NEWS
“I THINK IT’S A REALLY GREAT
THING WHAT’S HAPPENED,
BECAUSE NOT MANY PEOPLE
GET A STORY ON TV.”
Malcolm Clarke also believes in the example
set by his lifelong friend: “Neil’s complete lack
of self-consciousness has made him many
genuine friendships with the famous. People
say he’s a fantasist, but he isn’t, he turns his fantasies into reality.”
A LIFE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The spotlight fell full on Neil Baldwin when “Marvellous” received two
British Academy television Awards (BAFTA) in May 2015. One was for
the best Single Television Drama of 2015 and the other for Gemma Jones,
who played Neil’s mum and was named the best Supporting Actress.
Toby Jones, who played Neil, was nominated for the Best Actor award.
Following Peter Bowker’s moving acceptance speech, Neil received a
storm of applause: “It’s been great to be here tonight – I thank the Lord
and what he’s done for me,” he told the star-studded audience from the
podium. “And I’m very pleased the Queen is still going strong.”
The BAFTA success of “Marvellous” follows close on the heels of the
BAFTA awarded in 2013 to fellow Keelite Jamie Aitchison for Channel 4’s
coverage of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
In 2013 Keele University honoured Neil, one of their best-known figures,
by awarding him the honorary degree of Master of the University.
Emily Pearce (2015 History and Media, Communications & Culture)
gained invaluable work experience as stills photographer for the
“Marvellous” film set.
WATCH THE MOVIE
TRAILER HERE
Forever Keele 2015 | 21