Who alone suffers, suffers most in the mind.
These are the words of King Lear, from Shakespeare and are deeply relevant to the show Mr Loverman on the BBC.
Mr Loverman, adapted from Bernardine Evaristo’s 2013 novel, has quickly garnered attention for its nuanced exploration of race, sexuality, and intergenerational cultural identity. Set against the vibrant backdrop of London, the drama unpacks the life of Barrington Jedidiah Walker, a 70-something Caribbean man whose outwardly traditional life masks his decades-long romantic relationship with his childhood friend Morris. Through Barrington’s journey, Mr Loverman confronts themes that remain pressing in contemporary British society—homophobia, immigrant identity, and the complex ways in which masculinity is defined within Afro-Caribbean communities.
At its core, Mr Loverman addresses the social constraints of Caribbean masculinity. Barrington’s struggle to live openly as a gay man in a community that largely rejects non-heteronormative lifestyles highlights the cultural pressure many individuals face. His marriage to Carmel, though fraught with resentment and secrets, reflects the painful compromises often made to adhere to societal expectations. As Barrington navigates his relationship with Morris while upholding his responsibilities as a father and husband, the drama sensitively illustrates the impact of societal repression on personal identity.
Evaristo’s original novel, and the adaptation, emphasize how the generational divide exacerbates these tensions. Barrington’s daughters, part of a more progressive, multicultural Britain, serve as a contrast to his own internalized fears and anxieties. They represent a generation that is generally more accepting and openly supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, a stance that is deeply at odds with Barrington’s lived experience of homophobia and societal judgment. The interactions between Barrington, Carmel, and their daughters reflect the changes in social attitudes across generations and emphasize the importance of empathy and open-mindedness within families.
Politically, Mr Loverman addresses systemic issues that continue to affect Britain’s Black Caribbean community, such as racism, cultural stereotyping, and the lasting effects of colonialism. Barrington’s journey subtly critiques the British immigration system and the lack of acceptance many first-generation immigrants feel, both from British society and, at times, within their own communities. The character of Barrington himself embodies the tension between assimilation and cultural preservation. His background, like that of many immigrants from the Windrush generation, represents the shifting dynamics of what it means to be British in an increasingly multicultural society.
Further, by presenting an openly gay Black man who challenges both British and Caribbean cultural norms, Mr Lovermancan be seen as pushing the conversation forward about the inclusivity of LGBTQ+ rights within immigrant and diasporic communities. It indirectly raises questions about the impact of homophobic policies in former British colonies and how colonial legacies influence attitudes toward sexuality within those communities. Barrington’s experience thus becomes a reflection of broader colonial hangovers, questioning the systems that continue to stigmatize non-heteronormative relationships.
Mr Loverman is a powerful exploration of identity, love, and resilience. It succeeds in translating Evaristo’s complex themes into a visual narrative that resonates with a diverse audience. Its exploration of sexuality within the Afro-Caribbean diaspora is refreshing and groundbreaking, especially given the ongoing societal pressures that often silence these stories. The show does not shy away from addressing uncomfortable truths, and in doing so, it fosters empathy and understanding.
Ultimately, Mr Loverman is more than just a drama about a closeted gay man; it is a commentary on the ways we define and defend identity, and the courage it takes to be one’s true self in a world resistant to change. Through Barrington’s journey, the show highlights the need for acceptance and the importance of carving out spaces where all facets of identity—cultural, sexual, and personal—can coexist harmoniously. For audiences, it is a compelling reminder of the ways that societal progress often hinges on individual acts of bravery, love, and self-acceptance.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m0023h93/mr-loverman