Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby at The Lowry
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Rambert continue to lead the dance world with their exhilarating and innovative choreography. Always forward-thinking, the company are known for collaborating with some of the most exciting creatives – giving them the freedom to lead wherever their vision and imagination takes them. Now, these trailblazers of contemporary dance return to The Lowry with their revered take on the hit British TV series Peaky Blinders. If you haven’t seen this show yet – now’s your chance.
Dazzling, adventurous and dynamic, in this fresh and ambitious production, the company put the popular TV series through the Rambert machine to make it very much their own. Written and adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is a dance-theatre show directed and choreographed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer.
Set at the end of World War One, this mesmerising production follows the passionate love affair of Tommy Shelby and Grace Burgess. As Tommy builds 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. And whether you’re a die-hard Peaky fan or haven’t watched an episode of the show, this production comes with brief voiceovers, spoken by poet Benjamin Zephaniah, to keep you on track with the narrative.
Featuring 20 of the company’s dancers alongside a live on-stage band, playing a specially commissioned Peaky Blinders musical score, this unique production is the first collaboration of its kind for Rambert. Continuing to reign as Britain’s oldest dance company, Rambert started out as a classical ballet company over a century ago before shifting their focus from classical to contemporary dance. Versatile and awe-inspiring, Peaky Blinders represents another new phrase in the company’s evolution. And most pleasing of all, Rambert show no sign of standing still.
