Drama sponsored by Carbon Creative
Awarded to a single drama or drama series transmitted on TV, radio or online.
Winner: The Virtues
Warp Films, Channel 4
In The Virtues we follow Joseph, a recovering alcoholic, who starts drinking again after his son leaves for Australia with his ex-wife. Plagued by painful memories from his childhood, he travels to Ireland to face up to his past. He arrives at the door of his sister Anna, who takes Joseph in. This compelling drama was inspired by director Shane Meadows's own experiences with anxiety and depression.
Shortlisted entries
Casualty
BBC One
In two episodes of Casualty which aired in February 2019, the show focused in on paramedic Iain Dean, who tries to take his own life. The first episode explores Iain's deteriorating state of mind and how his work as a paramedic affects his mental health. The second focuses on Iain's return to work after his suicide attempt, the impact it has had on those around him and his gradual road to recovery.
Me Myself I
BBC Radio 4
Based on true stories, Me Myself I explores the effects that chronic loneliness can have on mental health. The three interlinked episodes feature a girl of 13 who struggles at school and with the impact of social media, a middle-aged woman who discovers loneliness in her marriage and an elderly woman who is experiencing her first week in a care home.
Pure
Drama Republic, Channel 4
Pure is a six-part comedy-drama for Channel 4 about getting to know your mind. Marnie has a specific type of obsessive-compulsive disorder – nicknamed 'Pure O' – which manifests in Marnie's mind as disturbing sexual images. After an agonising family party, Marnie packs her bags and leaves for London, where she searches for some answers and attempts to build a new life for herself.
