Metrosexuality is a British television comedy drama, which aired on Channel 4 in 2001 as a short-run series of six episodes. It was later re-edited into a single feature for DVD release by TLA Releasing. It depicts the interactions of a racially and sexually diverse group of friends and family living in Notting Hill. The series was written and created by Rikki Beadle-Blair, who also stars as one of the show's central characters. The cast also includes Noel Clarke, Paul Keating, Mat Fraser, Karl Collins, Pui Fan Lee and Preeya Kalidas. The show features extravagant and colourful costumes and scenery, varied shooting styles and quick pacing. Much of the music was written and performed by Beadle Blair, who intended the series to feel like a musical. The show was hailed by critics for its diversity; it depicted a social setting relatively free of racism or homophobia. It was also noted for its inclusion of Fraser, a thalidomide survivor with phocomelic arms, in a role where his disability was simply part of the show's fabric rather than an inherent focus of his character's role.

Plot outline

The story is set over the course of two consecutive weekends in spring, and follows Kwame (Clarke), seventeen and straight, who is trying to reconcile his estranged fathers, Max (Beadle Blair) and Jordan (Collins). He must contend with Max's insistence that he is over Jordan, and Jordan's new relationship with former military man Jonno. Kwame is also trying to attract his love interest, Asha, and provide support to his two best friends: Dean (Keating), a talented footballer struggling with an abusive father and a crush on Max, and skater boy Bambi, trying unsuccessfully to secure a commitment from his older, on-off boyfriend, Robin. Max's married friends Geri and Daniel descend into a bitter separation after Geri feels Daniel takes her for granted; she is later romanced by Asha's father, Tel. Asha's best friend Jay (Lee) embarks on a new relationship with the enigmatic Flora, despite her own commitment issues. Former drug addicts Peggy and Pablo struggle to adapt to a life of sobriety together - especially when Peggy gets back in touch with their dealer, Dean's brother Marlon (Fraser). Max's sister Cindy finds her relationship with her partner Doris threatened by the reappearance of her first boyfriend, Gabriel. Kwame's unstable birth mother, Hilly, deals with the death of her cat and reconnects with her estranged parents.

Cast

Kwame O'Reilly - Noel Clarke Asha - Rebecca Varney Max - Rikki Beadle Blair Dean - Paul Keating Bambi - Davie Fairbanks Jordan - Karl Collins Jonno - Silas Carlson Hilly - Helen Sheals Cindy - Carleen Beadle Doris - Dee Dee Samuels Robin - Michael Dotchin Jay - Pui Fan Lee Flora - Preya Kaleedas Gerri - Frances Lima Daniel - Matt Harris Tel - David Squire Gabriel - Joni Levinson Pablo - Gavin Delaney Peggy - Lisa Harmer Bambi's Mum - Marianne Sheehan Bambi's Dad - Jonathan Pembroke Marlon Gittar - Mat Fraser Alda Gittar - Paddy Glynn Colin Gittar - Josh Moran Lola - Danielle Murphy Cafe Patron - Simon C Gray

Music

The track listing on the soundtrack, officially titled Metrosexuality Songs, is as follows:

1. It's All About Love (The Theme)
2. First To Say
3. You So Lovely
4. I'm Your Guy
5. Cowboy Love
6. House Boy
7. Free To Be Lonely
8. Saturday Thru Sunday
9. Hip-Hop Love
10. Let The One Who Loves You Love You
11. In Your Eyes There Is God
12. Lay Me Down
13. Don't Cry My Baby Love
14. Gangsta Bwoy
15. Gangsta Man
16. All About Punk Love
17. Fly With Me 18. Love Is Power