Cast and creative team announced for Rambert Dance in PEAKY BLINDERS: THE REDEMPTION OF THOMAS SHELBY

News

Jul 28

Rambert have announced the cast and creative team for Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, a dance theatre show 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.

The show will have its world premiere at co-producing partner venue Birmingham Hippodrome on 27 September, followed by a London premiere at Troubadour Wembley Park on 12 October before embarking on a UK tour in 2023.

Guillaume Quéau and Prince Lyons will alternate the role of Thomas Shelby, with Naya Lovell and Seren Williams alternating the role of Grace, and the production will feature the permanent Rambert dance company on stage.

Birmingham-born writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah who played street preacher Jeremiah Jesu in the TV series, will provide pre-recorded narration for the production.

On his role as the narrator Benjamin Zephaniah said: “I remember growing up in Birmingham and hearing about the Peaky Blinders, and I remember hearing about the great Rambert. I could never have imagined me, Peaky Blinders, and Rambert coming together. This gig was made for me. Rambert is taking the Peaky Blinders to another level. When these two come together audiences will witness one of the most imaginative collaborations of all time. I’m so proud to be a part of this. We are making dance history, and we’re still keeping it gangster.”

Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby will feature live musicians led by Musical Director Yaron Engler and a score written by Roman GianArthur and Nate Wonder, as well as a new track by Laura Mvula. GianArthur and Wonder worked with music consultant D.J. Walde to create the soundtrack for the production which will feature iconic songs from the television series.

The creative team also includes set designer Moi Tran, costume designer Richard Gellar and lighting designer Natasha Chivers, with dramaturg Kaite O’Reilly. Also working with the cast is acting director Kim Pearce, illusions director Filipe J. Carvalho, fight director Adrian Palmer, intimacy director Yarit Dor, and sound designer Moshik Kop.

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.

The 2023 UK tour will visit Norwich Theatre Royal (17-21 January), Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (25-28 January), Hull New Theatre (31 January-4 February), Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (7-11 February), Royal and Derngate, Northampton (21-25 February), Festival Theatre Edinburgh (28 February-4 March), The Lowry, Salford (14-18 March), Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (21-25 March) and Theatre Royal Plymouth (28 March-1 April), before returning to the Birmingham Hippodrome from 23-27 May.

Tickets are on sale for all venues here.