Ritesh Sharma
Jack Thorne’s creation ‘Toxic Town’ is a gripping limited series based on the real-life Corby poisonings, one of the UK’s most significant environmental scandals. Set in the 1980s, the story follows a group of working-class mothers who discover that their children’s birth defects may be linked to the improper disposal of toxic waste in their town. As they seek answers, they are met with resistance from local authorities, leading to a relentless legal battle. Their journey is not just about exposing negligence but also about overcoming self-doubt and societal barriers in their pursuit of justice. More than just a legal drama, ‘Toxic Town’ delves into the emotional toll this fight takes on the mothers and their families.
The series highlights their resilience, the collective strength they find in each other, and the way their struggle transforms their community. With powerful performances from Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood, Claudia Jessie, and Robert Carlyle, the show captures the complexity of their battle—one that is as much about personal redemption as it is about holding those in power accountable. ‘Toxic Town’ brilliantly uses its setting to reflect the stark contrast between power and vulnerability, with desolate industrial landscapes mirroring the lingering consequences of negligence. The series immerses viewers in spaces that feel both intimate and oppressive, heightening the emotional weight of the mothers’ battle for justice.
Toxic Town Filming Locations
‘Toxic Town’ was filmed entirely in the United Kingdom, with production taking place across several regions, including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and Merseyside. Despite being set in Corby, the filming did not occur within the town itself. The series, inspired by the real-life Corby toxic waste case, sought to recreate the environmental challenges and the community’s struggle while utilizing various locations across the UK to capture the essence of the story.
Principal photography for ‘Toxic Town’ commenced in September 2023, and the production operated under an Equity union contract, which allowed the project to proceed smoothly and unaffected by the 2023 actors’ strike, which impacted many other productions. The decision to shoot the series in various UK regions provided a diverse backdrop while also ensuring the story remained true to the events it was inspired by without limiting the production to the original location.
Greater Manchester, England
Greater Manchester’s diverse urban landscape provided a rich backdrop for the authentic portrayal of ‘Toxic Town.’ The production prominently featured Bolton, a town celebrated for its rich industrial heritage and versatile architecture. Within Bolton, the residential area of Breightmet served as a key filming site, offering urban settings that effectively recreated pivotal moments from the Corby community’s struggle.
Additionally, Stockport, another town within the ceremonial county, is utilized for its historic architecture, providing versatile backdrops suitable for both period and contemporary scenes. The city of Manchester itself, renowned as a hub for UK film and television production, contributed significantly to the series. Manchester’s diverse range of modern and industrial locations enriched the visual narrative, enhancing the storytelling with its dynamic cityscape. The choice of these locations within Greater Manchester not only offered practical advantages but also lent an air of authenticity to the dramatization of the Corby case.
West Yorkshire, England
Located in the northern region of England, West Yorkshire’s scenic landscapes provided a compelling contrast to the urban settings depicted in ‘Toxic Town.’ The production team selected the picturesque village of Holmfirth, nestled in the Holme Valley, for its quaint charm and rural ambiance. Holmfirth’s scenic vistas offered a serene backdrop, enriching the series by juxtaposing the rural environment against the more industrial scenes.
This contrast not only enhanced the visual appeal but also illustrate the diverse settings that frame the narrative. The inclusion of West Yorkshire’s countryside contributed to a more nuanced portrayal of the events, highlighting the geographical and cultural diversity within England. The serene landscapes of Holmfirth provided a poignant counterpoint to the industrial scenes, emphasizing the stark differences between rural and urban life. This juxtaposition enriched the storytelling, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the varied environments that shaped the characters’ experiences.
Merseyside, England
Situated in the northwest of England, Merseyside’s vibrant city of Liverpool played a pivotal role in the filming of ‘Toxic Town.’ Liverpool’s well-preserved industrial and urban landscapes provided authentic settings that enhanced the series’ depiction of the Corby community’s experiences. The city’s diverse architecture and historical sites offered a rich tapestry of locations, contributing significantly to the series’ atmosphere.
Liverpool’s flexibility as a filming location has made it a popular choice for many productions, and its inclusion in ‘Toxic Town’ added depth and realism to the storytelling. The city’s unique blend of historical and contemporary elements allowed the production to authentically portray the time period and events central to the narrative. Notably, filming took place in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, utilizing locations in and around Falkner Square Gardens, Huskisson Street, and Bedford Street. The city’s rich history and architectural diversity provided a compelling backdrop, enhancing the series’ authenticity and visual appeal. Liverpool’s contribution to ‘Toxic Town’ showcases its significance as a versatile and dynamic filming location capable of bringing complex narratives to life.
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