Lost Boys & Fairies

As someone who, as part of a gay couple, went through the process of adopting children, I watched this with interest. I expected some emotional scenes, but this really pushed some buttons for me. The acting throughout is exceptional, as is, by and large, the balance between humour and drama. The chap who plays Gabriel, Sion Daniel Young, has an excellent singing voice, and his performances throughout the series are really profound. In particular, I've never heard, "A Little Respect" by Erasure, performed in this way, with such an odd time signature. It adds a whole new depth to the song.

My criticism is that this drama, in order to tell the story satisfactorily, requires three mini-series, not just three episodes. Each of these episodes could be developed further. Without spoiling, the end of episode 2 is SUCH a curveball! Just when you think you've cried enough, you're in buckets again, and episode three has its work cut out going through the issues created by a few brief moments in episode two, so that it can resolve satisfactorily. I suppose that if I were marking it as an essay, I'd say the last episode especially was rushed, because there was just too much going on in episode two. But thankfully, it does resolve beautifully. As other reviewers have said, "Pass The Tissues!" Absolutely beautiful.

I just watched the first episode and am gripped. The acting from everyone is faultless and the story telling spot on. The Direction is also top notch.

Well done BBC for providing such excellence, for once!

The theme of fostering is very emotive and I was biting my lip for much of it.

I can't wait to watch the remaining two episodes.

I highly recommend this.

I'm going to copy and paste due to IMBD's stupid character limit.

I just watched the first episode and am gripped. The acting from everyone is faultless and the story telling spot on. The Direction is also top notch.

Well done BBC for providing such excellence, for once!

The theme of fostering is very emotive and I was biting my lip for much of it.

I can't wait to watch the remaining two episodes.

I highly recommend this.

I could not recommend this more, the first couple of episodes were so amazing, incredibly funny and thoughtful - the last two were guttural and raw; relatable and provoking.

An emotional rollercoaster, a brilliant one to watch with parents/family etc who might not be so understanding or educated on queer issues.

Many different issues covered from drug use, violence within the home, homophobic and transphobia. Bits emphasis on grief.

The acting was incredible and I really do hope this is nominated for several awards as the two lead gentlemen, social worker, foster mum and child were all amazing.

Andy and Gabriel decide it's time to develop their relationship, and consider adoption. Gabriel has a strict set of guidelines as to the type of child he wants to take on, Andy is less picky. Their lives are turned upside down when they meet Jake.

I'm late to the party.... I know, I simply didn't fancy it, I had visions of it being a BBC tick box exercise, I was totally wrong, this is a drama of the highest order, without a shadow of a doubt, this is one of the drama highlights of the year.

You'll need your hankies at the ready for this one, there are several scenes that will have you blubbering and sobbing, it is an incredibly moving drama.

Fra Fee and Elizabeth Berrington deliver first class performances, the two are really quite brilliant, Sion Daniel Young however deserves an award for his performance as Gabriel, he is truly phenomenal.

Gwyneth Keyworth, I adore you!

10/10.

I've never given a show or move a 10 before. I went back and watched the whole series again looking for a flaw, any flaw, to bring the score down and I just couldn't find one. The direction and pacing are perfect. The interwoven musical sequences add value and are never overdone.

Sion Daniel Young and Fra Fee play Gabriel and Andy, a gay couple looking to adopt and while Andy is full steam ahead, Gabiel is struggling with unresolved trauma that informs his every waking moment. The chemistry between the leads is electric and the raw and honest sharp edges of a relationship is examined, and insecurities, pain and so much love is revealed underneath.

Gwyneth Keyworth in her role as birth mother, in the short time she is on screen, is captivating - daring us to look away. My heart tore with every forced and nervous smile she gave. Elizabeth Berrington as the social worker and Arwel Gruffydd and the queer elder\sage don't miss a note. The actor playing the teenage Gabriel has little or no lines so all of the acting had to take place behind his eyes, and what a treat it is to witness.

Fra Fee as Andy, the father in waiting, is so believable you will want him to be your Dad. But for all of that, the night belongs to Sion Danial Young who gave a flawless performance of a very flawed human being.