“Sometimes loving someone isn’t enough”
TRAIL THE LIFE-AFFIRMING ADVENTURES OF A DETERMINED YOUNG BOY IN THIS POIGNANT FILM...
This tender, thoughtprovoking film (adapted from the awardwinning novel by Kit de Waal) tells the moving story of nine-year-old Leon, a mixed-race boy determined to keep his family together after he’s taken into care and separated from his baby brother, Jake.
Set in Birmingham against the backdrop of the 1980s race riots, we follow Leon’s journey, as – with his beloved action figure Sergeant Smith by his side – he’s welcomed in by foster carer Maureen. He then embarks on an emotional adventure with new friends he meets at the local allotments, learning lessons of life, love and family along the way.
Leon is played by Cole Martin in his debut TV role, alongside Monica Dolan as Maureen and a glittering cast including Sir Lenny Henry, Olivia Williams, Malachi Kirby, Christopher Eccleston and Shobna Gulati. Inside TV joined Monica and Olivia – who plays Maureen’s sister Sylvia – to find out more…
Hello, both! How much did the two of you enjoy acting with youngster Cole, who plays Leon?
Monica He taught us how to do the Rubik’s Cube, which he’d always do in make-up! He’s very intelligent, and the logic with which he would think things through, it was very exciting to listen to. Olivia During rehearsals, if my character Sylvia became cross with him, he couldn’t stop giggling, he found it very funny. It was really fun to see a kid who was genuinely shocked or amazed, and it was great to go on that journey with him.
The film is set in the 80s – what are your recollections of the decade?
Olivia I’m 53, so the 80s spanned from school to university. It reminds me of O-Levels, the Berlin Wall coming down – and every dreadful haircut and pop record in between!
Monica The set design is vital in taking you back – you notice the glasses or table you used to have at home, and it pulls you right back there.
Had you read Kit’s book prior to filming?
Olivia I have a big connection with the book as I was a judge on the Booker Prize panel the
EVERYONE’S IDENTITY IS IMPORTANT TO THEM”
MONICA
year it came out. It really spoke to me of my husband’s experience, who was raised in rural England. He was born African American in New York and came to England when he was six. Neither of us had ever read anything that had such a powerful and truthful personal connection, while being funny and sweet and moving. Monica I didn’t read it when it first came out but found it helpful to read in tandem with filming, while discovering scenes.
What are you hoping the impact of this film might be?
Monica Maureen is a loving character, but I’d like people to see that sometimes loving someone isn’t enough. Everyone’s identity is important to them: it affects the way others look at them, and it needs to be explored. An imaginative and caring leap is needed for that, and a lot of education. Maureen has to step out of herself, really. Olivia It’s not to do with rejecting one group or another, but the relaxation that comes when you’re with people you identify with is beautifully told in Kit’s story.