Russell T Davies, Welsh screenwriter and producer

Stephen Russell Davies, widely celebrated as Russell T Davies, is a towering figure in contemporary British television. Born on April 27, 1963, in Swansea, Wales, his distinctive voice as a screenwriter and television producer has profoundly shaped the cultural landscape, earning him a reputation for crafting compelling, often groundbreaking narratives that explore complex social themes with wit and unflinching honesty. His impressive body of work includes iconic series such as Queer as Folk, the critically acclaimed revival of Doctor Who, Casanova, Cucumber, A Very English Scandal, Years and Years, and the powerful drama It's a Sin.

A Creative Journey Begins: From Comics to Scriptwriting

Davies’ creative inclinations emerged early, initially nurturing dreams of becoming a comic artist. However, his path soon shifted towards the dramatic arts, leading him to pursue a career as a playwright and, subsequently, a screenwriter. After completing his studies at Oxford University, Davies joined the BBC in 1985, embarking on his professional journey in the broadcaster’s esteemed children’s department, CBBC. Starting on a part-time basis, he quickly ascended through various roles, showcasing his nascent talent by creating two notable children’s series: the supernatural adventure Dark Season and the atmospheric mystery Century Falls. These early experiences provided a foundational understanding of television production and storytelling that would prove invaluable.

Pioneering Adult Drama and Unflinching Social Commentary

In 1994, Davies transitioned from children's television, leaving the BBC for Granada Television to focus on writing adult drama. This marked a significant turning point in his career, as his early scripts for this new medium began to consistently explore challenging themes, particularly those concerning religion and sexuality, set against diverse backdrops. These works laid the groundwork for his signature style of engaging with socially relevant topics:

• Revelations: A unique soap opera that delved into the intricacies of organised religion, notably featuring a lesbian vicar, a character choice that was progressive for its time.
• Springhill: A dramatic soap opera centred around a Catholic family navigating contemporary life in Liverpool, offering insights into faith and community.
• The Grand: Set during the evocative interwar period, this series boldly tackled societal attitudes towards contentious subjects like prostitution, abortion, and homosexuality, providing a historical lens on enduring social issues.
• Queer as Folk: Perhaps one of his most defining early works, this groundbreaking series offered an unfiltered and semi-autobiographical portrayal of his own experiences within Manchester's vibrant gay scene, resonating deeply with audiences and becoming a landmark in LGBT television.

Diversifying Narratives: Pre-Doctor Who Successes

The early 2000s saw Davies continue to expand his impressive portfolio with a range of projects that further cemented his reputation for innovative storytelling:

• Bob & Rose: A nuanced exploration of love and identity, depicting a gay man who unexpectedly falls in love with a woman, challenging conventional narratives.
• The Second Coming: A thought-provoking drama that dared to imagine the second coming and deicide of Jesus Christ, approached from a largely non-religious perspective, sparking considerable discussion.
• Mine All Mine: A delightful comedy about a family who makes the astonishing discovery that they legally own the entire city of Swansea, offering a whimsical take on local identity and fortune.
• Casanova: A lavish and critically acclaimed adaptation of the complete memoirs of the legendary Venetian adventurer Giacomo Casanova, bringing historical romance and intrigue to the screen.

Revitalizing a Legend: The Doctor Who Era (2005-2010)

In 2005, Russell T Davies undertook what would become one of his most celebrated achievements: the triumphant revival of the BBC One science fiction franchise Doctor Who, following a sixteen-year hiatus. As the showrunner, he breathed new life into the beloved series, steering it through a phenomenally successful period from 2005 to 2010. His tenure saw the introduction of two iconic Doctors, first Christopher Eccleston and then David Tennant, both of whom captivated a new generation of fans. Davies’ vision as executive producer ignited a massive surge in the show’s popularity, transforming it into a global phenomenon. This unparalleled success also led to the creation of two hugely popular spin-off series, the adult-oriented Torchwood and the family-friendly The Sarah Jane Adventures, further expanding the Whoniverse. Moreover, his innovative approach helped to re-establish Saturday prime-time dramas as a highly profitable and desirable venture for production companies across the industry. In recognition of his immense contributions to drama, Davies was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008. This honour coincided with the announcement that he would be stepping down from Doctor Who, with his poignant two-part special, "The End of Time" (2009–10), serving as his swansong as executive producer. Following his departure from the main show, Davies relocated to Los Angeles in 2009, where he continued to oversee the production of the international spin-off Torchwood: Miracle Day and the fifth and final series of The Sarah Jane Adventures.

A Return Home and Continued Acclaim

A personal turning point brought Davies back to the UK in late 2011, after his partner developed cancer. This period saw him co-creating the popular CBBC drama Wizards vs Aliens. His return also marked a renewed focus on exploring contemporary LGBT experiences, culminating in a powerful trilogy of interlinked dramas set within the Manchester gay scene:

• Cucumber (Channel 4): A candid and nuanced series focusing on the lives of middle-aged gay men, offering a mature perspective on relationships and identity.
• Banana (E4): A complementary series that explored the experiences of young LGBT individuals within the same narrative universe as Cucumber, providing diverse generational perspectives.
• Tofu (All 4): An accompanying documentary series that delved into broader LGBT issues, adding factual depth and context to the fictional narratives.

Davies’ later work for BBC One in the 2010s further showcased his versatility and continued critical success:

• A Midsummer Night's Dream: A vibrant television film adaptation of William Shakespeare's timeless play, demonstrating his ability to reinterpret classic literature.
• A Very English Scandal: A highly acclaimed miniseries adaptation of John Preston's gripping novel, based on the true story of politician Jeremy Thorpe, featuring powerful performances and sharp writing.
• Years and Years: A compelling and prescient drama series that followed a Manchester family through 15 years of profound political, economic, and technological changes affecting Britain, lauded for its insightful commentary on contemporary society and future anxieties.

In 2021, Davies made a significant return to Channel 4 as the creator of It's a Sin. This deeply personal and semi-autobiographical drama, set during the devastating HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, garnered widespread critical acclaim and resonated profoundly with audiences, becoming a landmark series for its sensitive and powerful portrayal of a pivotal historical period and its human cost.

The Doctor's Return: A New Chapter for Doctor Who

In an exciting development for fans worldwide, Russell T Davies is poised to make a highly anticipated return as the showrunner of Doctor Who in 2023, just in time for the show's momentous sixtieth anniversary. His return promises a fresh era for the iconic science fiction series, building on his previous successes and injecting new creative energy into the Whoniverse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Russell T Davies

What are some of Russell T Davies' most famous works?

Some of his most famous works include Queer as Folk, the 2005 revival of Doctor Who, Casanova, Cucumber, A Very English Scandal, Years and Years, and It's a Sin.

When did Russell T Davies revive Doctor Who?

He revived Doctor Who in 2005, serving as showrunner until 2010.

Is Russell T Davies returning to Doctor Who?

Yes, he is set to return as showrunner for Doctor Who in 2023, coinciding with the show's sixtieth anniversary.

What themes does Russell T Davies often explore in his work?

Davies frequently explores themes of sexuality, identity, religion, social change, and the human condition, often through the lens of LGBT experiences and British cultural shifts.

What is It's a Sin about?

It's a Sin is a semi-autobiographical drama set in the 1980s and 1990s, chronicling the lives of a group of young gay men in London amidst the unfolding HIV/AIDS crisis.