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A 16-year-old from Ystrad Mynach has landed a leading role in her first film – paving the way for future success on the big screen. 

Alisha Evans-Jones, 16, stars in Symphony, a short film produced by south Wales-based Third Time Lucky Productions.

She stars alongside actor Ben McGregor, who has starred in The Tuckers, Steeltown Murders and Fresh Meat. 

The film, which came about thanks to help from Caerphilly County’s Arts Development Team and Screen Alliance Wales, is set to premiere locally in November.

Alisha’s dad, Andrew Evans-Jones spoke to Caerphilly Observer about his daughter’s achievements and said: “She was always doing acting and dancing. It’s almost like it’s in her blood.”

Experience paid off as Alisha had to compete against many others to get her part in Symphony.

“She auditioned with hundreds of others,” said Andrew, “there were kids from all over – Caerphilly, Blackwood, Newbridge.”

Andrew added: “She’s proud of it.”

Alisha has since gone on to roles in productions with Bad Wolf Studios in Cardiff and Dragon Studios in Bridgend.

Alisha is still only 16 and just finished her GCSEs at Lewis Girls’ School, which means travelling to take part in projects often means lots of driving for Andrew and his wife Michelle. 

While this can be “hard” it’s a worthwhile sacrifice as Andrew said: “That’s what parenting is all about.” 

Alisha recently started studying acting at Cardiff and Vale College and hopes to attend university to continue learning the craft. 

According to Andrew, Alisha hopes to be the next Catherine Zeta-Jones – only she’ll be raising the profile of Caerphilly rather than Swansea. 

With the rise of the film industry in south Wales, with Bad Wolf Studios, for example, having produced hits like Doctor Who and His Dark Materials, this may be a growing trend.  

“It’s different with the industry growing so fast in south Wales,” said Andrew, “it’s exciting to see local people get involved.”