A TV audience of millions got the first glimpse of the new Peaky Blinders dance show at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Birmingham. And the good news is fans can watch a whole night of the Peaky-themed dance production when it heads on tour to theatres across the UK.
The Peaky Blinders dance section from the Rambert Dance Company came amid a thrilling night of entertainment celebrating all things Birmingham at the close of the sport spectacular. They performed alongside Laura Mvula towards the finale of the show on Monday night at the Alexander Stadium after star turns from the likes of Goldie and Beverley Knight, Dexy's Midnight Runners and a finale from Ozzy Osborne.
The new dance theatre show, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, will premiere in Birmingham in September before heading out on a national tour in 2023. That will include a run at Salford's Lowry Theatre from March 14-18.
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The new show is written and adapted for the stage by the creator of the hit BBC drama Steven Knight and choreographed and directed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer. 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 the 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.
Steve Cowton, Head of Theatre Operations for The Lowry, said after last night's sneak preview: "It was brilliant to get a first look at Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, which we are very much looking forward to having at The Lowry next Spring. Rambert are one of our longest standing partnerships and we’re delighted to be co-commissioning this new show, which marks an important new stage in the company’s history.
"Dance - of all sorts - remains a central part of The Lowry’s programme and we present more dance at all scales than any other venue outside of London. We hope our audiences are as excited about Rambert’s Peaky Blinders as we are.”
The full tour dates
Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby will perform at Birmingham Hippodrome on 27 September, running until 2 October, followed by a London Premiere at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre between 12 October - 6 November before embarking on a UK tour in 2023.
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.
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