Review: Peaky Blinders is Reimagined In This Dance Production
Rambert's Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is at Sunderland Empire for its only North East dates this year
Adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight and choreographed and directed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby captures the story from the TV series (starring Cillian Murphy) with dance and an iconic soundtrack from an on-stage band (including some of the most iconic songs from the series).
With plots and some characters never seen on screen, the story begins in the explosive trenches of The Somme in 1916 where Tommy Shelby is intoxicated by a newcomer, Grace. Hearts are broken and revenge is sought in this dramatic dance production with pre-recorded narration by Benjamin Zephaniah, who played street preacher Jeremiah Jesus in the TV series.
Unique staging means the ‘trench’ is used theatrically throughout the performance and clever lighting creates an eerie smokey effect, allowing mysterious figures to seem to appear from nowhere.
Act one is full of energy, with hints of the 1920s and a mix of rock and folk music performed by the band of musicians on stage. The choreography mixes modern isolation and looser moves alongside traditional ballet in more tender moments, while fight scenes bring high energy.
There’s so much happening on stage all at once. While the focus is of course on Tommy’s story, so much is going on in the background that if you glance to another character you’re likely to catch a unique moment away from the main plot.
It’s in the second act that Tommy, played by Newcastle-born Conor Kerrigan, really shines. More abstract shapes are made using tables, cloths and almost sci-fi-style costumes. Costume designer Richard Gellar deserves applause of his own for capturing the essence of the 1920s so perfectly.
While this show is a must-see for fans of the series, any theatre-goer will be gripped by Tommy Shelby’s story in this unique production.
