In My Skin

For reasons that baffle me, in the UK this has been promoted by the BBC as a "comedy series" - go figure! OK, there are some wryly comic moments, but make no mistake: this is drama, folks. When I saw the pilot of "In My Skin" back in 2018 I was blown away, and kept my fingers crossed that a full series would be commissioned. Happily it has, and the result completely fulfils my hopes.

"In My Skin" is the tale of a talented 16 year-old Welsh schoolgirl called Bethan Gwyndaf. Bethan has a secret: everything.

Her home life is far from ideal - VERY far - to the point that she feels she needs to hide it from everyone she knows. Fortunately, Bethan is a very accomplished liar: for years, she has had even her closest schoolfriends believing the wildest "facts" about her lifestyle and background.

Maintaining such a massive construct of lies is hard work though: Bethan lives every day on a knife edge, only ever one wrong word away from exposure, and over time, the stress of keeping all her fictional plates spinning - of maintaining her facade while trying to cope with an increasingly chaotic domestic situation - gets steadily harder to bear.

Long story short: it's superb. Its depiction of the callous bear-pit of school life is so accurately drawn that, as a one-time victim of persistent playground bullying myself, there were moments I found difficult to watch. It's worth it, though: the writing is spot-on and performances are excellent across the board. Especial mention must go to Jo Hartley, who plays Beth's mother - a very challenging role.

The majority of the cast are faces new to me and little known outside Wales. However, one actor may ring a bell with anyone who's seen "Detectorists": the horrendously overbearing P.E. teacher (a darkly comedic ogre of a part) is played by Laura Checkley, whom you might remember as Louise.

I understand that "In My Skin" is about to be screened in the USA on Hulu. A note for American viewers: you might need to switch on the subtitles! Many scenes involve Welsh teenagers talking rapidly in slang, and without a little onscreen help there may be quite a few moments when you're left wondering what the hell is being said. I grew up near Wales, but even I struggled at times!

What a program! Why have they waited so long to make another. Incredibly believable acting and wonderful story. I'm from Wales so having a Welsh cast really made it even more special for me. The switch between Bethan's two lives were done portrayed so well and the ending had me itching for the second series. You won't be disappointed! My favourite character was the grandma... HANDS DOWN! Haha.

The first series was revealing and honest about a deprived childhood and the devastating consequences on the aspirations and achievements of that misfortune. It realistically portrays the shame and guilt that can accrue. But all this is done with humour - both ribald and acerbic - that still remains both humane and ultimately hopeful, despite the pent-up frustrations of teenage angst and a quiet rage against the circumstances of life inflicted on protagonist Bethan.

The portrait of Bethan's mam going through an episode of bipolar breakdown is eviscerating - but then again, there is healing and resolution, if only for a while. The mainly female leads in the first and second series are outstanding - Creevey playing Bethan is, as they say, a revelation and the actress playing her mam delivers a tour de force. Rhodri Meilyr, Steffan Rhodri and Mr Wilbraham playing Travis also provide terrific support, as do the young actresses playing Ffion and Bethan's girlfriend (apologies to all actors unnamed - I can't see the crew listing to check your names as I write).

The second series is a wonderful sequence - the actors, their characters and the storyline have all matured. This is a story that needed to be told and it is told engagingly. It could be argued that such stories never end happily or hopefully. But I know from experience (and I think the author has also lived this) that it is possible, especially with the kindness and support of teachers, to escape the seemingly inevitable failure meted out to the 'undeserving' poor. This film may be frank and challenging and even uncomfortable to view at times - but it is both rewarding and entertaining.

I see some anti-Welsh racists in comments have bemoaned the mere existence of Welsh culture and voices - all the more reason to resist such xenophobia and do the opposite. More productions of quality like this from Wales (and other cultures outside the English metropolitan elites) and more presence of the Welsh language are now due. It's time that UK television reflected that English has not 'extirped' Welsh and that it is a modern, European indigenous language with its finger on the pulse of what really matters today and a significant presence in the UK.

This is a very important character study into the mind of a teen that is struggling beyond the limits any teen thinks they can comprehend. And she does so, exquisitely.

I don't really know where to begin, here. The actors are brilliantly cast. All of them. And they all stand out with a credible personality, the students, parents, teachers, the Chippy guy...

Bethan has a harder time than most in her extremely dysfunctional home, but still manages to find the inner strength to survive. Going through all the relatable conflicts and good times in and outside of school, she balances ever so narrowly without plunging into the abyss. It's dark, but it is beautiful, it is ever so relatable, and I recommend it as one of the must-sees. If you are young, or you have young ones living at home, or you need a reminder what being young is like - watch it.

I haven't seen a lot of Welsh series, so I did need the occasional subtitle support, but the accent really has a beautiful melody to it. Now I want to visit the country!