A new Russell T. Davies series is always to be celebrated. The Welsh creative has given us some of the most seismic British dramas for decades now – going all the way back to Queer As Folk, through to Years & Years and It’s A Sin (via multiple trips in the TARDIS to boot). Now, he’s back with another original: Tip Toe, a thriller that prods at the bubbling rage that feels prevalent in society right now, all led by a stellar cast.
The series depicts a feud between Alan Cumming’s gay bar owner Leo, and David Morrissey’s homophobic electrician Clive, two neighbours from Manchester, tracing the events that build up to a shocking act of violence between the pair. “It’s about the divisions in society,” says Morrissey. “And how we’ve grown apart, fuelled by anger and hatred.” Don’t expect a neat black-and-white beef, though. “It’s not a drama that has a cartoon villain and a cartoon hero,” Morrissey explains. “There are times when Clive is vulnerable in front of Leo, but Leo immediately fucking kicks him in the nuts.”
Expect the usual hard-hitting drama, sharp wit, and nuanced character dynamics that Davies’ work provides. “It’s Russell T Davies looking at what’s happening right now,” teases Cumming. “It’s a world where violence is being normalised.” Must-see TV incoming.
Read Empire’s full Tip Toe story in the Aliens issue, on sale Thursday May 7. Pre-order a copy online here. Tip Toe comes to Channel 4 this month.
