The week in TV: Toxic Town; Small Town, Big Story; Israel and the Palestinians: The Road to 7th October; Dope Girls
Toxic Town (Netflix)Small Town, Big Story (Sky Max)Israel and the Palestinians: The Road to 7 October (BBC Two) | iPlayerDope Girls (BBC One) | iPlayer
Sometimes TV drama has a job to do: drag skeletons out of closets and let them rattle. So it is with Toxic Town, the four-part Netflix real-life drama from Jack Thorne, initially set in the mid-1990s, about industrial poisonings in 1980s/90s Corby, Northamptonshire that led to birth defects, including missing limbs.
The son of outspoken Susan (Jodie Whittaker) has a hand affected; the daughter of gentle Tracey (Aimee Lou Wood) dies soon after birth. Maggie, played by Claudia Jessie from Bridgerton, has a son with a disfigured foot. Many others are born with abnormalities, caused by lethal dust irresponsibly churned up by the protracted and mishandled clean-up and redevelopment of a former steel plant in the 1980s and 90s, leading to a 2009 court case that set a legal precedent for a link between airborne toxins and birth defects.
Corby is another character here – an area struggling to regenerate, with some people prepared to cut health and safety corners to ensure it does so. Scottish accents are everywhere (so many Scots settled in Corby, it was dubbed 'Little Scotland'). Toxic Town also features male acting powerhouses: Downton Abbey's Brendan Coyle as the council boss ('New Labour, new Corby'); Robert Carlyle as a whistleblowing councillor; Michael Socha and Joe Dempsie as fathers; Rory Kinnear as a dogged decent lawyer.
At heart, though, Toxic Town is about working-class mothers who refuse to belt up. In a drama so steeped in maternal anger and grief, it's crucial that the women are convincing, and they are, in particular Whittaker as fiery, lairy Susan ('Keep your wig on!').
At times, exposition billows around almost as much as the noxious dust, and there's too much emphasis on woolly legal minutiae. Nor is it quite at the level of Mr Bates vs the Post Office, though (spoiler alert) it is stirring to witness the mothers win their case (even if, as stated in a postscript, no one faced criminal charges and there are still toxic landfills everywhere). Those concerns aside, Toxic Town emerges as a complex, devastating story told with heart. Respect for its subjects pours from the screen.
What exactly is Small Town, Big Story, the new Sky Max series created, written and directed by Chris O'Dowd (The IT Crowd)? It's a comedy-drama about a Hollywood TV production invading the fictional Irish town of Drumbán to make a terrible Games of Thrones-esque fantasy series called I Am Celt. It also has a sci-fi element, with dead birds falling from the sky, and an incident involving a Hollywood producer (Christina Hendricks of Mad Men fame) and Drumbán doctor (Paddy Considine) back when they were teenage sweethearts.
O'Dowd shows up as a rascally creative, but the cast is led by Hendricks and Considine, whose wheelchair-user teacher wife (Eileen Walsh) steals the show with her unabashed sexual antics. Elsewhere, much of the humour lies in the eccentricity of the locals, which gets a little wearing (it's funniest when it's character-based and dry). At the end of six episodes, STBS remains confusing – kind of an Irish Local Hero meets Seth Rogen's Paul – but at its best it's entertaining – and the fantasy show spoofing ('Oi am Celt!') is genuinely funny. Any chance Sky could make it for real?
Documentarian Norma Percy is known for tackling huge, serious subjects (from The Death of Yugoslavia to Putin vs the West). Her new three-part BBC Two docuseries, Israel and the Palestinians: The Road to 7 October, largely focuses on the two decades leading up to the Hamas atrocities in Israel in 2023. Some may consider this too tight a time-frame for such a sprawling, labyrinthine subject, but it enables Percy to focus on her speciality: accessing central players and letting them speak.
Interviewees include former prime ministers (Israel's Ehud Omert and Tony Blair) and also, controversially, Hamas leaders Khaled Mashal and Ismail Haniyeh (the latter was assassinated weeks after his interview). Elsewhere, there are diplomats, politicians and former US secretaries of state Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice. 'American secretaries of state are like moths to a flame when it comes to the Middle East,' observes Rice, wryly.
You watch as sundry US presidents (Obama, Trump, Biden) attempt to help establish the two-state solution with Palestine's former prime minister Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli prime ministers, including Ariel Sharon, Omert and Benjamin Netanyahu. As shown here, everything fails: from the time it is elected, Hamas refuses to recognise Israel as a state or lay down arms; in turn, there is the expansion of Israeli settlements on the West Bank in violation of international law, and the bombing of the Al-Aqsa mosque. A torrent of reasons are aired, too numerous and complicated to list here.
The events of 7 October barely feature, which feels jarring (especially considering the ongoing hostage situation), but then neither is there much on the bombing of Gaza. In the main, this is a docuseries that opts to stay impartial and maintain strict focus on the two decades of Middle Eastern and international politics. Percy's take isn't perfect (you sense she was overwhelmed with material and could have easily included a fourth instalment), but as a detailed, measured overview, it delivers.
Having caught up with new BBC drama Dope Girls, I've learned that it's not the failed female Peaky Blinders I was expecting. Created and written by Polly Stenham and Alex Warren, it's set in London in the chaotic, violent aftermath of the first world war and focuses on women embracing lawlessness to set up a nightclub while a vicious Italian crime family hovers in the background.
Delivering a tale of butchered bodies, drugs, occultism, sexual excess and more, the cast is strong: Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Easttown) is a mother driven to desperate lengths; Umi Myers plays an avant-garde dancer; Eliza Scanlen (Sharp Objects) is a dead-eyed undercover policewoman.
Over six episodes, Dope Girls is scuppered repeatedly by grating production flourishes (scribblings on the screen, and the like) and overcooked symbolism (the first episode has Nicholson wandering around in angel wings like a festival teenager addled on CBD gummies). But the atmosphere is less Steven Knight, more Sarah Waters meets Angela Carter: left-field, dreamlike, female-centric, wild. Dope Girls can be overblown and messy, but it's also passionate and promising.
Star ratings (out of five) Toxic Town ★★★★Small Town, Big Story ★★★Israel and the Palestinians: The Road to 7th October ★★★★Dope Girls ★★★
1923(Paramount+)
Much-anticipated second series return for Taylor Sheridan's gnarled, gritty western (a Yellowstone prequel), starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.
David Frost Vs (Sky Documentaries)
A fascinating retrospective series of excerpts from Frost interviews, in which he verbally spars with everyone from Muhammad Ali to the Beatles. One for fans of the classic 20th-century long-form television interview.
Loch Ness: They Created a Monster(BBC Two)
Offbeat documentary about 'Nessie' that's also about the people from all over the world, from scientific teams to eccentrics, who yearn to glimpse the beast of Scottish Highlands legend.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Divisive horror movie full of 'grotesque monsters' now streaming on BBC iPlayer
If you fancy making your weekend a gruesome one, look no further than a 'grotesque' horror movie from 2019 that's been added to BBC iPlayer. Directed by Andre Ovredal and co-written by Guillermo Del Toro, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark was released in 2019 and became a box office success. Made on a budget of $25million (£18.5m), it performed better than expectations on its opening weekend six years ago and made back $104.5m (£77m) in total. Starring Zoe Colletti and Michael Garza, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is based on the book series of the same name, written by Alvin Schwartz, who died in 1992. The film follows the story of Stella, Auggie, and Chuck, who visit a haunted house and find a book of horror stories written by a long-deceased author named Sarah Bellows. Bellows' stories soon come to life, and the scary monsters and creatures they contain emerge in the real world, putting Stella, Auggie, and Chuck in more danger than they realise. In 2019, critics watching the film in its early weeks after release were broadly positive, with its current Rotten Tomatoes rating sitting at 78%. Fans received Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark positively as well, with 72% of Rotten Tomatoes users saying they would give the film a score of 7.0 out of 10 or more. On X, user @Muesquehere said that the introduction in the film of the creature known as The Pale Lady was among the most disturbing scenes of any horror film. @English_Shamar said: 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a really good movie to watch' when another user asked for the scariest horrors their followers had seen before. On Letterboxd, film critic Matt Singer said the movie was proof that 'it is possible to make a genuinely scary PG-13-rated horror movie'. User Tom Bowen also commented: 'The period setting is cool, all the kids are great performers, and I was surprised by just how creepy it was with some eerie designs and disturbing sequences.' Joining the cast of the 2019 film were Breaking Bad star Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, and Orange is the New Black actress Lorraine Toussaint, who played Yvonne in the Netflix series. The books upon which the film is based were released in 1981, 1984, and 1991 and were published shortly before author Schwartz's death at the age of just 64. More Trending In 1981, the first book was titled Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, while later editions were titled More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark was famously illustrated by artist Stephen Gammell, whose drawings of 'grotesque monsters' became iconic among horror fans. As of 2017, the stories had sold a collective total of seven million copies and have appeared on numerous bestseller lists for children's and young adults' fiction. Watch Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark on BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Doctor Who's finale infuriated fans – but the next series will fix everything' MORE: Bake Off legend claims she's been dropped by the BBC after 10 years on TV MORE: Psychological thriller labelled a 'masterpiece' free to stream on BBC iPlayer
The Courier
an hour ago
- The Courier
Tossing cabers and chasing kilts at Perthshire's Atholl Gathering
We've come to the Atholl Gathering, one of Scotland's most historic Highland Games, for a celebration of tradition, spectacle, and family fun. Blair Castle rises white and proud against the Perthshire hills, and its grounds are alive with kilts, cabers, and cannon fire. As a family with roots in Scotland but years spent elsewhere, we've always clung tightly to our heritage – none more so than on days like this. There's something deeply satisfying about being surrounded by tartan, cheering on pipers, and watching kilted competitors hurl logs in front of a castle. And with sunshine, cold rain, blustery wind and the promise of burgers, bouncy castles and a Highlander's dash, the day promised a classic 'four seasons in one day' Scottish adventure. We'd never been before, but its reputation as one of the more iconic Games intrigued us, especially since it's the only one in Scotland to feature a private army legally sanctioned by the monarch – the Atholl Highlanders, a ceremonial regiment that still marches under the command of the Duke of Atholl. The Gathering takes place on the beautiful Atholl Estates, stretching across some 145,000 acres of forests, rivers, and mountains. Blair Castle itself, all white turrets and baronial flair, has stood since the 13th century, and was once visited by Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. This place breathes history, and the Atholl Gathering honours it in a way that's very much alive. We arrived on a sunny-but-showery Sunday as he car queue wound its way through tree-lined lanes toward the castle. Once parked, the familiar scent of fried onions hit us: a sure sign the fairground was nearby. Our daughter Lily, eagle-eyed for anything inflatable, immediately clocked the bouncy castle. But first: the arena. A large flat expanse with a gently sloping hill to one side gave everyone a perfect view, and the white glimmer of Blair Castle peeked through the trees. Bagpipes filled the air as solo pipers competed nearby – one of many ongoing contests throughout the day. Having missed out on lunch from the Seafood Bothy (note to self: bring cash next year), we grabbed burgers and fries. Lily devoured her cheeseburger with gusto before dragging us, finally, to the fairground – bouncy castle, inflatable slide, and carousel were all tested thoroughly. One of the day's most impressive spectacles was the opening ceremony, marked by the firing of a cannon by the Atholl Highlanders. Lily, having confidently claimed she wouldn't jump at the bang, did – of course – jump. Then came the massed pipes and drums, marching in formation, a stirring, goosebump-inducing moment. Lily, inspired, planned to 'practice her drum' when we got home. We weren't quite as enthusiastic about that. We settled into the hillside to watch the heavy events – shot put, wrestling, and the one we'd waited for: the Highlander's Dash. I was told this foot race involved Highlanders sprinting down hills in full regalia; but it was a loop around the arena, and though it lacked the steep descent I'd expected, the energy was no less electric. Later, it was time for the family races. Lily, only three, was too young for the youngest category and distraught that she couldn't compete in the events she'd been watching all day. I tried to take her to the start line with the hope they'd make an exception, but she got shy halfway there and backed out, so I decided to step in for the adult races instead. Now, let me clarify: I thought this was a short sprint. Turns out, it was a full lap around the arena. Not ideal when you're in the '40s' category and wearing big boots. After missing the starting gun (chatting to a steward in a kilt – understandable distraction), I joined the race, overtaken by 30-somethings as I gasped my way to the finish. But I crossed it – proudly, breathlessly – earning Lily's applause and a valuable parenting win: showing up and joining in. Between the races, we stopped for coffee and churros, watched the Highland dancers on a nearby stage, and later, sought out our own little patch of grass for our own family races so Lily could win (every time). Before heading home, we wandered up to the Hercules Garden, a beautifully restored 18th-century walled garden with ornamental bridges, lily ponds, and classical statues. Once abandoned, it was brought back to life in the 20th century. As we explored, Lupins in full bloom, Lily – still riding high on our foraging tour from a previous visit – tried to eat every plant she could reach. We gently suggested otherwise. Back in the arena, the caber toss was in full swing – massive tree trunks hoisted and hurled with skill and strength. One competitor's failed toss prompted Lily's sage analysis: 'He hasn't been eating enough salad.' Her logic? 'Salad makes you strong.' She eats her salad, so it must be true. As the final rain of the day soaked us through, we bundled into the car, wet clothes discarded, heat blasting, and hearts full. The Atholl Gathering had delivered everything: history, hilarity, community, and a deep sense of connection – not just to Scotland, but to something older, prouder, and enduring. If you've never been, go. Bring your waterproofs. And bring cash. Burntisland Highland Games – Monday, July 21 Burntisland Links, Fife Recognised as the second oldest Highland Games in the world, Burntisland's event combines traditional athletic contests with modern attractions. Visitors can witness heavyweight events, Highland dancing, and solo piping, all set against a scenic coastal backdrop. Crieff Highland Gathering – Sunday, August 17 Market Park, Crieff Known as Scotland's leading Highland Games, this gathering offers a comprehensive program of events. From heavyweight competitions and Highland dancing to cycling races and massed pipe bands, the day culminates in the stirring Salute to the Chieftain Strathmore Highland Games – Sunday, June 8 Glamis Castle, Angus Set against the majestic backdrop of Glamis Castle,attendees can enjoy traditional heavy events, Highland dancing, and piping competitions, all within the castle's historic grounds. Pitlochry Highland Games – Saturday, September 13 Recreation Ground, Pitlochry Concluding the Highland Games season, Pitlochry's event is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic location. The day includes traditional athletic events, Highland dancing, piping competitions, and a grand parade of pipe bands.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Unlikely UK TV star admits love of WWE ahead of tonight's Money in the Bank show
The wrestling brand has gained millions of new fans since its move to Netflix - including national treasure Stephen Fry who went to this year's WrestleMania with his husband Elliott Spencer Since WWE signed their multi-billion pound deal with Netflix, more British viewers have been watching wrestling than ever before. But potentially joining other fans in settling down to watch tonight's Money in the Bank, which sees John Cena take the next high profile step on his retirement tour as well as setting the agenda for the next few months of high-flying action, is an unlikely national treasure. High-brow star Stephen Fry explained he too has started watching WWE in an interview released this week. Chatting with Rylan on the BBC podcast How to Be in Love, Fry made rare comments about his life with his husband, comedian Elliott Spencer. The couple have an age gap of 30 years with Fry candidly saying that the difference meant he had been introduced to things he might not have experienced otherwise. Speaking of his husband, Fry said: "So much of what I love in music and literature and so on is not necessarily from this century. He teaches me things I just didn't know. He introduced me to Kendrick Lamar, which was a great thing to do because Kendrick Lamar, I've decided, is a great poetical spirit. "He also has a great affection for – and I guess you could call it ironic, but it's real – WWE. And I just don't know if I can reveal this extraordinary truth, but I bought a couple of tickets to WrestleMania in Las Vegas." Who knows if the famous pair will be settling down to watch tonight, but either way tonight's event, as the first Money in the Bank shown on Netflix, will have the biggest ever audience for the annual institution. The show starts at midnight in the UK and is the latest premium live event that Netflix subscribers, whether direct or who watch for free as part of their Sky TV bundles - can see without actually paying an extra penny. No matter what the final results are tonight, British fans can have a ringside seat on the drama that unfolds once the iconic briefcases have been won. WWE is holding a huge pay-per-view event in Paris in late August and the UK is hosting several 'Road to Clash in Paris' live shows in the run-up. As well as shows in Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds and Cardiff, Dublin's 3Arena will host the city's first ever Friday Night SmackDown. Meanwhile, Birmingham will host their first Monday Night Raw in almost a decade. Tickets are available for all shows via Ticketmaster here. Meanwhile fans who want to push the boat out can get VIP hospitality packages via Seat Unique with a host of perks including free food and drink and priority seating. WWE Money in the Bank 2025 final card and start time Unlike many of the other premium live events in WWE's calendar, Money in the Bank has relatively few matches as the two titular clashes for the iconic briefcases take centre stage. Confirmed for tonight at the show, which starts streaming on Netflix at 12 midnight UK time, are: The Men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match - Solo Sikoa vs LA Knight vs Penta vs Seth Rollins vs Andrade vs El Grande Americano Women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match - Alexa Bliss vs Roxanne Perez vs Rhea Ripley vs Giulia vs Naomi vs Stephanie Vaquer Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso vs John Cena & Logan Paul in a tag team match Lyra Valkyria vs Becky Lynch for the Women's Intercontinental Championship
