The real life events of The Enfield Haunting centre around 11-year-old Janet Hodgson who was said to be possessed by the poltergeist, talking in his voice and levitating from her bed.

The challenging role is played by Eleanor Worthington-Cox, aged 13, known for starring in Matilda the Musical for which she became the youngest ever recipient of a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress.

How would you describe The Enfield Haunting?

It’s a very contained story but, for me, it was just an amazing experience.

Yours is a very tricky part. What was your take on Janet?

She’s bright, bubbly, highly intelligent, a bit cheeky and very brave. More than anything, she was great fun to play.

At one point you have to speak like a demonic old man. That must have been tough?

I had to be Joe Watson and do a scary voice, which was hard. But in the end it worked out well. I didn’t get a sore throat or anything.

There are a lot of clips and old interviews with Janet on the internet. Did they inform your performance in any way?

I watched a couple of YouTube videos, like an interview she did with This Morning. I wanted to see what she’s like now, but I didn’t watch anything of her as a child because I didn’t want to go on set overloaded with preconceived ideas.

The story, though moving, does deal with a disturbing subject matter. Did you or your parents have any reservations about accepting the role?

We sat down as a family and had a talk about it. I told them it was a fantastic script, a wonderful story and an amazing opportunity. Plus, it’s acting and acting is the thing I love most in the world.

Do you believe the Hodgsons were haunted?

I would love to believe in the supernatural, but I just don’t. However, I do respect people who have those views because people are entitled to have their own beliefs. That’s another exciting thing about the story. You just don’t know what happened.

Are you afraid of anything?

Freefalling in space. I really liked the film Gravity, mind, even though it made me feel nauseous.

The Enfield Haunting has got a cracking cast, from Timothy Spall to Juliet Stevenson. How did it feel to be a part of such a classy company of actors?

They were the most amazing people to be around, so fantastic to work with.

They were equally complimentary. Indeed, a lot of them said they felt like they were learning from you.

Wow! I didn’t know they said that. I was just completely starstruck to be around them. They were the loveliest people to be around.

You share the bulk of your scenes with Timothy Spall, who was recently nominated for a BAFTA for his role in Mr Turner. Did he give you any advice?

What an actor. We never really talked about tips, but we did put the world to rights. He’s a lovely person and, on our very last day, he gave me something that now takes pride of place in my bedroom, a Lord of the Rings-style fantasy landscape with a personal message that he’d hand drawn. I love reading and I’ll read anything I can get my hands on. One of the things we talked about was books and he knew I was a big fan of the Rings books and The Hobbit.

When did you realise you wanted to act?

Honestly, I can’t remember a time I didn’t want to act. It’s always been something I’ve wanted to do. From the age of two I’ve gone to the Formby School of Dancing and Performing Arts and they’ve helped me become the actress I am today.

You’re only 13 years old, but have already achieved so much, like being the youngest ever winner of the Best Actress Olivier Award for theatre smash Matilda. Is there anything you’re absolutely rubbish at?

Sport.

Where would you like to be in 10 years’ time?

To be lucky enough to keep on getting opportunities like this one. There is no specific role that I’m after. I just want to keep on working. I love it.