TV review: Time

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STAMMA volunteer and Speech & Language Therapist Katherine Brown reviews the BBC drama Time, currently showing on iPlayer, which features a character who stammers.

Chukwubuikem Molokwu gives an outstanding performance playing Christopher, a young man with a stammer as he joins a Young Offenders Institution in the BBC's harrowing drama Time, by Jimmy McGovern. 

Molokwu is absolutely believable in his portrayal of both the physical and the emotional manifestations of his character's stammer, creating a gripping story and a poignant connection with the audience.

Within the storyline there are some positive responses from other characters to Christopher, which are great models for action. For instance, the scene when new prison chaplain Marie-Louise, played by Siobhan Finneran, welcomes Christopher, calmly and patiently listening as he struggles to speak, without rushing or interrupting him; great examples of reasonable adjustments made by the institution to support someone with a stammer.

According to the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, "over 60% of young people in justice settings have speech, language and communication needs". It is therefore crucial that we learn from dramas such as Time, and ensure that Young Offenders Institutions have robust processes, well-trained staff, and access to professionals for young people who need support with communication.

Overall, Time importantly shows stammering in a very real, very specific situation. It makes clear that stammering is present in all walks of life, can be found in any scenario, and therefore needs to be understood properly and supported in society, across the board.

The three-part drama Time is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.