New Images Revealed for “Men Up” Premiering This Year on BBC One

Published

3 months ago

September 14, 2023

The BBC has unveiled new images from Men Up, an upcoming drama centred around five regular men from Wales who embark on an extraordinary journey by participating in a trial for a new drug that eventually became Viagra.

Co-produced by BBC Wales, Quay Street Productions and Boom, Men Up draws inspiration from the true story of one of the earliest medical trials for the drug, which took place at Swansea’s Morriston Hospital in 1994.

Penned by Matthew Barry (known for Industry and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), this feature-length drama is set to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

L-R: Aneurin Barnard, Joanna Page, Iwan Rheon, Paul Rhys, Mark Lewis Jones, Steffan Rhodri, Phaldut Sharma (Image: BBC/Quay Street Productions/ Tom Jackson)

Talented ensemble cast

The newly released pictures showcase the talented ensemble, including Iwan Rheon (known for Wolf, Game of Thrones, and Misfits), Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk and The Pact), Phaldut Sharma (from Sherwood and Romantic Getaway), Paul Rhys (featured in A Discovery of Witches and Rellik), Steffan Rhodri (known for House of the Dragon and Temple), Mark Lewis Jones (Gangs of London and The Outlander), and Joanna Page (from Gavin & Stacey and Dolittle).

As previously mentioned, the cast of the drama also includes Alex Roach (known for Killing Eve, Sanditon, and No Offence), Alexandria Riley (featured in The Pembrokeshire Murders and The Pact), Nathan Sussex (known for It’s A Sin and Hollyoaks), Lisa Palfrey (recognized for Sex Education and COBRA), Dyfan Dwyfor (featured in A Very English Scandal and Requiem), and Katy Wix (known for Ghosts and Stath Lets Flats).

The real trial that took place in 1994 had a profound impact on the lives of both the medical professionals and patients involved, as well as millions around the world. The drug quickly became a topic of controversy and immense profitability, reshaping the discourse surrounding sexual and mental health.

Aneurin Barnard and Iwan Rheon (Image: BBC/Quay Street Productions/ Tom Jackson)

Who are the characters in Men Up

In this fictionalized portrayal, Meurig (played by Iwan Rheon) longs for intimacy with his wife, Ffion (played by Alex Roach). He deeply loves her but feels trapped by the dwindling passion in their marriage. He is willing to do anything to reignite their connection, except engage in open communication.

There’s also Tommy (played by Paul Rhys), a gay man who feels compelled to conceal his true sexuality due to the trial’s focus on heterosexual relationships. Encouraged by his friend and clinical nurse Moira Davies (played by Joanna Page), he grapples with the extent of his lies in pursuit of happiness.

Colin (played by Steffan Rhodri) leads a solitary existence centred around crossword puzzles following the loss of his wife. He believes he has found a potential partner in Teresa (played by Lisa Palfrey), whom he connects with through a Lonely Hearts column. However, when Teresa suggests meeting in person, Colin becomes consumed by fear. It has been a long time since he has been intimate with a woman, and he worries about the expectations of consummating their blossoming romance.

L-R: Mark Lewis Jones, Paul Rhys, Steffan Rhodri, Iwan Rheon (Image: BBC/Quay Street Productions/ Tom Jackson)

Peetham ‘Pete’ Shah (played by Phaldut Sharma) appears to have a picture-perfect middle-class life. He holds a satisfying job and is married to Alys (played by Alexandria Riley), who has found a newfound enthusiasm for life by hosting lingerie and sex toy parties. However, their relationship has lost its spark. Pete attributes this to his impotence and sees a potential solution in a small white pill (which later became blue). Can this pill bridge the gap between them?

Lastly, there is Eddie (played by Mark Lewis Jones), a robust and seemingly strong individual. However, beneath his tough exterior lies vulnerability. Eager to please his wife, Eddie wonders if his participation in this trial can help resolve his personal issues.

Men Up delves into the vulnerabilities of its characters as they strive to regain a romantic connection in their lives. However, as the drug presents the possibility of rekindling lost intimacy, the men soon realize that the journey has just begun. The trial takes them to unexpected places and prompts them to reevaluate their lives.

Who is behind the drama

The 90 minute Men Up is written by Matthew Barry, directed by Ashley Way (White Lines, Stella, Merlin), and produced by Karen Lewis (The Salisbury Poisonings, Years and Years, Happy Valley). The executive producers are Nicola Shindler (Nolly, It’s A Sin, Happy Valley) and Davina Earl (Safe, Come Home) for Quay Street Productions, Rachel Evans (35 Diwrnod/35 Days, How This Blind Girl…) for Boom, Matthew Barry, Russell T Davies (Nolly, It’s A Sin, Doctor Who), Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC and Nick Andrews for BBC Wales.

Men Up benefits from the support of the Welsh Government through Creative Wales and is produced in collaboration with Cineflix Rights, serving as the exclusive worldwide distribution partner. Quay Street Productions and Boom are both entities within the ITV Studios umbrella.

Image Credits: BBC/Quay Street Productions/ Tom Jackson

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