Review: PEAKY BLINDERS: THE REDEMPTION OF THOMAS SHELBY - Rambert, Birmingham Hippodrome (UK tour)
Photo credit: Johan Persson
As a proud Brummie, the world of the Peaky Blinders has become something of folklore in our fair city, thanks to its highly successful TV series that hit our screens in 2013 and has cemented Birmingham firmly on the map. Fast forward to now and Rambert Dance, in association with the Birmingham Hippodrome, have created the most wonderful piece of theatre that we have seen in a very long time.
The show, written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight MBE and choreographed/directed by Benoit Swan Pouffer, is full of drama, angst, high energy routines, full on fight sequences and a fair bit of blood which, of course, is synonymous with the TV show. Obviously, the performers are incredible, however, the music makes this production elevate itself into top tier entertainment. There is a live band on stage and special mention must go to Yaron Engler, James Douglas and The Last Morrell for providing a soundtrack worthy of a Hollywood block buster. Composer Roman Gianarthur really does capture the essence of the world of the Peaky Blinders. The music is recognisable if you watch the TV show with its mix of almost heavy rock, jazz and folk music. We also hear the theme tune from the TV show ‘Red Right Hand’ on two occasions and noticeable is the use of the tubular bell which clangs each time ‘Red Right Hand’ is mentioned.
The cast are all extremely talented performers. Their movement around the stage is mesmerising, dramatic, flawless and clean. The matriarch of the family, Polly (played by Simone Damberg Wurtz) shows incredible strength in her performance and you can certainly tell that she is head of the family. Thomas Shelby, played by Guillaume Queau, oozes sex appeal throughout the show and handles the solo routines throughout Tommy’s breakdown with such class. There are so many stand out performances that we can’t mention them all, however one performer who deserves high praise is Dylan Tedaldi. Playing the Factory Foreman towards the start of the piece, he is scene grabbing and equally stands out in the ensemble pieces.
The show captures everything connected with the Peaky Blinders; the mood of the time, the industrial back drop, the trauma of war on the men, the highly stylised production and the mythical glamour. It doesn’t hold back on the violence but if you’re a fan of the TV show, you will know exactly what to expect.
With set design by Moi Tran, lighting by Natasha Chivers and costumes by Richard Gellar, the whole vibe is just right. The staging is so clever, consisting of an elevated square space with a channel cut out around the edge which the performers fall into/come out of throughout the piece. The fight scenes, under the direction of Adrian Derrick-Palmer, are so cleverly constructed that you find yourself ducking and flinching with every punch or kick on stage.
This show is just over 2 hours in total, including the interval, however it leaves you wanting more and at no time does the pace slow down in its drama. A truly spectacular piece of theatre that will excite and please audiences across the country. Coming out of the show, someone was overheard on the phone saying “you have to come and see this it’s incredible”, words which we wholeheartedly agree with. A hot ticket for anyone, not just Peaky Blinders fans!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Emma Rowley
Peaky Blinders plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until 2 October 2022, with tickets available here. Full tour details can be found here.