I randomly spotted this after I finished watching THE PACT on BBC Iplayer and noticed that quite a few of the cast here went on to star in the The Pact series. All stand out brilliant protrayal of their characters from the mentally ill mum, the slobbish layabout dad, the vulgar best friends, the two faced new friend, the school bully, the nan, the teachers all fantastic but the stand out is Gabrielle Creevy as Bethan who lead the series and she is such a brilliant actress with a big future. Also the mum also (Katrina) played by Jo Hartley who protrayal of a mentally ill mom was just amazing. Great series.
29 Reviews
Meditating into the dark
Almost_Soldout17 November 2021
Your 100% drama with no sugar added has been delivered. Ingredients: Dark, cruel childhood seasonad with bad parenting overlapped with mental health issues. People expecting entertaining teenage story can be considered as allergic to this dish. To the rest the show is highly recommended, it's intensely touching and deep.
Outstanding in Every Way
johntaymac22 November 2021
Not "a comedy" - so much more than that!
ella-484 May 2020
For reasons that baffle me, in the UK this has been promoted by the BBC as a "comedy series" - go figure! OK, there are some wryly comic moments, but make no mistake: this is drama, folks. When I saw the pilot of "In My Skin" back in 2018 I was blown away, and kept my fingers crossed that a full series would be commissioned. Happily it has, and the result completely fulfils my hopes.
"In My Skin" is the tale of a talented 16 year-old Welsh schoolgirl called Bethan Gwyndaf. Bethan has a secret: everything.
Her home life is far from ideal - VERY far - to the point that she feels she needs to hide it from everyone she knows. Fortunately, Bethan is a very accomplished liar: for years, she has had even her closest schoolfriends believing the wildest "facts" about her lifestyle and background.
Maintaining such a massive construct of lies is hard work though: Bethan lives every day on a knife edge, only ever one wrong word away from exposure, and over time, the stress of keeping all her fictional plates spinning - of maintaining her facade while trying to cope with an increasingly chaotic domestic situation - gets steadily harder to bear.
Long story short: it's superb. Its depiction of the callous bear-pit of school life is so accurately drawn that, as a one-time victim of persistent playground bullying myself, there were moments I found difficult to watch. It's worth it, though: the writing is spot-on and performances are excellent across the board. Especial mention must go to Jo Hartley, who plays Beth's mother - a very challenging role.
The majority of the cast are faces new to me and little known outside Wales. However, one actor may ring a bell with anyone who's seen "Detectorists": the horrendously overbearing P.E. teacher (a darkly comedic ogre of a part) is played by Laura Checkley, whom you might remember as Louise.
I understand that "In My Skin" is about to be screened in the USA on Hulu. A note for American viewers: you might need to switch on the subtitles! Many scenes involve Welsh teenagers talking rapidly in slang, and without a little onscreen help there may be quite a few moments when you're left wondering what the hell is being said. I grew up near Wales, but even I struggled at times!
"In My Skin" is the tale of a talented 16 year-old Welsh schoolgirl called Bethan Gwyndaf. Bethan has a secret: everything.
Her home life is far from ideal - VERY far - to the point that she feels she needs to hide it from everyone she knows. Fortunately, Bethan is a very accomplished liar: for years, she has had even her closest schoolfriends believing the wildest "facts" about her lifestyle and background.
Maintaining such a massive construct of lies is hard work though: Bethan lives every day on a knife edge, only ever one wrong word away from exposure, and over time, the stress of keeping all her fictional plates spinning - of maintaining her facade while trying to cope with an increasingly chaotic domestic situation - gets steadily harder to bear.
Long story short: it's superb. Its depiction of the callous bear-pit of school life is so accurately drawn that, as a one-time victim of persistent playground bullying myself, there were moments I found difficult to watch. It's worth it, though: the writing is spot-on and performances are excellent across the board. Especial mention must go to Jo Hartley, who plays Beth's mother - a very challenging role.
The majority of the cast are faces new to me and little known outside Wales. However, one actor may ring a bell with anyone who's seen "Detectorists": the horrendously overbearing P.E. teacher (a darkly comedic ogre of a part) is played by Laura Checkley, whom you might remember as Louise.
I understand that "In My Skin" is about to be screened in the USA on Hulu. A note for American viewers: you might need to switch on the subtitles! Many scenes involve Welsh teenagers talking rapidly in slang, and without a little onscreen help there may be quite a few moments when you're left wondering what the hell is being said. I grew up near Wales, but even I struggled at times!
You need to watch
Jmon279 June 2020
Dark, sincere, real
glgabrielsen17 May 2021
I don't really know where to begin, here. The actors are brilliantly cast. All of them. And they all stand out with a credible personality, the students, parents, teachers, the Chippy guy...
Bethan has a harder time than most in her extremely dysfunctional home, but still manages to find the inner strength to survive. Going through all the relatable conflicts and good times in and outside of school, she balances ever so narrowly without plunging into the abyss. It's dark, but it is beautiful, it is ever so relatable, and I recommend it as one of the must-sees. If you are young, or you have young ones living at home, or you need a reminder what being young is like - watch it.
I haven't seen a lot of Welsh series, so I did need the occasional subtitle support, but the accent really has a beautiful melody to it. Now I want to visit the country!
Bethan has a harder time than most in her extremely dysfunctional home, but still manages to find the inner strength to survive. Going through all the relatable conflicts and good times in and outside of school, she balances ever so narrowly without plunging into the abyss. It's dark, but it is beautiful, it is ever so relatable, and I recommend it as one of the must-sees. If you are young, or you have young ones living at home, or you need a reminder what being young is like - watch it.
I haven't seen a lot of Welsh series, so I did need the occasional subtitle support, but the accent really has a beautiful melody to it. Now I want to visit the country!
WOW!
mikeiskorn28 July 2021
What a program! Why have they waited so long to make another. Incredibly believable acting and wonderful story. I'm from Wales so having a Welsh cast really made it even more special for me. The switch between Bethan's two lives were done portrayed so well and the ending had me itching for the second series. You won't be disappointed! My favourite character was the grandma... HANDS DOWN! Haha.
Series 2 delivers drama, emotion and brilliant acting
civitascymru1 December 2021
The first series was revealing and honest about a deprived childhood and the devastating consequences on the aspirations and achievements of that misfortune. It realistically portrays the shame and guilt that can accrue. But all this is done with humour - both ribald and acerbic - that still remains both humane and ultimately hopeful, despite the pent-up frustrations of teenage angst and a quiet rage against the circumstances of life inflicted on protagonist Bethan.
The portrait of Bethan's mam going through an episode of bipolar breakdown is eviscerating - but then again, there is healing and resolution, if only for a while. The mainly female leads in the first and second series are outstanding - Creevey playing Bethan is, as they say, a revelation and the actress playing her mam delivers a tour de force. Rhodri Meilyr, Steffan Rhodri and Mr Wilbraham playing Travis also provide terrific support, as do the young actresses playing Ffion and Bethan's girlfriend (apologies to all actors unnamed - I can't see the crew listing to check your names as I write).
The second series is a wonderful sequence - the actors, their characters and the storyline have all matured. This is a story that needed to be told and it is told engagingly. It could be argued that such stories never end happily or hopefully. But I know from experience (and I think the author has also lived this) that it is possible, especially with the kindness and support of teachers, to escape the seemingly inevitable failure meted out to the 'undeserving' poor. This film may be frank and challenging and even uncomfortable to view at times - but it is both rewarding and entertaining.
I see some anti-Welsh racists in comments have bemoaned the mere existence of Welsh culture and voices - all the more reason to resist such xenophobia and do the opposite. More productions of quality like this from Wales (and other cultures outside the English metropolitan elites) and more presence of the Welsh language are now due. It's time that UK television reflected that English has not 'extirped' Welsh and that it is a modern, European indigenous language with its finger on the pulse of what really matters today and a significant presence in the UK.
The portrait of Bethan's mam going through an episode of bipolar breakdown is eviscerating - but then again, there is healing and resolution, if only for a while. The mainly female leads in the first and second series are outstanding - Creevey playing Bethan is, as they say, a revelation and the actress playing her mam delivers a tour de force. Rhodri Meilyr, Steffan Rhodri and Mr Wilbraham playing Travis also provide terrific support, as do the young actresses playing Ffion and Bethan's girlfriend (apologies to all actors unnamed - I can't see the crew listing to check your names as I write).
The second series is a wonderful sequence - the actors, their characters and the storyline have all matured. This is a story that needed to be told and it is told engagingly. It could be argued that such stories never end happily or hopefully. But I know from experience (and I think the author has also lived this) that it is possible, especially with the kindness and support of teachers, to escape the seemingly inevitable failure meted out to the 'undeserving' poor. This film may be frank and challenging and even uncomfortable to view at times - but it is both rewarding and entertaining.
I see some anti-Welsh racists in comments have bemoaned the mere existence of Welsh culture and voices - all the more reason to resist such xenophobia and do the opposite. More productions of quality like this from Wales (and other cultures outside the English metropolitan elites) and more presence of the Welsh language are now due. It's time that UK television reflected that English has not 'extirped' Welsh and that it is a modern, European indigenous language with its finger on the pulse of what really matters today and a significant presence in the UK.
Arresting and profound
riachatterjee-9846714 April 2020
Very good but not an easy watch
nbernadett18 April 2022
I can't remember when was the last time I cried watching a tv show but this time I did. It was heartbreaking to see what this girls went through. I've been there too, it's not easy to live with a chronically ill mother. I love Jo Hartley, she is an amazing actress. Very touching story and good acting. A solid 7 from me.
Great drama (not only a comedy)!
tor-fjeldstad15 May 2021
This is one of the best depictions of a teenagers troubled life I've ever seen. The ending of the last episode of the first season was a real cliffhanger, so I am very excited to see the next season. The actors are all very good. It is labelled as a comedy, not without reason, because there is a lot of dialogues and situations that makes me smile, but the excitement and dark side of life is always there. Bethan may seem like a dandelion child, but as always there are many layers in the human life, and this drama does not simplify things. That is what impresses me most here.
And a half
Headturner117 March 2022
Which is high for me. I would have rated it higher if a tad less depressing but this was Bethans world. Really good portrayal of mental illness. Probably one of the best I've seen. I cried throughout as I dealt with some of the things she did. She had t be her own mother and father and her portrayal really was amazing! I felt all her emotions. The second season was a bit all over the place and not fleshed out well but it was still an excellent , moving piece of film/ series. I had started it ages ago when I got Hulu and forgot. Glad I remembered and finished it last night.
Too dark for me
gdump10 July 2021
Regardless of what else this may be, it is dark, depressing, and not the slightest bit funny. In my opinion, the purpose of a TV series is entertainment and there is nothing entertaining about this. Two episodes was more than enough for me.
10 out of 10
becstogram28 July 2020
Awesome show deserving of a season 2 and more
bpatterson-0576911 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This TV show is really compelling. It has so much going on, that you cannot help but TRY to put yourself in Bethans' Shoes. I wish that she could've been honest with friends and all from the start, but since this is based on a real life story. Well it is what it is. How tragic. I look forward to a continuation. What an abrupt end! And what short episodes for such a series that could seriously branch out to other folks' stories and lives in the show. I'm sure there are other kids there including Poppy that doesn't have it so peachy keen as kids (and adults) often would like you to think. This all stems from shame from substance abuse and mental illness. What a shame this girl has to navigate taking care of or not caring for her parents and still go to school. I mean talk about getting dealt a bad hand in life. Also struggling with her sexuality. There I can relate with, also lying all the time to hide it until I came out at 21 years old. I'm from the Bronx, NY. Born 1987 so it was a very NOT OKAY to be openly Gay in my neighborhood. And many peoples' neighborhoods during the 80's, 90's. It wasn't until the 21st century that real strides have begun to be made. Anyhow this show has so much promise. I love the characters and even though it was so short. I loved it. Wish for more from this series PLEASE and CHEERS ;)
Magnificent !
daviddunn-9065318 May 2022
Stunning
Akex-woodham3 December 2021
Favourite show
raematima25 August 2020
Welsh Rarebit
southdavid14 July 2022
I've written reviews for each season of "In My Skin" so I thought I'd put something here to sum up my overall feeling about it.
"In My Skin" was a show that I came across via the Guardian's "Best TV of 2020" list. It's a five-part series, based on the short film / pilot that was released in 2018. Though at times it's pretty grim subject matter, it often undercuts that with genuine humour and odd fantasy moments.
16-year-old Bethan Gwyndaf (Gabrielle Creevy) is a bright student, who should have a decent future open to her, but her home life is rocked by a lazy drunken father (Rhodri Mellir) and a mother (Jo Hartley) who is affected by a severe Bipolar disorder and is in and out of institutions. She constantly lies about her home life to her friends and teachers and withdraws to fantasy moments, and she is developing a crush on popular girl Poppy (Zadeiah Campbell-Davies).
You can't not start with Gabrielle Creevy who is phenomenal in the series. A real star in the making. She (and the plot) keeps Bethan on the right side of your affection even though she undertakes a few questionable actions along the way. The rest of the cast is great too, I only really recognised Jo Hartley and Bethan's grandmother, played by Di Botcher, whose been a consistent face on UK TV for decades.
Tonally, it's half grim kitchen sink drama and half sitcom, occasionally quite a broad sitcom too. The PE teacher, played by Laura Checkley from "The Detectorists" feels particularly like she's been shipped in from a different show. But somehow it balances really well. The idea that "This is going to end badly" never goes away, that disaster is going to befall one of the characters in the next scene. But also, it's funny, and funny in several different ways - either the wittiness of the characters or the use of a particular swearword at the right moment.
Warm and uplifting, Funny and comical, grim and dark. A excellent time.
"In My Skin" was a show that I came across via the Guardian's "Best TV of 2020" list. It's a five-part series, based on the short film / pilot that was released in 2018. Though at times it's pretty grim subject matter, it often undercuts that with genuine humour and odd fantasy moments.
16-year-old Bethan Gwyndaf (Gabrielle Creevy) is a bright student, who should have a decent future open to her, but her home life is rocked by a lazy drunken father (Rhodri Mellir) and a mother (Jo Hartley) who is affected by a severe Bipolar disorder and is in and out of institutions. She constantly lies about her home life to her friends and teachers and withdraws to fantasy moments, and she is developing a crush on popular girl Poppy (Zadeiah Campbell-Davies).
You can't not start with Gabrielle Creevy who is phenomenal in the series. A real star in the making. She (and the plot) keeps Bethan on the right side of your affection even though she undertakes a few questionable actions along the way. The rest of the cast is great too, I only really recognised Jo Hartley and Bethan's grandmother, played by Di Botcher, whose been a consistent face on UK TV for decades.
Tonally, it's half grim kitchen sink drama and half sitcom, occasionally quite a broad sitcom too. The PE teacher, played by Laura Checkley from "The Detectorists" feels particularly like she's been shipped in from a different show. But somehow it balances really well. The idea that "This is going to end badly" never goes away, that disaster is going to befall one of the characters in the next scene. But also, it's funny, and funny in several different ways - either the wittiness of the characters or the use of a particular swearword at the right moment.
Warm and uplifting, Funny and comical, grim and dark. A excellent time.
Stick with it, it gets better
nfdxfgv9 May 2022
If you were tempted to stop watching after the first 5 minutes of the first episode, which made it seem like this would be a cheap, exaggerated rip off of Skins (referring to the cringy scene in the park where Beth is drinking with her friends), then trust me - stick with it!
Thankfully we see less of the insufferable character that is Lydia (completely over after and unrealistic performance from the actress that portrayed her) as the season progresses.
It turns into the most realistic onscreen depiction of bipolar disorder that I've ever seen, and the difficulties that come with being the loved one of a person struggling with BPD.
Decent viewing, solid 7/10.
Thankfully we see less of the insufferable character that is Lydia (completely over after and unrealistic performance from the actress that portrayed her) as the season progresses.
It turns into the most realistic onscreen depiction of bipolar disorder that I've ever seen, and the difficulties that come with being the loved one of a person struggling with BPD.
Decent viewing, solid 7/10.
Very moving story, worth watching!
ejonesdj19 August 2022
I found this a very moving and well acted series. It provides a very insightful look at what teenagers go through, and the pressure they face. It was heartbreaking to see the challenges the main character, Beth, goes through. Highly recommend the series!
Total Rubbish!
martimusross14 September 2021
In My Skin
Watched the gloomy lot!
Supposedly this was showing a "normal" and perhaps "everyday" Welsh school girl growing up in modern Britain.
The school girl had such a ridiculous set of issues that you had to laugh. All drama is a compression of reality but here they overloaded the central character with so many impediments that is was ludicrous and absurd.
I am not quite sure who the target audience was, as it wasn't really suitable for anyone. I felt uncomfortable with the gross profiling of Welsh people and Welsh society as this was clearly intentional. Don't even start me on the man shaming, simply shocking!
Not sure what the poetry was all about when it was nothing more than rap doggerel! We had drinking whisky is school uniform, and drug taking how this example for a children's show was allowed to be shown I have no clue. The very strange "romantic" segment in episode 2 was quite hysterical because of what came before and after it.
Episode 3 was so full of contrivances. The drama carried on in much the same repetitive way
Come episode 5 we really saw what this drama could have been instead of the dross we got.
Oh well it's a weak 3 outta 10 from me, total rubbish!
Series 2
It was terrible, beyond terrible, it was beyond depressing, there were just no redeeming aspects. They really just showed us people spirally down, substance abuse, children out of control it was nihilistic offering a near alternative reality. I am at a loss to understand who this programme is aimed at. If life was truly as bleak as this show portrayed no one would carry on, and a programme about abject despair is not entertainment.
Watched the gloomy lot!
Supposedly this was showing a "normal" and perhaps "everyday" Welsh school girl growing up in modern Britain.
The school girl had such a ridiculous set of issues that you had to laugh. All drama is a compression of reality but here they overloaded the central character with so many impediments that is was ludicrous and absurd.
I am not quite sure who the target audience was, as it wasn't really suitable for anyone. I felt uncomfortable with the gross profiling of Welsh people and Welsh society as this was clearly intentional. Don't even start me on the man shaming, simply shocking!
Not sure what the poetry was all about when it was nothing more than rap doggerel! We had drinking whisky is school uniform, and drug taking how this example for a children's show was allowed to be shown I have no clue. The very strange "romantic" segment in episode 2 was quite hysterical because of what came before and after it.
Episode 3 was so full of contrivances. The drama carried on in much the same repetitive way
Come episode 5 we really saw what this drama could have been instead of the dross we got.
Oh well it's a weak 3 outta 10 from me, total rubbish!
Series 2
It was terrible, beyond terrible, it was beyond depressing, there were just no redeeming aspects. They really just showed us people spirally down, substance abuse, children out of control it was nihilistic offering a near alternative reality. I am at a loss to understand who this programme is aimed at. If life was truly as bleak as this show portrayed no one would carry on, and a programme about abject despair is not entertainment.
Wow loved it
carlosdean-1084313 November 2021
Amazingly powerful.
MovieInMyMind28 July 2020
Want an emotional roller coaster!
JustinHow22 August 2022
I was not expecting very much when I started to watch this series, however it quickly becamse apparent that the acting and direction were spot on. So could the story line live up to it. Well at the end of season one I thought it was by and large successful and good enough to watch season two.
I am so glad I made that decision because season two steps it up significantly in pretty much all areas, and there are various parts where you feel you have just gone through an emotional ringer watching the lives of the various protagonists unfold.
So I would say this is a must watch series. Superb story and super acting.
I am so glad I made that decision because season two steps it up significantly in pretty much all areas, and there are various parts where you feel you have just gone through an emotional ringer watching the lives of the various protagonists unfold.
So I would say this is a must watch series. Superb story and super acting.
See also
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