First look: Rambert’s Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby

A first look at Rambert’s new dance theatre show Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby has been revealed.

The piece has been written and adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight and choreographed and directed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, inspired by the TV series produced and owned by Caryn Mandabach Productions.

The production has its world premiere at co-producing partner venue Birmingham this week where it runs to 1 October. The production will then run at the Troubadour Wembley Park from 12 October-6 November 2022, before embarking on a UK tour in 2023.

Through dance theatre Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby 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. As the story unfolds, many hearts are broken.

Dazzling, athletic dance and stunning dramatisation with an iconic eclectic Peaky soundtrack from live on-stage musicians.

Tommy and the Peaky Blinders fought together at Flanders and the show opens in the trenches. Bound by this experience, a very personal story unfolds as the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate and Tommy is intoxicated by the mysterious Grace.

Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby will feature live musicians performing a score written by Roman GianArthur and led by Musical Director Yaron Engler and as well as a new track by Laura Mvula. GianArthur’s soundtrack for the production also features iconic songs from the television series and music from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi, The Last Shadow Puppets, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, to name a few.

Rambert's Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby tour tickets, dates, venues »

Guillaume Quéau and Prince Lyons alternate the role of Thomas Shelby, with Naya Lovell and Seren Williams alternating the role of Grace, and the production features the permanent Rambert dance company on stage. Birmingham-born writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah who played street preacher Jeremiah Jesu in the TV series, provides pre-recorded narration for the production.

Author Simon Sinek and Robin Saunders are Executive Producers for Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, alongside a creative team which includes Moi Tran (set design), Richard Gellar (costume design) and Natasha Chivers (lighting design), with dramaturgy by Kaite O’Reilly. Also working with the cast is acting director Kim Pearce, illusions director Filipe J. Carvalho, fight director Adrian Palmer, props supervisor Lily Mollgaard, and intimacy director Yarit Dor, with sound design by Moshik Kop.