Russell T Davies on 40 years of bringing gay stories to our screens
Summary
Russell T. Davies reflects on four decades of bringing LGBTQ+ stories to British television, from the groundbreaking *Queer as Folk* to *It's a Sin* and *Tiptoe*. He discusses the cultural shifts in representation, the importance of authentic casting, and the evolving landscape of queer joy and danger on screen. Davies also shares personal anecdotes about his early career, influences like Paul Abbott and Kay Mellor, and the creation of his new book, *The Queerest of Folk*.
Topics discussed
Introduction and sponsor read
Context: 40 years of gay stories on TV
Discovery of Queer as Folk in 1999
Plot and characters of Queer as Folk
The rimming scene and age of consent
Impact on viewers and casting of straight actors
Early career: Soaps and Children's Ward
Writing for children: Why Don't You and Play School
Doctor Who: Origins and casting
Press reaction and casting straight actors
Authentic casting in Cucumber, Banana, Tofu
Views on straight actors playing gay roles
Years and Years: Dystopian predictions
Turned down projects: Succession and James Bond
Sponsor read
It's a Sin: Tackling the AIDS crisis
Tiptoe: Fear and safety in modern times
Mentors: Paul Abbott and Kay Mellor
Future projects and conclusion
Listen ad-free on Castria