Review: Peaky Blinders – The Redemption of Thomas Shelby at the Lowry is ‘full of action, emotion and world class choreography’

Steven Knight’s Peaky Blinders has come to the stage, but with a contemporary twist.

The storyline follows a group of men in the trenches, each being introduced, with Tommy as the main character.

Peaky Blinders – The Redemption of Thomas Shelby

Post war, they return to Birmingham where their attention is on gangster antics and Tommy builds a fondness towards a love interest.

The critically acclaimed show attracts a massive audience into the theatre, with many highly anticipated viewers waiting for the busy event.

I have not seen the TV Show, however it is not necessary to watch to follow the narrative as the story is made clear through dance and a narrator.

The legendary Benjamin Zephaniah

The narrative is voiced by legendary Benjamin Zephaniah, who has unfortunately passed away.

One particular part I find unique about this production is the live band, consisting of Yarron Engler, Joe Downard and Mitchell Emms, that brought to life a variety of alternative rock from bands like Radiohead and Last Shadow Puppets as well as original music.

Their presence is visible through a dim light shining above them, creating more of a silhouette with the focus still remaining on the Rambert themselves.

Benoit Swan Pouffer’s choreography

Benoit Swan Pouffer’s choreography is thorough with intricate detail in each move with him even collaborating fight scenes into the dance.

His ability to follow the storyline through his choreography delivers well to the audience, as his face captivation.

The dancers efforts pay off, as the movement is clean and the timing is on point throughout the show.

The first half certainly has more of the action with a clear storyline, whereas the second half seems to move towards a more emotional angle.

The dancing by Rambert is incredible, with most of the dancers on time.

Each dancer is outstanding, with Conor Kerrigan’s rendition of Tommy impressing me most, understandable as he is the star of the show.

The dancing duo Tommy (played by Conor Kerrigan) and Grace (played by Naya Lovell) have a remarkable chemistry which sparks out onto the audience.

Impressively, there is a sequence where Tommy is dancing while wearing a blindfold but it doesn’t hinder his performance at all. Their love makes the second half of the show painstakingly difficult to watch.

Natasha Chivers lighting design

Natasha Chivers lighting design is one of the most incredible details I’ve seen in theatre.

On the most part, there is dim lighting, with sharp changes and spotlights to move the focus to certain areas.

She has the ability to create mystery through soft lighting, shadowing above the characters faces. The timing of the lighting is spot on, changing appropriately to suit the scene.

The show is thoroughly entertaining with your attention being attracted to all areas of the stage.

It is clear from the stand in novation, that the performance has been well delivered.

The show follows certain adult themes such as crime, rape (briefly) and death, I would suggest this show to mature teens and adults.

Tickets for Peaky Blinders – The Redemption of Thomas Shelby at the Lowry

You can get tickets for Peaky Blinders – The Redemption of Thomas Shelby at the Lowry by clicking here