Description
Tiger Aspect for BBC
Based on a true story, Marvellous is a playful, tender, funny celebration of the extraordinary life of a man with learning difficulties, who refused to accept his own limitations or anybody else’s. Our protagonist (played by Toby Jones) is Neil Baldwin, an exuberant force of nature, and we follow him as he engineers a series of unlikely encounters and adventures, to the unique soundtrack of the Neil Baldwin Ukelele Choir.
As Neil’s mum (played by Gemma Jones) and friends doubt his ability to cope in the ‘real’ world, Neil places his faith in God (and Stoke City FC), and pursues his dreams. He joins the circus, becomes the unofficial mascot for Keele University and forges friendships with the great and the good. His ultimate goal is to follow his passion for football, but after becoming kit manager at Stoke City, he has a reality check when he must defy the players’ skepticism and doubt and fight for acceptance in the changing rooms. His indomitable spirit undimmed by adversity, he even sets up his own football club at Keele University.
The death of his beloved mum shatters Neil’s carefree existence, but gradually Neil learns that he can stand on his own two feet, and that even more, he will become an inspiration and a touchstone for many, many others.
Written by Peter Bowker (Occupation, Eric And Ernie), Marvellous is directed by Julian Farino (21 Up, Flesh And Blood, Entourage), and produced by Katie Swinden (Peaky Blinders, Luther).
Winner of 12 awards and 4 nominations:
- Best Supporting Actress: Gemma Jones - BAFTA
- Best Single Drama - BAFTA
- Best Director: Fiction - BAFTA TV CRAFT
- Best Fiction - BIARRITZ INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
- Best Single Drama - BROADCASTING PRESS GUILD AWARDS
- Outstanding Actress in a Television Film: Gemma Jones - MONTE-CARLO TV FESTIVAL
- Outstanding Actor In A Television Film: Toby Jones - MONTE-CARLO TV FESTIVAL
- Writer: Peter Bowker - ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETY