TV hit Peaky Blinders is taking to the stage in a world premiere dance drama from Rambert Dance, co-produced by Salford’s Lowry Theatre.
Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby has been written and adapted for the stage by the show's creator, Steven Knight and directed and choreographed by Rambert’s artistic director, Benoit Swan Pouffer. The production will feature 20 dancers and a live band playing a specially-composed score.
The production will run from September 27-October 2 at Birmingham Hippodrome, then moves to The Lowry from March 14-18, 2023. Other dates include the Bradford Alhambra (January 25-28, 2023).
The show picks up the story of the Peaky Blinders at the end of World War One, following Tommy Shelby and Grace Burgess through their passionate love affair. While Tommy is building his empire, Grace is operating as an undercover agent for Special Branch on a mission to get close to the heart of Tommy’s gang.
Peaky Blinders supremo Steven Knight said, “This is dance for people who don’t usually watch dance and what I’ve written has been transformed into something startling by consummate dancers and choreographers."
Benoit Swan Pouffer added: “This is something on a scale we’ve never done before. It's such an exciting opportunity, as a choreographer, to tell these stories and recreate these characters through dance.
“There is of course a strong narrative, so it is dance and it is also theatre. And with such iconic music from a live on-stage band, it is more again.”