My girl has star quality
The teenage star of a classic musical currently showing at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre was inspired to take to the stage by her mother – a theatre veteran who began acting at the same age as her daughter.
Jodie Evans, aged 17, plays Eliza Dolittle in South Staffs Musical Theatre Company's production of My Fair Lady.
Her mother Sue Towler, 44, is a long-standing member of both Bilston and South Staffs operatic companies and proudly watched Jodie play her first ever part on the opening night on Tuesday.
Mrs Towler, of Grange Road, Tettenhall, joined Bilston Operatic Company in 1991, aged 17.
"I acted when I was really young and dropped out for a while, before starting again when I was 27," she said.
"A friend of mine was in Bilston Operatic. I joined and then found out I was pregnant with Jodie. My first show was Oliver." The former Smestow pupil played Anna in Bilston's production of The King and I at the Grand Theatre this summer, and has taken a behind-the-scenes role this year.
In 2006, she and Jodie starred alongside each other in Singin' In The Rain.
Her other daughter Hannah, 15, is also planning to join South Staffs next year.
"I encouraged Jodie to join because I have acted since she was born. The girls have loved coming to watch me, and have both picked it up. It was really nice to be in a show with Jodie," said Mrs Towler, who is married to Pete Towler, owner of the Mad O'Rourke pub chain.
"When we found out she got the lead role in My Fair Lady, we were really, really shocked.
"She had gone for it as a bit of an experience. It was really exciting and a bit scary.
"She was fabulous on the first night, I was so proud – she did really well.
"She's quite a quiet girl.
"I was more nervous than I am about my own parts because you can't do anything when you're watching. The role of Eliza has probably given Jodie food for thought."
Jodie is in her final year of sixth form at Wolverhampton Girls' High School, and plans to go to university next year.
"I joined the company because of my mum and I have loved playing my first ever role," said Jodie.
"I love the character of Eliza, she is so much fun to play – especially the cockney parts.
"I definitely want to carry on with acting while I'm at uni," she added.
