‘Amazing!’ Ivy, 9, takes professional theatre debut in world premiere in her stride
The nine-year-old from Cold Ash is making her professional acting debut in a world premiere at The Mill at Sonning and the experience is ‘indescribable, amazing’ she tells Arts Editor TRISH LEE
THERE’s a theatrical family in Cold Ash currently bursting with pride after nine-year-old Ivy Evans made her first professional stage performance in The Whistling’ at The Mill at Sonning last Thursday.
Like a true pro, Ivy took the first night in her stride. “It was really good actually,” she tells N2.
“I was very nervous before the show, but we had practiced lots. My chaperone and the director really helped me to feel confident with my part.”
The onstage experience at The Mill was “Indescribable.
“But amazing!”
Ivy attends Theatretrain Basingstoke owned by her mum, who is its Principal. It offers professional training in singing, dancing and acting for children aged four to – 18 years. Ivy attends the Main School on a Saturday.
Performing may well be in the St Marks primary school pupil genes as her parents Joe and Pip both have West End musical theatre backgrounds. So she had an early start.
“I think she had no choice with a family of performers, and there is always music in the house so she was used to singing and dancing around from a toddler and officially started tap and ballet at the age of three and theatre school from age four!,” says dad Joe.
“Funnily enough, we never pushed Ivy into performing, but she is just engulfed in it all the time at home. When they come to see me perform, or we go and see a show and friends from the cast take us backstage, which is such a treat for them- I think it’s inspiring and makes her see she can do it if her parents and their friends can.
“She helps me with self-tapes and auditions, and she has fallen in love with it these past few years - I know this because I hear her sing in her room or practice without being prompted.
“And she hears Pip teaching and inspiring her friends at Theatretrain so I think she listens to us when we give her feedback and wants to be better.
“Even if she doesn’t go onto acting, she has learnt such useful life skills from this experience, and professionalism - being on time, working hard etc!”
Ivy signed with the “fantastic” agent Sammy Fonfe at FONFE Talent in March this year so is doing really well to be making her stage debut. “Sammy is super supportive and very personal which we love,” said Joe.
The Whistling production at The Mill at Sonning is a world premiere and original adaptation of Rebecca Netley’s bone chilling novel. When Elspeth arrives on a remote Scottish island to become a nanny to a young child, she hopes to bond with her. Until she learns that, for reasons no one will explain, Mary has not spoken for months. This ghost story will sends shivers down your spine and haunt your dreams.
Ivy recalls when she heard she had landed the role of Mary.
“I was actually in bed when my mum got a call from my agent, I could hear excitement downstairs- then my mum ran upstairs and yelled any you got the part.
“ I was over the moon, I couldn’t quite believe it!
Ivy had to record a self-tape for this role at first, reading a scene while being recorded. She was then recalled in person. There were lots of people auditioning in groups… she came out disappointed as she was re-directed and asked to do her scene again.
“It goes to show you never know,” said dad.
There are three girls in total who play Mary, as there are licensing laws about missing school and hours you can work as a child. The girls all support each other and have become fast friends and all three are very talented.
“I think theatre does that, makes you connect with people on another level, as barriers are broken down from day one as you get up and act, supporting and relying on each other,” Joe continues. “This is what I think has made her enjoy the process, she’s discovered this world of actors and what it means to be part of a company, it’s a joy!”
Ivy is a keen vocal artist, you can also hear her playing characters on many animated series streaming on NETFLIX.
Since 2007 Joe has been involved in a variety of exciting projects, including numerous shows at The National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe and West End productions such as Les Miserables & Tina The Musical.
You've probably seen his face on the famous cobbles of Coronation Street, or heard his soft northern everyman voice on commercials and programmes for brands such as Fosters and E4, BBC, ITV and more.
“I’ve worked on some brilliant shows and have been very lucky. Recently I was in India filming for a new tv series about Ghandi which was a new experience for me, to be abroad and see how a crew work on set in a different culture.”
He runs an adult drama course on a Monday evening and a few local after-school clubs.
“I love to share my knowledge and passion with people. And so many come to my clubs for fun, to gain confidence to improve communication skills or just meet others and be social.
“I love it.”
Pip Evans is an extraordinarily talented performer who prioritises a personal and community-based experience at Theatretrain Basingstoke. She has always had an interest and involvement in the performing arts, attending a dance school from a young age and eventually pursuing her love for theatre.
The couple met on an international tour of Beauty & the Beast. As Joe recalls “as a corkscrew and an eggtimer”… it was meant to be.
“Back in 2010, we toured the UK and went to Malaysia, made some life-long friends too, who of course performed and entertained at our wedding! I also covered and played the role of the beast and Pip covered and played the part of Mrs Potts.
So does Joe agree with Noel Coward - Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage.
“That’s a hard one,” he says. “It’s a balance between encouraging your child with their talent and pushing them too hard…I think we guide Ivy in her hobby, which just happens to be at a professional level on this occasion. The business is tough, and I do say to any young budding actors…”if you can do anything else and still be happy, do it”….because performing can be a hobby alongside your job. But some people just have that need, that desire to fulfil that ambition and in that case I will help anyone reach for their dreams, as it can be hard but also the most rewarding job ever. And to wake up each day and do what you love, that’s a privilege.”
As for Ivy, she definitely has big ambitions for the future: “I have just recorded a self tape audition for the new Harry Potter TV Series and it would be a dream come true to be part of that!
“I want to try everything in performing arts, musical plays and television.”
Visit To book, visit https://millatsonning.com/ to Book for The Whistling.
Set majestically on the banks of the River Thames, the Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment. Uniquely, as the only dinner theatre in the UK, it has gained praise both nationally and internationally.
Directors, designers, actors and musicians of the highest quality help maintain its exceptional reputation. Many new plays premiere there, from established to young up-and-coming writers. All productions are created on the premises. Nothing is ‘brought in’. Rehearsal rooms buzz with activity. Sets are built in the workshop. Costumes designed and made in the wardrobe. In the kitchens, fresh food is prepared daily.
The intimate theatre seats 217 in the semi-round allowing the audience to feel involved in the performance. The elegant restaurant, separate from the theatre but within the premises, with views over the sparkling Thames has the friendliest young staff of waiters and waitresses. A spinning waterwheel features in the cosy bar.
