TV Tonight: Peaky Blinders: Rambert’s The Redemption of Thomas Shelby

Peaky Blinders: Rambert’s The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is on BBC For and iPlayer tonight at 9.25pm.

Drawing inspiration from the television series and shot on the Birmingham Hippodrome stage, Rambert presents an electrifying rendition of their acclaimed stage production, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, airing on BBC Four this festive season. Featuring an iconic soundtrack, this performance, adapted for the stage by Steven Knight and helmed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, showcases the entire Rambert dance company and commemorates a decade since the premiere of the first Peaky Blinders episode on the BBC.

Set against the backdrop of the trenches of The Somme in 1916, the narrative delves into the post-war industrial landscape of Birmingham, where the Shelby family grapples with decisions that shape their destinies. Tommy Shelby, enthralled by the enigmatic Grace, builds his empire while unbeknownst to him, Grace operates as an undercover agent for Special Branch, determined to infiltrate the heart of Tommy’s gang. As the plot unfolds, hearts are shattered, and quests for revenge unfold.

Birmingham-born writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah, known for his role as street preacher Jeremiah Jesus in the TV series, lends his voice to the spoken-word component. Accompanied by a live on-stage band performing specially commissioned music by Roman GianArthur and iconic Peaky Blinders tracks from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi, The Last Shadow Puppets, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the performance promises a captivating fusion of storytelling and music.