Common wins Best Single Drama at the Broadcast Awards
Jimmy McGovern’s 90-minute drama Common, which told the story of a young man standing trial for murder under complicated circumstances, was a “jaw-dropping drama that never did the predictable” and an “outstanding exposition of a complex theme”, according to the judges.
The LA Productions film starred Nico Mirallegro (The Village) as 17-year-old Johnjo O’Shea, who finds himself charged with murder through the complex Joint Enterprise Law after giving a ride to his cousin and his friends, who stab an innocent man to death.
Common also starred Daniel Mays (Mrs Biggs) and Jodhi May (Strike Back).
It was directed by Accused’s David Blair and produced in association with the BBC’s independent drama unit.
The drama, which drew a consolidated audience of 5.1 million (22.3%) in July, began after Cracker creator McGovern received a letter from a Joint Enterprise support group, with the project kicking off at a read-through at Liverpool Town Hall shortly afterwards.
The judges were united in their praise for the film, agreeing that Common was “beautifully written, acted and directed” and a “brilliant piece of British drama”.