emma joined the circus theatre group ‘Generating Company’ or ‘Genco,’ where she showcased her exceptional skills as a trapeze artist and acrobat. She became known as one of Britain’s leading exponents in these arts, pushing the boundaries of modern circus. Sporting unique features such as spiky pink hair with a black badger streak and a chin stud, Lady Emma stood out as a true icon.
Lady Emma’s talent and bravery earned her recognition and respect within the industry. The Sunday Times, in a 2003 article, referred to her as one of Britain’s leading exponents and praised her hard work and bravery. Her performances captivated audiences worldwide, and she gained popularity as a trapeze artist, gracing the stages of prestigious clubs and venues.
In 2004, Lady Emma took her remarkable talents to Naas, County Kildare, Ireland, where she became the star attraction at ‘Time,’ a renowned club. Her awe-inspiring aerial performances left audiences spellbound, cementing her reputation as one of the most exceptional trapeze artists.
Throughout her career, Lady Emma’s dedication to her craft and relentless pursuit of excellence has underscored her influential role in the world of circus arts. Her fearlessness and innovative performances have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their own unique talents and passions.