Netflix Unveils Toxic Town: A Riveting New Drama
Following the critical acclaim of ITV’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Netflix is stepping into similar territory with its upcoming series Toxic Town. This gripping show raises the poignant question, “How far would you go to fight for your children?” and delves into the remarkable lengths that a determined group of parents undertook to seek justice for their families.
Written by the talented Jack Thorne, known for his work on The Swimmers and His Dark Materials, Toxic Town shines a light on a harrowing environmental scandal that shook the steel town of Corby in Northamptonshire during the 1980s and 90s. Thorne remarked, “I didn’t know the story. I’d never heard of the people involved, and I’d never heard of the case until it was brought to me.” However, as he uncovered more about the events, he found the narrative immensely compelling: “It had within it a lot of drama, whether it’s the story of the trial itself, or whether it’s the way that these women got together and battled together.”
What is Toxic Town About?
Toxic Town dramatizes the true events of the Corby poisonings that began in the 1980s. It centers on a courageous group of mothers whose children faced serious birth defects, leading them to confront the town’s leadership regarding its alleged mishandling of toxic waste. These resilient women engaged in a David-and-Goliath legal battle, fighting for years to unveil the truth behind their children’s suffering. The court case became a focal point for the community and was dubbed “the British Erin Brockovich.”
Writer Jack Thorne expressed, “I’ve tackled legal dramas before, but this story… experiencing the actual truth of it and following their journey to prove their case, I found it incredibly surprising and shocking.” He emphasized the power of community, stating that the mothers were able to “collectively join together and work to empower not just themselves and their children, living or deceased, but a whole community.”
Who is in the Toxic Town Cast?
Jodie Whittaker
(Photo: Netflix) Jodie Whittaker takes the lead as Susan McIntyre, one of the dedicated mothers fighting for justice. The 42-year-old actress is widely recognized as the 13th incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who. She has also portrayed Beth Latimer in the acclaimed crime series Broadchurch and featured in the medical drama Trust Me. Her film credits include the 2011 adaptation of One Day and the 2014 holiday comedy Get Santa.
Aimee Lou Wood
Aimee Lou Wood, right, plays Tracey Taylor, another mother deeply involved in the legal struggle. The 31-year-old actress gained fame as Aimee Gibbs in the hit series Sex Education, for which she received a BAFTA Award. Additionally, she appeared in the 2021 film The Electrical Life of Louis Wain and showcased her talents as Sally Bowles in the 2023 production of Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre in London.
Robert Carlyle
Robert Carlyle portrays Sam Hagen, a former council worker turned whistleblower. The 63-year-old Scottish actor is best known for his iconic role as the sociopathic Begbie in Trainspotting and won a BAFTA Award for his performance as Gary Schofield in The Full Monty. His television credits include Hamish Macbeth in the eponymous series, Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold in Once Upon A Time, and Robert Sutherland in Cobra.
Brendan Coyle
(Photo: Ben Blackall/Netflix) Brendan Coyle plays Roy Thomas, a council officer representing a blend of perspectives from the council during that tumultuous period. The 62-year-old actor, who was born in Corby, Northamptonshire, holds both British and Irish citizenship. He is renowned for his role as valet Mr. Bates in the beloved series Downton Abbey, and has also starred as Robert Timmins in Larkrise to Candleford and Stephen Kendrick in Requiem.
The cast of Toxic Town also features:
- Claudia Jessie as Maggie Mahon (Bridgerton, Line of Duty)
- Rory Kinnear as Des Collins (Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Imitation Game)
- Stephen McMillan as Ted (Boiling Point, The Lesson)
- Lauren Lyle as Dani (Outlander, Vigil, The Outrun)
- Joe Dempsie as Derek (Skins, Game of Thrones, Deep State)
- Michael Socha as Peter (Being Human, Once Upon A Time, DI Ray)
- Matthew Durkan as Mark Taylor (Coronation Street, Wedding Season)
- Frank Bourke as Tony Cox (His Dark Materials, Dumbo)
Where is Toxic Town Filmed?
Although Toxic Town is set in Corby, the majority of filming took place in the north-west of England during the summer of 2023. Key locations included Bolton, with particular scenes shot in the Breightmet district. The local pub, the Mosley Arms, was rebranded as the Rockingham Arms for the series, while Stockport and Manchester city centre provided additional backdrops. The picturesque town of Holmfirth in West Yorkshire was utilized for rural scenes, and Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, featuring Falkner Square Gardens, Huskisson Street, and Bedford Street, contributed to various scenes.
When is Toxic Town on Netflix and How Many Episodes Are There?
Toxic Town is set to launch on Netflix on Thursday, February 27, as a four-part series. All four episodes will be available for streaming from 8 AM. Viewers will need a Netflix subscription to watch the show, which starts from £5.99 per month.
