CUCUMBER
DRAMA
UNITED KINGDOM
2015
CUCUMBER is a 2015 British television series created by Russell T Davies and broadcast on Channel 4. It is an examination of gay life in the 21st century. In 2006, Cucumber was announced along with E4's companion series Banana and 4oD's web series Tofu in November 2013. The titles of all three shows come from a scientific study on the male erection, which divided the erection into a hardness scale consisting of tofu, peeled banana, banana and cucumber. Upon reading the study, Davies noted that "at that point, I knew I had my drama." Cucumber ran for one season. Davies confirmed that Cucumber was a one-off story and would not be returning for a second series. The show was nominated for the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Movie or Limited Series. CUCUMBER consists of 9 episodes of 50 minutes.
STORY Exploring 21st-century gay life, the series focuses on middle-aged Henry Best (Vincent Franklin). Following a disastrous date night with his boyfriend of nine years, Lance Sullivan (Cyril Nri), Henry's old life shatters. He embarks on a new life with unfamiliar rules.
GAY COUPLE STORYLINE: The series focuses on Henry Best (Vincent Franklin), a middle-aged man. After a disastrous date with his friend, Lance Sullivan (Cyril Nri), Henry's life falls apart. He starts a new life with unknown rules. After causing a man to commit suicide over a misunderstanding and proposing to his long-term boyfriend, the sexually repressed Henry has a breakdown and leaves his home to move in with colleagues Dean and Freddie, both half his age. Meanwhile, his ex, Lance finds love with Daniel. Modern life for gay men in the city of Manchester through the mind of Queer As Folk, writer Russell T. Davies.
Henry Best (Vincent Franklin) & Lance Sullivan (Cyril Nri)
VINCENT FRANKLIN (2015) November 3, 1966, Yorkshire, UK
CYRIL NRI (2015) April 25, 1961, Nigeria
SPECIAL: The idea originated from his friend Carl Austin's question, "Why are so many gay men happy when we break up?" The show was initially supposed to go into production in 2006. By March 2007, Davies had finished the first episode.
AWARDS: ‘CUCUMBER’ Won 1 BAFTA Award. 3 wins and 4 nominations.
