Category: TV
Drama
Date: 26.07.2005
Printable version
Helena Bonham Carter is to star as
Maggi, a mother with seven children - three 'normal' daughters and
four sons who are each, in one form or another, autistic - in BBC
TWO's uplifting drama Magnificent
7.
The production is inspired by real life supermum
Jacqui Jackson and her extraordinary children, who were featured in
BBC TWO's documentary, My Family and
Autism, shown in 2003. Jacqui
Jackson has worked as a consultant on the production.
Written by Sandy Welch (North and South),
Magnificent 7 is a warm, poignant and enriching story which looks at
the struggles, tears, laughter and moments of magic that this
surprising household experience over the course of a
year.
Helena Bonham Carter said: "I found the script
funny, touching and humane. Hopefully, this film will help people to
understand what it is like to be autistic, and moreover, celebrate
rather than marginalise what it is to be 'different'."
Curtis is supersensitive and allergic to everything,
including Christmas and the colour red. David - with ADHD - is a
mini-whirlwind, creative and destructive in equal measures.
Christopher has Asperger's syndrome and with it a problem with
anything that doesn't say exactly what it means. Richard hates
surprises and being jolly.
Producer Deborah Jones said: "We are delighted that
Helena is to portray Maggi, whose determination to do the best for
all her family and her loving and chaotic world is truly
uplifting.
"Inspired by the real life Jacqui Jackson,
Magnificent 7 will give viewers a truthful insight into her life and
those of her extraordinary children. As a drama, this will be an
urban fairytale - funny, heartbreaking and
inspirational."
Roly Keating, Controller of BBC TWO, said: "Helena
Bonham Carter is a stunning signing for this strongly authored
single drama inspired by Jacqui Jackson's incredible story of
triumph over adversity.
"She will bring poignancy and spirit to this modern
day tale of family life."
Magnificent 7 is currently being filmed in Bolton
and Blackpool and all the children have been drawn from the local
area.
It is directed by Kenny Glenaan (Yasmin, The Cops)
and executive producers are Laura Mackie and Richard Stokes.
