Jul 4
The 'Cucumber' Reunion We Didn't Know We Needed
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The cast of a British LGTBQ+ show called "Cucumber" – created by Russell T. Davies, of "Queer as Folk" and "It's a Sin" fame – will come together next month at a queer film festival in Manchester, England.
Part of a trilogy that also included a spinoff ("Banana") and a webseries ("Tofu"), "Cucumber" "focused on the lives of gay men of different generations in Manchester," Pink News recalled, and "aired on Channel 4 in 2015. It starred Vincent Franklin, Cyril Nri, Julie Hesmondhalgh, and Freddie Fox, among others."
All three series took their names from terminology related to erectile firmness.
Pink News recalled that the eight-episode drama "examined LGBTQ+ life in 2015 including queer acceptance in society, homophobia, and intergenerational relationships and connections."
Added the outlet: "The series also showed some of the darker sides of gay life... highlighting homophobic abuse with a shock twist death and the surprise reappearance of a beloved character from 'Queer as Folk.'"
The cast reunion, titled "10 Years of Cucumber + In Conversation with Russell T Davies & Cast," will be featured as part of this year's SCENE: Manchester's LGBTQ+ Film and TV Festival, which is slated to run Aug. 15 - 21.
Davies will appear along with Franklin and Nri to "reflect on the show's legacy, cultural impact, and lead character Henry's (played by Franklin) journey through Manchester's dating scene," Visit Manchester relayed. The event will also feature "a selected episode screening and audience Q&A," the item noted.
"Following its breakout debut in 2024, this year's edition offers another week of powerful screenings, industry conversations and unforgettable events as part of Manchester Pride 2025," Visit Manchester said of the festival, which is also scheduled to include screenings of queer classics like "Beautiful Thing" (1996), "Party Monster" (2003), the upcoming Russell Tovey drama "Plainclothes" (2025), and, of course, the all-time classic "Showgirls" (1995) – plus many more.
"Cucumber" is available on streaming and VOD platforms. Flash back on the show with the series preview, below.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
