My Mad Diary - Series 1 [DVD]

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Six-part comedy drama series following the life of overweight teen Rae Earl (Sharon Rooney) in the mid-1990s. After a four-month stint in a psychiatric clinic, troubled 16-year-old Rae returns to the world with some apprehension. While attempting to overcome her mental and physical issues and fit in with friends Chloe (Jodie Comer), Archie (Dan Cohen), Izzy (Ciara Baxendale), Chop (Jordan Murphy) and Finn (Nico Mirallegro), she is also hoping to find love. From .co.uk ----------- The title may have a bit of a sensationalist feel to it, but there's a lot more to My Mad Diary than you may at first suspect. It's a drama series set in the mid-90s, set around a 16-year old girl by the name of Rae. She's got no shortage of real-life issues, which get in the way of her attempts to live a 'normal' life, and Sharon Rooney is an utter sensation in the lead role. What makes My Mad Diary so special is that it feels real, and it feels honest. It cleverly and openly deals with mental issues in the midst of a series that brings all sorts of emotions together. Furthermore, it's exquisitely written, based on the real life diaries of Rae, and compelling to watch. Few drama series have displayed such confidence, bravery and skill in their maiden series. And heck, the soundtrack is quite wonderful too. The disc release is excellent too. There are features looking at how the show was made, as well as a nice look at bringing the world of the 90s to the screen. There's a good mix on offer, and they supplement that show itself extremely well. My Mad Diary deserves such a good disc release though. It's a shame that the title may put off those expecting another one of the ten-a-minute reality shows that television is trading in, because this is just the kind of drama that needs, and deserves, to be seen. Brilliant. --Jon Foster