The idea for the new series “Tip Toe” came about, as writer Russell T. Davies recalls, because of the current political climate of the world.
“This [show] rose up in a passion and an anger and demanded to be written,” he said. “I was working on another show and watching the world and these threats getting closer and closer, watching politicians and presidents across the world talk about [the LGBTQ+ community], and it rose up like a fire. I literally had to write this.”
Davies recently spoke to Georgia Voice via Zoom about the five-part drama series, now streaming on STARZ. “Tip Toe” stars Alan Cumming as Leo Struthers, a gay man who owns a bar, and David Morrissey as Clive Goss, an electrician, who live next door to each other in a Manchester suburb. They’ve been civil with each other for over a decade, but a feud begins and heads down a dark path over the course of 10 days.
As an out gay man, Davies considers himself very lucky to be doing what he does. He made the original British version of “Queer as Folk” 27 years ago, a show which continues to open doors for him. He takes pride that he is able to deliver what he sets out to do, often alongside frequent executive producer Nicola Shindler.
“You kind of know what you are getting [with me]. I also think I have a standard and responsibility. I think if I am introducing a queer story people know I will write it properly,” Davies said. “It won’t be just propaganda and it won’t be shrill. I will write it with humor, responsibility and intelligence.”
In addition to “Queer as Folk,” Davies is well known for projects such as “It’s a Sin” and “Doctor Who.” Once he finished writing “Tip Toe,” Davies and his team took it to Channel 4, a U.K. station that has aired much of his work, and the station commissioned it in seven days flat.
“That never happens – I know that this is a career high,” Davies laughed. “I was delighted for that. That is how urgent and important they thought it was, which makes you think I got this right. Maybe there is something to shout about here.”
While “Tip Toe” has its share of diverse supporting characters, it’s ultimately about the friction between Leo and Clive.
“It’s important to say that they have lived next door to each other and have been fine for 14 years. But in ways that the world is heating up, their relationship is heating up just as all the anger and violence and misinformation and disinformation we see online is being weaponized and monetized and most significantly entering the real world,” Davies said. “Things that have been discussed and prejudices that have been aired online are becoming part of people’s speech and attitude, not just on Clive’s part but Leo’s part.”
Davies is quick to point out that the story is complex. Clive is not the easy villain, and Leo isn’t necessarily the hero. The series makes a point to showcase Clive’s hopelessness and the lies he’s been living with, as well as Leo’s arrogance.
“Leo willfully ignores the danger he is in and sometimes provokes that,” Davies said. “There is an arrogance of someone of that age who thinks he has seen all the problems being settled.”
Davies is a big proponent of casting gay actors as gay characters. As such, Cumming was a natural fit. Davies had cast him in the past, but dates moved and the collaboration fell through. This time, he booked Cumming nine months ahead of the shoot.
“When I want a happy and out gay character who is 60 years old, hello Alan Cumming!” Davies said. “We have been trying to work together for a very long time.”
Cumming brought David Morrissey to the table because the two have been best friends for 14 years, but have never appeared on camera together. Davies had worked with Morrissey on “Doctor Who,” and he knew the actor could handle a hard role.
While the show has some humor and lighter moments, it’s a dark and sometimes disturbing drama. This is how Davies writes.
“Sometimes it is not subtle. I swing from comedy to tragedy because I think life does that,” Davies said. “Life doesn’t fit any genre at any particular time, so if anything it’s kind of a specialty of mine. Even in the last episode which is monstrous and hard and cruel there are lines that made me laugh. I believe that is how to write.”
“Tip Toe” is streaming on Starz.
