Peaky Blinders – Liverpool Empire

The Global sensation of Steven Knight’s’ Peaky Blinders took TV audiences by storm and not surprisingly, there would be a stage version to follow but it is very rare for a ballet to be developed from such a show.   Rambert Dance rose to the challenge of taking on this iconic drama.  Its violent, brutal physicality lending itself to the dance-form incredibly well. Director/ choreographer Benoit Swan Pouffer creates such a powerful, visual feast for our senses, we are mesmerized from the first moment.

The eighteen strong ensemble bring alive not only the story but the emotion of Shelby’s redemption to a soundtrack that feels it actually gets inside you.  Audiences will be familiar with songs from the TV show like ‘Red Right Hand’ by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds but it is the music commissioned by Rambert, composed by Roman GianArthur, that seamlessly weaves the whole piece together. Musical Director Yaron Engler on drums and just two other band members Mitchel Emms and Joe Downard, deliver an exceptional multi-instrumental performance.  From shamanic, primeval drumming to hard rock, Celtic dance, balletic, atmospheric and unworldly at times, with amazing vocals – probably the best ‘band’ I’ve heard live.

Technically, the show is faultless. Natasha Chivers’ superb lighting design is masterly, complimenting Filipe J Carvalho’s amazing illusions design, Moshik kop’s sound and the inventive set by Moi Tran. With excellent costumes (Richard Gellar) capturing the period, every department contributes to what is a phenomenal spectacle that will leave you wanting more.

For those who might be expecting the story arc of the series, don’t, this is another story – the prequel with the Shelby brothers returning from war – ‘dead inside’ and the love story between Tom (Conor Kerrigan) and Grace (Naya Lovell) who is shot. Both are captivating to watch.  This is Shelby’s journey from Death to Life. It’s stylized and plays on Shelby’s grief – his despair and melancholy, rather than his ruthless, cleverness which we know from the series.

From the explosive battlefields, the ensemble move immaculately, stretching, bending and twirling their way through carousels, races, nightclubs, the opium den and gang wars, creating characters and stories without words. Images to give us ideas rather than plots. Not so much about what happens but how it makes us feel.   Yet there are words. Narrated poetically by the Late Benjamin Zephaniah, who appeared in the TV series and worked on this project before he died, adding another layer to this sensory extravaganza.

I admit this is my kind of theatre and I could write another paragraph of superlatives. Some might find it too loud, too smokey or too much style over substance but for those who appreciate dance as a pure art form and technical excellence then this show has it all.  It’s outstanding! By order of the Peaky Blinders, you should see it.  I will probably still be talking about it next year.

Rambert was formed almost one hundred years ago and is now a diverse, inspirational and ground-breaking company.  Peaky Blinders runs until Saturday then continues its tour of UK dates before going abroad.

Reviewer: Bev Clark

Reviewed: 17th September 2024

North West End UK Rating: