A musical spin-off isn’t exactly what we had in mind when Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight indicated the Shelby clan’s story would continue in another form. But given we’re still roughly a year away from the feature-length film, which will effectively bookend Knight’s main series, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby does mark the first official follow-up.
The stage production recently opened as a Birmingham exclusive (where else?), though fear not. According to Knight himself, much like the extremely binge-able source material enjoyed by millions courtesy of Netflix, it has the legs to go international.
“After it closes in the UK in Birmingham, we’re hoping it moves onto New York and then Boston, because the show has massive international appeal, so I think this one can travel,” Steven Knight recently told BBC’s Radio 4.
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… perhaps even to Australia? Here’s hoping.
“Birmingham has been a big, proud city for hundreds of years. I think there’s been a gap in its media image and presence. And I hope Peaky Blinders is the first of many things that will give the city an identity.”
“I know people that have Birmingham accents and when they go abroad and open their moves people say: ‘Peaky Blinders.’”
“It’s dance for people who don’t usually watch dance.”
Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is scheduled to premiere at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park on October 12th after it’s done its dash in Birmingham, before embarking upon an extensive UK tour throughout 2023.
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The current cast is being led by Guillaume Quéau and Prince Lyons alternating in the role of Thomas Shelby, OBE. Naya Lovell and Seren Williams, on the other hand, alternate in the role of beloved wife Grace. Birmingham-born writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah – who you may recall portrayed the street preacher Jeremiah Jesu in the original series – provides a pre-recorded narration to tie everything together.
This theatrical adaptation has been masterminded by the Rambert Dance Company; choregraphed and directed by its artistic director Benoit Swan Pouffer. With a score composed by Roman GianArthur and Nate Wonder – both of whom collaborated with music consultant D.J. Walde to create the soundtrack – you’ll find Yaron Engler in the musical director’s chair. Simon Sinek and Robin Saunders have executive produced.
Keep an eye out on all updates about the Peaky Blinders musical here — and check out the trailer below.
