A Peaky Blinders show adapted for stage by its creator is coming to Liverpool Empire Theatre

Having collaborated with the Peaky Blinders creator to present and tour popular new dance theatre show Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is coming to the stage at Liverpool Empire Theatre in 2024.

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 will return to stages across the UK from 13 September 2024.

Rambert’s thrilling stage adaptation captures the Peaky story, with stunning performances from Rambert’s dancers and an iconic soundtrack from a live on-stage band.

Having included exclusive plot and characters never seen on screen, Steven Knight opens the story in the trenches of The Somme in 1916 to tell a personal story of post-war industrial Birmingham, where the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate and Tommy is intoxicated by mysterious newcomer, Grace.  

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, hearts are broken and revenge is sought, in a script that is spoken by Birmingham-born writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah who played street preacher Jeremiah Jesus in the TV series.

This coincides with a band of live musicians led by Musical Director Yaron Engler and a specially commissioned score by Roman GianArthur, that includes iconic Peaky tracks from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi, The Last Shadow Puppets, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

The creative team for the creation of the stage production include set design by Moi Tran, lighting design by Natasha Chivers and costume design by Richard Gellar, with dramaturgy by Kaite O’Reilly. 

Acting director Kim Pearce, illusions director Filipe J. Carvalho, fight director Adrian Derrick-Palmer, props supervisor Lily Mollgaard, and intimacy director Yarit Dor, with sound design by Moshik Kop, were part of the creative team involved in the creation of the stage production.

Executive Producers for the stage adaptation are Helen Shute, Alex Darbyshire, Simon Sinek and Robin Saunders.

Having written and adapted the production for Rambert, Peaky Blinders writer and creator Steven Knight said: 

“I’m absolutely thrilled the Peaky/Rambert collaboration has been such a resounding success. So many people came to see the show and so many of them were new to live dance, which is why we all wanted to do this. 

By popular demand the show is back on the road in the UK in places the first tour didn’t reach. Next, it’s Europe, then the world.”

Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, who choreographed and directed the production said:

“As a company, we are so proud of the success of Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby and are excited to see its return.

Having had the opportunity of presenting this work to audiences across the UK, I’m excited for even more people to see it on stage and screen.

As a choreographer, I love that I get to tell these stories through movement, and recreate these iconic characters through dance, in collaboration with a talented creative team that includes Steven Knight.

Rambert is one of the world’s most diverse companies of dancers, and I’m proud that we present adventurous, dynamic and daring work that inspires audiences, locally, nationally and internationally.”

Caryn Mandabach, Executive Producer of Peaky Blinders, said:

“From the very beginning Peaky Blinders was designed to be something that transcended the screen and spilled over into our lives. I am thrilled that this sensational stage production is set to reach and inspire new audiences in the theatre, the cinema and at home.”

Suzy Klein, Head of Arts and Classical Music TV at the BBC, said:

“When Peaky Blinders first exploded onto our screens, audiences were instantly hooked on the exploits of Thomas Shelby and his partners-in-crime. So it is really exciting that these vivid characters are having a new life beyond the original TV show, bringing all the passion, drama and excitement of Peaky Blinders to the dance stage. I’m thrilled for BBC Arts to have worked with Rambert Dance and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight to bring this exhilarating new work to our audiences.”

Book tickets to see Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby on the Liverpool Empire Theatre website here.

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.