After using the local library to research stage schools (“You didn’t have the internet and stuff! It’s so weird thinking back. It wasn’t even that long ago”), when she was fourteen she was accepted for a place at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London. “I remember there was a documentary on just about the same time about Italia Conti and then I realised Lena Zavaroni [another Rothesay performer who tragically died after battling anorexia nervosa, aged 35] had gone there.
“Lena Zavaroni, to me, is one of the biggest talents to ever come from Britain. I mean, not even Scotland; Britain, because she was amazing. Look at what she did from a young age and she had the most astounding voice. I’m so sad that I’ve got to this stage in my career and I’m not able to meet her. I’d love to meet her and I’d love to chat about what she’s done.”
On the subject of a planned biopic of Zavaroni, Ashley is unsure about her suitability, despite obvious parallels in their lives. “I could never play Lena! I think she was about five foot three and I’m five foot ten! I think it would look rather odd but it would be amazing to be involved in something like that if they were going to bring it from her Rothesay roots, but definitely not as Lena,” she muses. “Unfortunately my height gets the better of me!”
Written by Ross Maclean
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