After becoming a world wild trending topic during its debut episode, Monday 31st saw the launch party and live screening of Channel 4’s much hyped four part drama Top Boy and Pride was in attendance. The series consisted of an all star cast including Ashley Walters as Dushane and Kane Robinson (better known as Kano) as Sully- residents of the fictional Summerhouse estate in Hackney. A few handpicked industry folk and tastemakers attended the soiree for the launch at the Mayfair hotel in Central London with drinks flowing, music courtesy of BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Charlie Sloth and nibbles. The vibe was electric with several members of the cast and crew in attendance, mingling with press and UK artists, including up and coming girl group StooShe, UK MC Bashy, Kele Le Roc and more.
In the screening room we heard from the two stars who spoke of their admiration for each other Ashley being no stranger to acting and Kane telling us of his acting debut. We love a bit of bromance. The lights went down, the show came on and the whole audience watched in silence- enthralled by the drama that unfurled on screen.
So what’s our take on the four-part drama? Despite mixed reviews and criticisms about Top Boy’s negative portrayal of young black males, it can be argued that it shows the most authentic truths of life on an estate –mental health, single mothers and young men trying to make a life for themselves with little guidance are all issues which the show touches upon and issues that people on estates tend to face. With a well researched and detailed script, beautifully shot scenes, an interesting and somewhat risky casting, comparisons have been made to HBO’s The Wire and rightly so with particularly standout performances from Ra’Nell and Dushane. The main criticism is that there was no resolution, which, it could be said is the reality of life for some living this life.
