Viewers will enjoy familiar sites such as the Tyne Bridge, the Quayside and many other well-known locations. The show also served as a jumping-off point for several big names. Doctor Who fans will recognise a young Christopher Eccleston, and just about everyone will recognise Mark Strong and Daniel Craig - even despite the less-than-serviceable, half-Jamaican Geordie accent by the future Bond actor.
Created by Peter Flannery, the show was originally conceived as a stage play, inspired by the historical epics he saw rehearsed while working at the Royal Shakespeare Company. During production of the original play, Flannery contacted T. Dan Smith, a controversial figure in North East politics, infamous for corruption charges related to his clearing of the slums, and construction of high-rise flats in Newcastle.
Viewers will enjoy familiar sites such as the Tyne Bridge, the Quayside and many other well-known locations.
Smith is reflected in the series as Nicky’s political mentor Austin Donahue, who is similarly exposed for deep-seated corruption involving the construction of inhospitable flats in Newcastle. When Flannery asked Smith about writing a play on corruption in British public life, Smith reportedly replied: “well there’s a play here of Shakespearean proportions” - and that’s certainly what this show delivers.
Despite its bleak themes and the turmoil each character endures, the show has a lot of heart. From the swinging sixties all the way to the nineties, Nicky tries to do what’s best for his community. In one dramatic scene, he confronts the Labour politicians he once admired, questioning whether they truly have people’s best interests at heart over their own - all against the striking backdrop of the Tyne Bridge illuminated against the night sky.
Also, if you’re not the political-thriller sort, there’s still plenty more to enjoy. You’ll watch real people fall in and out of love, see dreams clash with reality, and witness families come together and fall apart, all across the evolving landscape of Newcastle. You’ll also see Daniel Craig getting robbed on The Quayside - which is pretty entertaining in itself.