Racing back to his brother
MY NAME IS LEON BBC2, 9pm HEARTBREAKING yet hopeful, this 90-minute drama tells the story of nine-year-old Leon, a mixed-race boy on a quest to reunite his family.
Adapted from award-winning author Kit de Waal’s novel, the story is set in 1980s’ Birmingham as Leon is taken into care and separated from his blond and blue-eyed baby brother Jake. Told through Leon’s eyes, we follow his journey with his favourite action figure, Sergeant Smith, by his side.
He is full of energy and hope despite the hardships he faces.
Newcomer Cole Martin excels in his role as Leon, ably supported by Monica Dolan as foster mum Maureen, Poppy Lee Friar as his depressed mother Carol, Shobna Gulati as social worker Salma and Malachi Kirby as Tufty, who takes the boy under his wing. Olivia Williams is almost unrecognisable as Maureen’s coarse, chain-smoking sister, who is the first to spew institutionalised racism.
Watch out too for Christopher Eccleston and Lenny Henry who have smaller roles.
The story starts with Leon being forced to look after his newborn brother while his mother lies in bed, unable to care for them. There’s no food, no money and dirty nappies lie all over the floor. When finally a concerned neighbour realises what’s been happening, the boys are taken into care by Maureen.
Kind and tender, Maureen can solve Leon’s problems with a hug and a Curly Wurly. But with her own health problems, she can’t take care of the baby too.
Leon copes with one misfortune after another, but despite the heartache this is a sensitively-told tale that remains uplifting.