CGM blog: What we can learn from Nello’s story

12 May CGM blog: What we can learn from Nello’s story

When Marvellous was announced as the winner of the best single drama category at the BAFTAs, we cheered as loudly as the audience at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

This enchanting and heart-warming film, shown on BBC Two, tells the story of Neil Baldwin, who was diagnosed with a learning disability as a child but refused to let a label stand in the way of anything he wanted to achieve.

As ‘Nello’ told Stoke City FC boss Lou Macari, for whom he worked as kitman: “I always wanted to be happy so I decided to be. If bad things happen, you think about the good things.”

At the heart of Marvellous are stunning performances by Toby Jones – himself a Stoke fan – and Gemma Jones as his mum.

Through Neil’s obsession with, and rather unexpected role, at Stoke, football plays a large part in the story, but there’s no talk of billion dollar TV deals and million dollar salaries.

This is all about loyalty and friendship – Neil first met Malcolm Clarke, who is well respected for his work with the Football Supporters’ Federation, when Malcolm arrived at Keele University nearly 50 years ago. They are still great mates, sitting together at the Britannia Stadium at every home game.

There is much so-called ‘dark’ drama on our TV screens and although the likes of Happy Valley and The Widower are excellent I’m delighted there’s room for a gem such as Marvellous, which is uplifting without being overtly gloopy and sentimental.

In his BAFTAs acceptance speech, writer Peter Bowker said: “The film is a celebration about the positive contribution everyone can make. It’s a celebration of diversity, community and spiritual optimism. These are values worth fighting for, more now than ever.”

Those words, and fellow winner Jessica Hynes’ plea for people to support Arts Emergency, a national network of volunteer mentors for students, were the stand out moments of Sunday night’s event – forget about which celeb’s dress looked nice/naff.

Giving everyone the chance to shine, regardless of their ‘label’ or family background, and helping others less fortunate than ourselves to do just that are what really matter in our society.

If you haven’t watched Marvellous, catch it on iPlayer. It’ll leave you with a smile on your face and the desire to make the best of every day and the most of every opportunity.

Teresa Green is editorial director of Chris Green Media.