Top Boy: Summerhouse

About Top Boy: Summerhouse

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Top Boy: Summerhouse is a British TV show that first aired in 2011. It is part of the crime drama genre and revolves around the lives of individuals involved in drug dealing and street gangs in the fictional Summerhouse estate in Hackney, East London.

The plot follows the rise and fall of Dushane, a young dealer aspiring to become the top boy of the estate, as he navigates the dangerous world of drug trafficking. Alongside him is his loyal partner Sully, who becomes entangled in a web of violence and betrayal.

The show explores themes of poverty, violence, betrayal, and the impact of drug dealing on the community. It offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of inner-city life and the struggles faced by those involved in criminal activities.

Making / Production

Top Boy: Summerhouse was created by Ronan Bennett and was originally broadcast on Channel 4. The series was developed by Bennett alongside the production company Cowboy Films.

The show was praised for its authentic portrayal of urban life and was known for its realistic characters and compelling storytelling. It gained a cult following and critical acclaim for its gripping narrative and exploration of social issues.

The production team worked closely with individuals from similar backgrounds to accurately depict the world depicted in the show. The use of real locations, including the Summerhouse estate itself, added to the authenticity of the series.

Actors

• Ashley Walters as Dushane - Portrayed the lead character, a young drug dealer striving for power and respect.
• Kane Robinson as Sully - Played the loyal partner of Dushane who faces challenges and moral dilemmas.
• Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Lisa - Portrayed a single mother struggling to provide for her family amidst the violence of Summerhouse.
• Malcolm Kamulete as Ra'Nell - Played a young boy caught up in the drug trade as he tries to navigate his way to survival.
• Michaela Coel as Kayla - Portrayed a streetwise and resourceful young woman operating in the criminal underworld.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show was praised for its diverse cast and realistic portrayal of multicultural London.
• Top Boy: Summerhouse was temporarily revived by Netflix in 2019 for its third season after a six-year hiatus.
• The series tackled prevalent issues such as gang violence, drug addiction, and social inequality.

Awards

No awards have been won by Top Boy: Summerhouse specifically, but it has been critically acclaimed for its performances and storytelling.

Quotes

• "You know what these roads are like. We either all just end up in the system or in jail. Or dead." - Dushane
• "They say you make your own bed. I know I made mine, but I will do whatever it takes to make sure Ra'Nell doesn't have to sleep in it." - Lisa
• "Your summer's fucked when the Top Boy goes to jail." - Sully

Music

The soundtrack of Top Boy: Summerhouse featured a blend of hip-hop, grime, and R&B music, reflecting the urban setting and the culture of the characters.

Soundtrack

• "Shut Up" - Stormzy
• "That's Not Me" - Skepta ft. JME
• "Did You See" - J Hus
• "Return of the Mack" - Mark Morrison