Peaky Blinders: Redemption of Thomas Shelby at Sunderland Empire

Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby by the Rambert dance company at the Sunderland Empire was totally mesmerising and the athleticism of the dancers coupled with the addition of the live band blew me away.

I can’t compare it to the TV drama but the powerful performance had me captivated from start to finish.

Barney (Musa Motha) and Tommy (Guillaume Queau) in the show (Image: Johan Persson) I read the interview in the Hexham Courant with Steven Knight, famous creator of BBC's Peaky Blinders and writer of the stage show, giving an insight into what the show is all about. Knight was asked how he’d describe the production and he said…. romantic, tragic and uplifting.

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I’d agree 100 %.

Thomas Shelby (Guillaume Queau) in the show (Image: Johan Persson) I’d also add that this production is gritty, explosive and razor sharp.

The opening of the second act was simply stunning and emotively follows Tommy, played by the brilliant Conor Kerrigan, struggling with the wicked combination of drugs and grief.

The live band were marvellous - made up of Yarron Engler on drums and percussion, Joe Downard on cello and bass and Mitchel Emms on guitar and keys, all adding their vocal prowess.

Heady tracks by the likes of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi and The Last Shadow Puppets filled the beautiful theatre.

This production is a must for everyone from those, like me, who are being exposed to Peaky Blinders for the first time, right through to the seasoned, hardcore fans.

Grab a ticket while you can as the show is moving onto Luxembourg and Istanbul.

Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby - featuring the full Rambert dance company and an iconic Peaky soundtrack from a live on-stage band - is on at the Sunderland Empire until 2 November. 

Tickets from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/peaky-blinders-the-redemption-of-thomas-shelby/sunderland-empire/