Levi David Addai
Television
Levi’s four-part serial DARK MON£Y was broadcast on BBC1 in 2019:
"I’m not sure where things are going because we’re only two episodes in out of four. So far, though, it hasn’t put a foot wrong. The smothering pride of Isaac’s extended family, the rivalries of his siblings, the smooth, moneyed, unstoppable entitlement of Hollywood executives, the impotence of his parents, the lost boy at the middle; every bit is perfectly judged. As a viewer, you’re caught as deep as anybody. At the premiere, when Isaac’s father is confronted with the producer, you want him to punch him. Who, though, would that really help?"
Levi won the Best Single Drama BAFTA Award, Best TV Movie at the BANFF Rockies, a Screen Nation Award and two CDN Awards (including Best Writer) for the 90 minute film for BBC1/Minnow Films, DAMILOLA, OUR LOVED BOY, broadcast in November 2016. The film was nominated for the Best Single Drama at the Broadcast Awards, the Royal Television Society Awards and the Broadcasting Press Awards; and for the Best Writer (Drama) at the BAFTAs.
"Without question the drama of the week (and one of the best of the year so far), writer Levi David Addai’s account of the brief life of Damilola Taylor, the happy 10-year-old London schoolboy stabbed to death in 2000 in Peckham is one of the saddest but most powerful pieces of television you will ever see. It follows “Dami’s” journey from Lagos to London, helps us understand the family’s difficulty accepting the murder and chronicles their subsequent campaign for justice. The acting is outstanding and the film deserves every award going. Unmissable."
Levi wrote and co-created a comedy drama series YOUNGERS for Big Talk/E4, broadcast 2013. The first series was nominated for a Broadcast Award, a Radio 1 Teen Best British TV show Award and multiple TV BIFFAs, including Best Drama. Series 2 was broadcast in Spring 2014 and won the Best Drama BIFA.
"At last someone has produced a drama set on a south London council estate that doesn’t try to be so “street” that it loses sight of itself. Instead, writer Levi David Addai presents a touching, realistic tale about teenage best mates Yemi and Jay. In part one of two it’s GCSE results day and the boys try to hide their nerves on the way to school. Aspiring music producer Yemi does well, but for Jay the future looks bleak. To escape a career fixing boilers with his dad, Jay then enters a music competition that could provide his big break. Deserves every award going, including best soundtrack, so do not miss this."
The Observer
BBC Current Affairs commissioned Levi to write a drama MY MURDER based on a gang-related honey trap murder. MY MURDER won the Broadcast ‘Best Single Drama’ Award; ‘Best Drama’ at the Music Video and Screen Awards 2012; a Screen Nation Award. It was nominated for an RTS ‘Best Single Drama’ and ‘Best Television Script by a Newcomer’ at the 2012 Prix Europa.
"This is a heartrending dramatisation of the true story of a 16-year-old boy from south London who was set up by a 15-year-old girl whom he thought was his girlfriend in a murder which became known as the Honey Trap killing. Writer Levi David Addai and actors John Boyega and Simona Zivkovska all deserve awards."
The Observer
In 2011 Levi wrote a short film MICAH for Touchpaper/C4’s Coming Up initiative, which was broadcast in August and screened at the Edinburgh film festival. The short led to his winning Best Breakthrough Talent at the CDN Awards 2011.
"Glengarry Glen Ross meets Cain and Abel in Britain’s Nigerian community. Two grown up sons – one apparently feckless and out of work, the other an apparently successful salesman – do battle for the affections of their mother, who is about to return to Lagos, and for the family home she will be vacating. Matters are complicated – as ever – by sex and money, but in the final frames family conflict appears to be on the verge of being settled by the transformative power of love. Well appears to be. Well done writer Levi David Addai and director John Maddens: this debut short is nicely paced, original and sparky. And there’s a good recurring carpet gag."
Time Out
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Theatre
Levi wrote his first play 93.2FM as part of the Royal Court Theatre’s Young Writers Programme. It was performed at the Royal Court’s Downstairs (main) Theatre in 2005 and then revived in 2006 before touring to Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool and Brighton.
"There is an enormous generosity in Addai’s writing. He shows us the caring, supportive side of community… this is a memorable and decidedly promising debut."
The Times
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Levi’s second play OXFORD STREET sold out its run at the Royal Court in May 2008 before transferring for a limited run in Elephant and Castle shopping centre. OXFORD STREET was nominated for a Writers Guild ‘Best Play’ Award and an ‘Outstanding achievement’ Olivier Award.
"After delivering a lorry-load of laughs, the piece, which bristles throughout with urban authenticity, abruptly sharpens into a bleak portrait of lonely vulnerability as Kofi’s life, which appeared to be back on track, hits a grim dead-end. Unlike his trapped characters, though, Addai is clearly going places."
The Daily Telegraph
Paines Plough commissioned HOUSE OF AGNES from Levi which opened in March 2008 at the Oval House and was shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon award.
"On the strength of his first play 93.2FM, seen at the Royal Court some 18 months ago, and now this co-production with Paines Plough, Levi David Addai has a simplicity, directness and openness of spirit that make him both a powerful and a heartening writer of personal dramas."
The Financial Times
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I HAVE A DREAM ran in 2011 at Polka Children’s Theatre for Black History Month. Levi won the 2011 Alfred Fagon Award.
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