An Evening with Julie Walters, West Bromwich Town Hall

By Mark Round

She may be a Bafta-winning star but Julie Walters is Black Country through and through – and she’s proud of it.

She appeared in front of a packed West Bromwich Town Hall last night and had generations young and old in stitches throughout.

Members of the audience were given the opportunity to quiz the star as part of her “Evening With…” show, as she spoke about her many film roles and recalled fond memories of her childhood.

The popular actress, whose films include Mamma Mia, Educating Rita and the Harry Potter series, said: “I came from a family where I was loved so I was able to get through any unhappy times. I hated primary school but I loved growing up where we were in Smethwick.

“My mom was the driving force of the family and she had a great sense of humour. My dad was more grounded but he also had a great sense of humour. I remember when they used to laugh out loud at times at some things.”

When asked about her favourite character creation, she replied in Black Country twang: “It has to be Mrs Overall from Acorn Antiques, she was just fab.”

She may be a regular on the big screen, but one of the proudest moments of her life took place in Sandwell.

“To be given the Freedom of Sandwell was just great,” she said.

“It is where I grew up – I could hardly speak when I was at the ceremony because I was so emotional, but I was thrilled.”