Russell T Davies has once again proven his talent for crafting powerful and thought-provoking television with his latest series, Tip Toe. This hard-hitting social drama has already received widespread acclaim and is the latest in a long line of successful shows from the acclaimed writer.
The show follows Leo, a nearly 60-year-old man who owns a gay club in Manchester. His life takes a dramatic turn when he comes into conflict with Clive, a homophobic neighbour who has become entangled in conspiracy theories and the Reform movement. From the very first episode, Tip Toe makes it clear that it is a powerful response to the growing societal backlash against LGBTQ+ communities and the increasing threats to their rights.
Beyond his work on Doctor Who, Russell T Davies has built a reputation for creating politically charged dramas that often focus on queer experiences. His groundbreaking series Queer as Folk in the early 2000s set the stage for his later successes, including Years and Years, which explored the rise of fascism, and It’s A Sin, which examined the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.
For fans of his latest project, there is one drama that should be added to their watchlist: A Very English Scandal, a 2018 series that showcases Davies at his best.
Based on the true story of Jeremy Thorpe, the leader of the Liberal Party in the late 1960s, A Very English Scandal tells the tale of a man who conspired to murder his ex-lover, Norman Scott. The three-part series skillfully balances moments of humour with deep emotional weight, shedding light on a shocking real-life scandal.
The show was praised for its compelling storytelling and stellar performances, particularly by Ben Whishaw, who played Norman Scott. His performance earned him a Bafta, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe. The series also received an impressive 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 69 reviews.
Critics have been unanimous in their praise, with The Australian calling it “clever, confident, and deliciously cruel,” and highlighting the “perfect script” from Davies.
Contributor Adam Miller gave the show a four-star review, stating that Tip Toe is Davies at his most impassioned. He described it as a wake-up call, warning that we are sleepwalking into a period of rising fascism and hate.
Leo, the protagonist, is not even safe in his own home. The homophobia from his neighbour seeps through the walls, forcing him to remain constantly vigilant. Meanwhile, Clive is trapped in a miserable marriage, with two sons keeping secrets from him that he will never understand. As a middle-aged white man, he believes the world is against him.
If it’s not the gay community taking over Britain with Pride flags on every street corner, it’s immigrants taking his job.
The show has been hailed as “equal parts sinister and disarming,” “funny and constantly engaging,” and a “must-see.” Critics have praised its ability to blend drama with dark humor while delivering a powerful message.
Vulture described the series as a bold departure from traditional British historical dramas, stating that it proves the genre can be more than just “decorous whisperings about how one should behave upon meeting the queen.”
TV Guide noted that while the show is best remembered for the incredible performances at its heart, it is also a careful study of how to balance a story where the truth is stranger than fiction.
When asked about what inspired him to create A Very English Scandal, Russell T Davies shared that this was one of the first stories involving gay people he encountered as a young boy. He had always wanted to tell this story, and after years of trying to bring it to the screen, he finally succeeded.
“I had tracked this story for the past 10 years,” he said. “I had asked around about making a version of it, and people always had a reason why not.”
A Very English Scandal is now available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV Plus.
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