Rambert has announced the cast and creative team for Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, a dance theatre show written and adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
Birmingham-born writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who played street preacher Jeremiah Jesu in the Peaky Blinders television series, will provide pre-recorded narration for the production.
He 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’re making dance history and we’re still keeping it gangster.”
Guillaume Quéau and Prince Lyons will alternate the role of Thomas Shelby, with Naya Lovell and Seren Williams alternating the role of Grace.
The production will be choreographed and directed by Rambert’s artistic director Benoit Swan Pouffer. Musical director will be Yaron Engler.
The creative team includes set designer Moi Tran, costume designer Richard Gellar and lighting designer Natasha Chivers. Dramaturgy is by Kaite O’Reilly. Acting director is Kim Pearce, illusions director is Filipe J Carvalho and fight director is Adrian Palmer. Lily Mollgaard is props supervisor while intimacy director is Yarit Dor. Sound design is by Moshik Kop.
Executive producer Simon Sinek said, “there are many great dancers but there are very few great dance companies. Rambert is a great dance company. Its ability to face new challenges head-on inspires me so much. Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is the latest challenge that pushes the company and the boundaries of the medium. It’s an honour to support them on their journey.”
Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby will be performed at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 27 September until Sunday 2 October. It then transfers to the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London before going on a UK tour in 2023.
The tour will visit Norwich Theatre Royal from 17 until 21 January, Alhambra Theatre, Bradford from 25 until 28 January, Hull New Theatre from 31 January until 4 February, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton from 7 until 11 February, Royal and Derngate, Northampton from 21 until 25 February, Festival Theatre Edinburgh from 28 February until 4 March, The Lowry, Salford from 14 until 18 March, Millennium Centre, Cardiff from 21 until 25 March and Theatre Royal Plymouth from 28 March until 1 April.
The show will return to Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 23 until Saturday 27 May.