The Film
About the film
Set in the rural village of Little Wenlock, Shropshire, in March 1546, this artistic historical drama follows Alice Glaston, an eleven year old girl whose vivid, often dissociative imagination serves as a sanctuary from the grim realities of Tudor life.
The story opens against the backdrop of King Henry VIII’s bloody matrimonial history and the local execution of a villager, Geoffrey Smallwood, dark omens that contrast sharply with Alice’s inner world. Alice is a farmhand for the ailing, kind-hearted Mr Harris, but her dazing and dreaming frequently pull her away from her chores. While she should be milking cows, she is instead lost in elaborate fantasies.
The film explores the thin veil between childhood innocence and the looming brutality of the Tudor era, mirroring Alice’s triumphant imaginary return to her village with the darker, prophetic imagery of the crowds that will eventually define her tragic historical fate.
Inspiration
The inspiration for the film stems from the haunting, real life mystery of Alice Glaston, the youngest girl ever recorded to be executed in England. Little is known of her life beyond a brief, chilling entry in the parish register of Little Wenlock in 1546, which simply records her hanging alongside two others.
Introducing our Alice!
Introducing Aila Mcleish
as Alice
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 live 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.
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.