Actor Toby Jones (left) along with the real Neil Baldwin (right) – Image Credit: BBC/Tiger Aspect/Fifty Fathoms/Scott Kershaw
Described as ‘part biopic, part musical and part fantasy’, Marvellous is a one-off 90 minute drama based on the real life story of Neil Baldwin, a man who despite being diagnosed with having ‘learning difficulties’, refused to accept the label or any limitations which accompanied it.
From the Staffordshire town of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Neil can include on his CV such job titles as lay preacher, circus clown and kit man for Stoke City Football Club. Recently this inspirational figure also received an Honorary Degree from Keele University, despite having never officially worked or studied there a day in his life. Instead, Baldwin was awarded the honour in recognition of his 50 years of contributions to campus life.
Air Date and Time
The film will air on Thursday 25 September, 2014, at 9:00pm on BBC Two and will be available to watch online later via BBC iPlayer.
BBC2 Trailer
Full Marvellous BBC Cast List
Neil – Toby Jones (Detectorists, Infamous, The Painted Veil, The Girl, Berberian Sound Studio)
Mary – Gemma Jones (Spooks, Trial & Retribution)
Lou Macari – Tony Curran (Defiance, The Pillars of the Earth)
Rev Mark – Nicholas Gleaves (Scott & Bailey, Survivors, The Chase, Chasing Shadows)
Malcolm – Greg McHugh (Fresh Meat, Gary Tank Commander)
Mr Saeed – Pal Aron (Stella, The Royal Today, Coronation Street, Casualty, The Bill)
Alan – Brennan Reece (Life as I Know It)
Ringmaster – Paul Hunter (Trinity)
Rev McCoist – Steven Cree (Lip Service)
Pete – Liam Ainsworth (Common)
Doris – Jacqueline Redgewell
Lorry Driver – Paul Bell
Security Guard – Ben Abell
Laino – Peter Bowker
Registrar – Michael Fox
Bomber – Oliver Ashworth
Paddy – Toby DeCann
Susan – Sarah Finigan
Richard – Jack Wilkinson
Also starring Gary Lineker, Uriah Rennie and Norman Barrett.
Writer – Peter Bowker (From There to Here, Monroe, Desperate Romantics, Blackpool)
Producer – Katie Swinden (Peaky Blinders, Luther, Spooks)
Director – Julian Farino (Entourage, How to Make It in America)
