IT has become one of the most watched TV shows in recent years and now Peaky Blinders has inspired a dance production.
World-renowned Ballet Rambert has announced the world premiere of Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby which will come to The Lowry at Salford Quays in March next year as part of a major UK tour.
Written and adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight, the new show is a dance theatre production directed and choreographed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer. It will feature the 20 permanent Rambert dance company on stage, and a live band playing specially commissioned music.
WORLD FIRST: Ballet Rambert will be bringing a new twist to the Peaky Blinders story at the Lowry
The show picks up the story of the Peaky Blinders at the end of the First World War, 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.
Steven Knight said “Peaky Blinders has always had music and movement at its heart and now the beating heart of the show will be transferred to the stage, an interpretation of Tommy’s story performed by Rambert, one of the leading dance companies in the world.
“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.
“If the concept of a Peaky Blinders dance seems strange, reserve judgement and reserve a ticket.”
Benoit Swan Pouffer added: “This is something on a scale we’ve never done before, and I couldn’t be more ready for the challenge – it’s such an exciting opportunity as a choreographer to tell these stories and recreate these characters through dance.
“It is also a great collaborative opportunity to have been working closely with Steven Knight on this original production.
“What you’re going to get as a result will be an inspiring and uplifting dance show, but so much more than a dance show. There is of course a strong narrative, that of Tommy and the Peaky Blinders so it is dance, and it is also theatre. And with such iconic music from a live-onstage band, it is more again.”
Helen Shute, CEO of Rambert added: “Rambert has always been committed to making dance that resonates with audiences across the country and we’re incredibly honoured to be trusted by Steven Knight with his nationally beloved Peaky Blinders.”
The show is a co-production with The Lowry inspired by the TV series starring Cillian Murphy.
Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Tommy Shelby, The Lowry, Salford Quays, Tuesday, March 14, 2023to Saturday, March 19, 2023. Details from www.thelowry.com
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