Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby. 

Birmingham Hippodrome 

Hurst Street

Birmingham 

A Rambert production in association with Birmingham Hippodrome. Written by the creator of Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight. Choreographer/Director, Benoit Swan Pouffer and performed by Rambert. 

Act I - 55 minutes. 

Interval - 20 minutes. 

Act II - 60 minutes. 

(timings are approximate)

'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.'

Set against the backdrop of World War I the opening scene of Peaky Blinders evokes a dark, dramatic and dynamic scene of dance and song capturing and captivating the audience in a spectacle that leaves you entranced and in awe of the energy, passion and charisma of the cast!

The opening scenes and the duration of the performance is likely to offend some viewers as it contains acts of violence and the use of firearms! Please be aware there are flashing lights and sudden loud noises. 

Guillaume Quéau (Thomas Shelby), Naya Lovell (Grace Burgess) and Angélique Blasco (Polly) lead a large and strong cast throughout the two hours of carefully choreographed scenes of dance which leaves you gasping in amazement! It was actually exhausting and exhilarating to watch! Each scene is accompanied by a catchy score of extremely loud song which vibrates straight through your body, all performed by a live band which can be seen slightly off the raised stage area.

Special mention and credit must go to Guillaume Quéau who played Thomas Shelby, whom stayed true to character throughout and was a delight to watch!

Peaky Blinders is a modern, contemporary interpretation with little dialogue but is bursting at the scenes with scores of song and scenes of dynamic dancing! However on a negative note, it was not quite what I expected it to be and a very different interpretation of the show. I felt some previous knowledge of the show / storyline is advisable and advantageous as it can be hard to follow if you are fresh to Peaky Blinders!

A significant part in Act II was the opium scene but I did feel it lasted a bit too long; however Thomas Shelby was attempting to lose himself in his grief. 

It really did not surprise me that the performance received a rapturous response, applauded heavily and closing with a full standing ovation!!!

An absolutely thrilling watch with 4.5 out of 5 star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

Thank you to Birmingham Hippodrome for a very warm welcome and for hosting a spectacular production.