Alan Cumming on Tip Toes Dark Manchester Filming
It's a show that's already making waves and now we're getting a fascinating peek behind the scenes of the new Channel 4 thriller, *Tip Toe*. Filming took place right in the heart of Manchester's vibrant Gay Village, specifically on the iconic Canal Street and star Alan Cumming found the experience incredibly atmospheric. He described the location as feeling "magical," almost like living on a movie set, something he hadn't experienced in Manchester before. Cumming, who you'll know from numerous acclaimed roles, plays Leo Struthers, the owner of a fictional bar called Spit and Polish, right there on Canal Street. The series itself delves into a dark story about neighbours whose rivalry escalates due to the dangerous world of online disinformation.
Creator Russell T Davies, who's no stranger to filming in Manchester having brought us *Queer as Folk*, *Cucumber*, *Banana* and *Tofu* and the hugely successful *It's a Sin*, has labelled the city "Manchattan." He's a passionate advocate for filming outside of London, championing the incredible talent and unique backdrops the North West has to offer. Davies spoke about how returning to Canal Street for *Tip Toe* felt like a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about filming *Queer as Folk* there over 25 years ago. He was particularly touched by how welcomed they felt this time around, a stark contrast to the initial suspicion they faced back in 1998 when *Queer as Folk* first arrived on the scene.
Also Read:*Tip Toe* isn't just a fictional story; it's deeply rooted in contemporary anxieties, particularly the rise of online hate and disinformation. Russell T Davies has been very open about how the current political climate and the rhetoric surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, especially concerning trans individuals, directly inspired the series. He expressed frustration at the lack of nuance in online discussions, noting how people he meets, particularly trans individuals, live in a state of fear. Davies feels that the visibility gained over decades of campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights is now being "weaponised," a sentiment that clearly weighs heavily on him as he sees attitudes seemingly moving backward.
The show's stark opening, showing the eventual murder of Alan Cumming's character, Leo, is a deliberate choice by Davies to highlight the grim trajectory of the narrative and the very real dangers that exist. He mentioned how events closer to home in recent years have also fueled his drive to tell this story. Director Peter Hoar has also spoken about facing personal attacks online due to his work, including his Emmy-nominated episode of *The Last of Us*, which featured a gay couple. These shared experiences underscore the show's exploration of how online prejudice can tragically spill over into the real world, impacting lives in devastating ways.
The series promises a gripping, albeit dark, look at how misinformation and prejudice can tear lives apart, set against the backdrop of Manchester's most famous LGBTQ+ street. It's a powerful narrative driven by a celebrated creator and a stellar cast, aiming to spark important conversations about the state of society today. With its compelling storyline and authentic setting, *Tip Toe* is definitely one to watch as it unfolds its dramatic narrative. Stay with Mirror 7 News for all updates as they happen.
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