Budding Hamilton actor Alison gets big screen break thanks to leading director Ken Loach

Jun 2 2011 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

A BUDDING Hamilton actor has landed a part in a Ken Loach film.

Alison McGinness is to appear in the director’s forthcoming movie entitled The Angel’s Share which is described as a bitter-sweet comedy.

The 45-year-old, who runs the Capalata coffee shop with husband Phil in Almada Street, plays the mum of a character assaulted by ‘Robbie’, the film’s protagonist.

Until now the former Earnock High School pupil, who lives in Portland Park, has only appeared in adverts and had a minor part in the soap River City.

The film role came about after the director spotted her on the books of an extras’ agency she has belonged to for the last few years.

The mum, who has an eight-year-old daughter Mille, said: “I was absolutely over the moon. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appear in a film by Ken Loach.

“For someone who has never really done any proper acting before it’s out of this world.

“It’s not really sunk in to be honest. It’s something else to think you’re going to see yourself on the cinema screen.”

Alison filmed her part in Glasgow last week and described the director, who is renowned for films dealing with social issues, as delightful.

One of his most well-known films is Kes, which was made in 1969 and set in a Yorkshire mining community. It tells the story of a troubled schoolboy and his relationship with a pet kestrel which he takes time to train.

Other films include Looking for Eric, The Wind that Shakes the Barley and Riff-Raff.

Alison was given the part in the 74-year-old director’s latest film around a month ago after doing two readings for him and casting director Cahleen Crawford.

She said: “Ken Loach is such a nice person and very laid back and down to earth.

“He made me feel at ease on the set. It wasn’t in the least intimidating and I felt very comfortable.”

Alison added she would jump at the opportunity to appear in a film again.

She said: “I really enjoyed myself on the day. If another film part came along that would be great.”

The Angel’s Share is scheduled for a UK release next year.