In September 2025, the team launched our much anticipated and hugely ambitious casting call, searching the entire country to find a girl between 9 - 12 years of age to portray Alice Glaston in feature film 'Dreams of an Eleven Year Old Witch', writen by J Ashley and Directed by Harry Petterson.
We received thousands of applications in just 2 weeks of the applications being live.
Now, in February 2026, some of these girls have gone through 4 gruelling rounds of auditions, workshops and preparation work.
The Executive Producers are now excited to announce that we eleven year old actress Aila Mcleish has been cast as Alice Glaston in the historical/fantasy drama.
The film's screenwriter says:
"I have been so blown away by the talent, skill and dedication that the girls have all given us during the casting. When reading statements, or some of the work being put in, and having the utter privilege to see these young people audition, it not only feels me with enormous pride, but also gratitude that such commitment is being given to Alice's story and my work, and I would like to thank each and every young person who has put the time in, travelled to London for our auditions, and given their all for this film".
The film follows the true story of Alice Glaston, the youngest girl ever legally executed in England, and gives us a glimpse into the world that rural Tudor children lived in, whilst also taking a fantastical approach as we delve into the main characters dreams.
Alice was hanged on 13th April 1546 in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, and hers is one of the most tragic stories from British history.
Pictured Much Wenlock Guildhall where it is believed Alice was tried and imprisoned.
Dreams of an Eleven Year Old Witch marks Aila's film debut and we couldn't be prouder to introduce her to the screen. Aila first auditioned for us back in September 2025, when we received her first round self tape. Ever since then, Aila has consistently impressed the team with her brilliant acting skills, incredible concentration and utter professionalism.
The films director Harry Paterson says:
"I remember Aila's first in-person audition in London. For me she was the Alice Glaston I envisioned. She had the range needed for the character and treated Alice with respect, sincerity and realism capturing the essence of an imaginative, inquisitive young person with the intelligence and grit a medieval child would be capable of".
Upon being given the news, Aila was absolutely delighted. This is the first time that Alice has ever been portrayed on screen. She was last performed professionally 12 years ago, in the BBC radio play the Spirit Child, where she was voiced by actress Bettrys Jones.
Pictured Actress Aila Mcleish (11) who has been cast as Alice Glaston in the film.
Aila says:
"I am over the moon to be cast as Alice in Dreams of an Eleven Year Old Witch. I feel incredibly fortunate to tell this story and bring her to life, and it means so much to be trusted with such a special role. I am so grateful for this opportunity and to be working with the team at Vitality Entertainment. I’m really excited to begin this journey and can’t wait for audiences to see it".
Adam Mcleish, Aila's dad says:
We are delighted for Aila and incredibly proud of her. Her dedication and hard work have led to this wonderful opportunity, and we are so grateful for the support she has received along the way. We are truly excited to see her take on the role of Alice in this incredible story.
Casting Update
Following a 5 month casting process, and multiple rounds of auditions, the team are delighted to say that an Alice has been cast in the film!
Whilst we will not be naming the young actress at the present time, we are absolutely delighted and look forward to a further update very soon.