

Emily Portman and Friends
About Emily Portman and Friends
Emily Portman is an award-winning singer and songwriter with a passion for traditional songs, hailed as ‘one of the new British folk scene’s most beguiling presences’ (Uncut).
She has toured widely for over 15 years as a band leader, with The Furrow Collective, the folk chart-topping Sea Song Sessions, and in a duo with Leveret’s Rob Harbron. In 2026, Emily returns to the road with an inspired new live show previewing songs from her forthcoming solo album Dominion of Spells, due for release in May 2026, alongside selected material from across her acclaimed catalogue.
Dominion of Spells marks a bold new chapter in Emily’s songwriting. Drawing on ballads and folktales, the album weaves lived experience with rich mythic imagery, charting a heroine’s midlife journey through dark woods in search of transformation and wonder. Shape-shifting selkies, fairy queens, foxes, and owl goddesses are woven through contemporary story-songs exploring parenthood, home, burnout, grief, and the transformative power of creativity.
Emily’s new songs are brought vividly to life in performance with a new live line-up featuring sought-after guitarist Louis Campbell and acclaimed cellist Lucy Revis (Before Breakfast). Together they create a richly layered yet understated sound world, with Emily’s luminous vocals, banjo, and piano at the centre, woven through crystalline harmonies, lush strings, and interweaving electric and acoustic guitars.
Expect an intimate, spellbinding performance as traditional influences meet contemporary stories in the room.
Entrancing and unsettling. A marvellous, original work
Observer
Intense and alluring
Fatea
Prices & info
General admission | £18
Access tickets
Access tickets may be available for Access Members. Select the relevant Access tickets in the basket to receive your discount (where applicable).
Prologue £5 tickets
£5 Prologue tickets may be available to Prologue members aged 16-30. Please note you will be required to bring ID with you to the event.
Groups
You can book up to ten tickets online. Want to book more? Email groups@cft.org.uk
Only one reduction applies per ticket, and all discounts are subject to availability and at the discretion of the Box Office. ID may be required for certain discounts.