Peaky Blinders creator teases Tommy Shelby's unseen side in 'incredible' show

Peaky Blinders aficionados, yearning for more of the BBC Birmingham gangster saga, can now indulge in a bit of Shelby family drama before the highly anticipated Netflix film arrives, reports the Mirror.

Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is set to grace the iconic Sadler's Wells Theatre this month, following its triumphant UK and European tours in 2022.

In an exclusive chat with Reach Screen Time, Peaky Blinders mastermind and current James Bond scriptwriter Steven Knight divulged insights about the theatrical production. He hinted at revealing a new facet of Tommy Shelby (portrayed by Cillian Murphy on the BBC show) and discussed how the narrative integrates with the television series.

The theatrical performance delves into the tragic love story between Tommy and his spouse Grace Burgess (played by Annabelle Wallis).

Knight remarked: "I know that the people that love Peaky, love that story, and it felt to me that a love story, a romance like that and the romance that comes with what happens, I felt all of that would translate into music, first of all, but also into dance."

He continued, "With Peaky, music has always been very important to the show. And also people move in a particular way, it's quite stylised, the way people dress, the way they act, just made me think it's a few short steps toward dance. And so that's why I wanted to do this."

Reflecting on the new depths explored in the character of Tommy Shelby, creator Steven Knight shared: "It's a deeper version. I think what we get is inside insights into Tommy Shelby's heart that you don't get on the TV show. Because by his nature Tommy Shelby is a person who doesn't show his emotions. He doesn't let people in.

"But in this, we're alone with him for quite a while and before the wedding we see how in love he is, and then after Grace's death we join him on a journey towards redemption.

"He goes through his grief and then discovers a connection with her again. So, it's a much more intimate portrayal of who Tommy Shelby is."

Has Cillian Murphy, the star of Peaky Blinders and acclaimed actor, seen The Redemption of Thomas Shelby?

Knight revealed he wasn't sure if Murphy had seen the show yet, but confirmed the ballet received the Oppenheimer star's seal of approval, especially given Murphy's passion for music.

Knight teased the musical elements of The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, saying: "We've got a fantastic score, fantastic needle drops. We've got [the Peaky Blinders' theme tune] Red Right Hand in there, so yeah, it's right up [Murphy's] street."

The partnership between Knight and the dance company Rambert was born when they were asked to choreograph a Swan Lake scene for an earlier season of Peaky Blinders.

In collaboration with Rambert's artistic director Benoit Swan Pouffer, Knight crafted the narrative while Pouffer oversaw the choreography.

Rambert's Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby will be heading to Sadler's Wells from Tuesday, August 5 to Saturday, August 16. Tickets are available now here