Tightrope

At first glance, Tightrope might appear to be a conventional school drama set within the familiar corridors of a British comprehensive. But look a little closer—or rather, listen in during a strange and unsettling television broadcast—and the series reveals itself to be something altogether more unusual: a gripping teen espionage thriller that still resonates with a certain eerie charm more than fifty years later.

Created by Doctor Who and Ace of Wands writer Victor Pemberton, Tightrope takes the unassuming Redlow Comprehensive School as its backdrop. To the casual observer, there's nothing outwardly remarkable about the place—until a live television transmission the pupils are watching is abruptly hijacked by a sinister voice and an image of their school. The message is cryptic, unnerving and ominous:

"I have a message for you. How well do you know your staff?... Who and what are they?... Can you trust them?... I am the voice of truth."

At the centre of this mystery is 18-year-old Martin Clifford, played by Spencer Banks, who had already found popularity with young audiences as Simon Randall in the time-travel series Timeslip. Clifford is an intelligent, inquisitive sixth-former whose life is upended the moment he’s knocked from his bicycle on his way back to school. What follows is an escalating tangle of secrets, suspicion, and spying, as Martin finds himself drawn—entirely against his will—into the ruthless world of Cold War-style espionage.

The supporting cast is a particular strength of the series. John Savident, long before his days as booming butcher Fred Elliott in Coronation Street, delivers a compellingly ambiguous performance as the enigmatic Forrester, whose allegiance remains unclear until the very end. Is he a friend? A foe? Or something in between? Adding to the unease is David Munro as Harvey, a teacher who may know more than he’s letting on, and a young Sue Holderness—later to become a household name as Marlene in Only Fools and Horses — in one of her early screen roles.

The intrigue deepens with the introduction of an isolated airforce base, a shadowy local shopkeeper, and a community where nothing is quite what it seems. With each passing episode, the net tightens, red herrings multiply, and trust becomes an increasingly fragile commodity. Every instalment ends on a tantalising cliffhanger, cleverly maintaining the tension until the dramatic final reveal.

Though originally filmed in colour, the original tapes were tragically lost or destroyed—a not uncommon fate for British television from that era. Thankfully, in 2011, Network DVD released the complete series using surviving film elements, albeit only in monochrome (Network are no longer trading but you may be able to pick up the DVD on eBay). While the absence of colour may disappoint purists, the crisp black-and-white restoration adds a certain stark, moody atmosphere that arguably enhances the sense of paranoia and mystery that runs through the series.

Tightrope stands out as a daring and imaginative entry in the canon of British teen drama. Its blend of everyday school life with the shadowy machinations of espionage makes for a compelling watch. It treats its young audience with intelligence and respect, never talking down or shying away from complex themes of loyalty, secrecy and truth.

For those who enjoy their drama served with a healthy dose of mystery and a vintage 1970s aesthetic, Tightrope remains a fascinating artefact of its time—one that continues to walk the line between school drama and spy thriller with remarkable poise.