Russell T Davies to exec produce drama about Viagra trials

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 03 March 2023

Russell T Davies is announced as an executive producer on an upcoming BBC drama about the medical trials for Viagra in the '90s.

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has been named as an executive producer on a new BBC drama about the medical trials for Viagra in the 1990s.

Men Up, written by Industry's Matthew Barry, tells the story of a group of ordinary men from Swansea who all suffered from impotence but became the first in the world to test out the drug which went on to become Viagra.

The cast includes Iwan Rheon, Aneurin Barnard, Alexandra Roach, Paul Rhys, Phaldut Sharma, Joanna Page, Steffan Rhodri and Nathan Sussex, while Barry is reunited with Davies after their previous work on the E4 drama Banana.

"Who knew that one of the first Viagra trials in the world took place in 1994... in Swansea!" said Barry, who also produced Chilling Adventures of Sabrina for Netflix.

"People hear the word impotence, and they wait for the punchline. But this story is about so much more. And with an incredible Welsh cast, led by Iwan Rheon and Alexandra Roach, I can't wait to bring it to the screen."

BBC Drama director Lindsay Salt added: "Men Up is a little-known chapter of our history, beautifully told across 90 minutes of poignant, funny, and life-affirming television.

"It's no surprise that Matthew's charming and intelligent script has attracted such a strong ensemble of acting talent, and I cannot wait to see them bring his words to life."

Men Up is expected to air on BBC One later this year.

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