My Left Nut is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
Teenage boys are not good at talking about their health, and their trait of burying their heads in the sand often continues into adulthood. Many men would rather search the internet for answers to their concerns than consult a doctor, often wrapping themselves in worry while putting on a brave face to friends and family. Therefore, any TV show that aims to highlight the importance of discussing male well-being is more than welcome in helping to challenge and change these behaviours. BBC Three’s new comedy/drama My Left Nut does precisely that, using humour as a vehicle for increased conversation around testicular cancer.
Based on the stage play of the same name, which was based on the real-life experience of writer Michael Patrick, My Left Nut follows Mick (Nathan Quinn O’Rawe), an average 16-year-old who finds a lump on his left testicle. This discovery sends Mick into a spiral of fear, embarrassment and horror just as he attempts to navigate a first date with his school crush (Jessica Reynolds). Mick’s supportive mates, Conor and Tommy, have no clue about the third ball growing in Mick’s pants, and his loving mum is struggling to balance work and family life following the death of Mick’s dad from Motor Neurone Disease. Meanwhile, his older sister is far too busy navigating her own relationship issues to worry about her kid brother.
Split into three thirty-minute episodes, My Left Nut is a delightfully original teenage comedy-drama and a welcome exploration of male health. This is a show firmly aimed at a teenage male audience, mixing elements of Sex Education, Embarrassing Bodies and The Derry Girls with a series of broader discussions on testicular cancer. My Left Nut clearly aims to break down the taboos of self-checking, medical intervention and expression by lifting the veil of embarrassment and bravado surrounding male health concerns. So come on, boys, get checking and get talking.
