Humans of Hitchin... Edition 6: Ellie Ann Lowe
I’m Ellie, originally from a small town called Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire but have now been living here in Hitchin for around 6/7 years, with my husband Jon and now with our 2-year-old boy Asa and beautiful rescue lurcher, Favour. The first time we visited Hitchin, we just loved it. When we first moved, I worked at The Victoria pub and through there met so many people, a lot I can proudly say are now friends for life. That job was integral in us settling in well here, so I’m forever grateful to that pub and its wonderful team!
I’m an actress - currently starring in Les Misérables in the West End since 2019. I play the Factory girl, but also understudy for the part of Fantine - getting this part was such a huge turning point in my career. To be a part of one of the biggest West End shows, which has been running for 39 years and loved by so many, has been amazing. Playing Fantine was always a dream role for me, so when I first got to the opportunity to play her on 6th March 2020 (just before the world shut down!) and got to sing ‘I Dream a Dream’ along with a full beautiful orchestra – that was probably the happiest memory of my career!
With each show there are immense highs but, of course in this industry, you also need to make sacrifices. I work 6 days a week, with 8 shows, so you do miss out on routine or a lot of social things that normal people do - or ‘muggles’ as we call them in the industry. There is also a lot of rejection to deal with too but the older I’ve got, the more I’ve learnt to realise that it’s not because I’m rubbish but simply because I just don’t slot into the massive puzzle of this huge show. With lots of parts, ensemble members etc. – I now understand how hard a task it is to find the perfect actor for each role. Despite this I love what I do, and I wouldn’t change it! I have, however, just made the tough decision to leave Les Misérables in October and so have started to throw myself back into auditions, most recently for Matilda and Kinky Boots - so we shall see what happens. It feels a bit precarious, not knowing what is next but I’m so excited for the possible opportunities!
Growing up both my Mum and Dad sang in church - they actually met in a choir. I always remember singing in the car as a youngster, harmonising with them. Around the house, Mum would play the piano and we would all be singing alongside; it was very Von Trapp family! When I was young, I was introduced to the classic films like Calamity Jane, Sound of Music, Fiddler of Roof, which I instantly fell in love with. I remember adoring Julie Andrews and thinking she had the most beautiful voice in the world!
I remember going to auditions when I was little for my local amateur dramatics’ society, and I got the role of ‘Pepper’ in Annie the Musical. I also played Joseph in Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat at school too. This was what sparked my love for musical theatre from a young age, I knew then this is what I wanted to do in life and for my future career. So, I went to Guildford School of Acting for 3 years and it was everything I could have hoped for. It helped me reach my dreams and I feel so lucky to have done so!
In the future I see myself moving into TV, a Corrie or Hollyoaks character maybe?! I would also LOVE to work with Shane Meadows too, a project alongside him and Paddy Considine would be an ultimate dream come true as they are both from my hometown. I would also love to be a leading lady in the West End, maybe in something like Wicked. Also to work on a Stephen Sondheim show would be fab! Basically, anything which is going to challenge me and take me out of my comfort zone.
As well as acting, spending time with my family, gives me the most joy. Seeing Asa my little boy growing up and his seeing little personality develop – it’s just amazing. I love all music - going to see live gigs at places like Ronnie Scott’s or just listening to a good album. Also, enjoying a night off - I love what I do but having a weekend off to hang with friends at The Victoria with a glass of rose wine, is bloody great!!
Small business shout outs – The Victoria Pub, The Beer Shop, all the curry houses (!) , Cloud Nine Baby, Emil Dale Academy, Coffee Lab and all the ladies at the Attic…so many to mention – Hitchin’s just the best isn’t it!