Russell T Davies is about to serve up another scorching indictment of modern society with his latest drama, 'Tip Top'. Born out of seething fury, this Manchester-set series tackles head-on the alarming rise of homophobia that's sweeping the nation. And it's not just a work of fiction – the show's creator has been on the receiving end of sickening online abuse, including being vilely smeared as a 'paedophile', further underscoring the personal stakes.
'Tip Top' takes aim at the simmering tensions between two Canal Street neighbours, played by Alan Cumming and David Morrissey. As their lives become increasingly intertwined, Davies masterfully exposes how local disputes can reflect – and amplify – the insidious prejudices festering in our communities. This is a drama that won't shy away from the darkest corners of human nature, but nor will it forget the resilience and hope that can emerge even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Davies has assembled an A-list cast to tackle this explosive narrative, with both Cumming and Morrissey speaking candidly about the show's intensity. From death to fear, and what Davies calls 'joy as a form of protest', this is a series that will leave audiences breathless – and questioning their own attitudes towards the world around them.
By anchoring its story in iconic Canal Street, Manchester's beating LGBTQ+ heart, 'Tip Top' brings its exploration of homophobia tantalisingly close to home. It's a bold move by Davies, who knows that the only way to truly shake our complacency is to confront us with the uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our society.
This new drama follows in the footsteps of 'It's a Sin', which poignantly captured the AIDS crisis in 1980s Britain. With 'Tip Top', Davies continues his fearless exploration of LGBTQ+ experiences, tackling the issues that matter most to British viewers and sparking a national conversation about tolerance, acceptance – and what it means to be human.