Founded in 1919, Rambert is internationally renowned for its celebrated dance productions. Despite its long history, their work feels anything but dated, with ‘Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby’ being a prime example.
Written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, this stage production follows the story of Tommy Shelby and the Peaky Blinders. The performance features several voiceovers and thumping contemporary music by an incredible live band. As someone less familiar with the premise, this provided some assistance in following the story. The first act was moderately easy to follow, although the act two was less so where it became slightly more abstract. However, this didn’t always completely matter as the show wowed regardless of knowing each and every element of the narrative.
Natasha Chivers’s powerful lighting juxtaposed against Moi Tran’s grungy set design was nothing short of magnificent. Through clever lighting direction alone, the audience were transported to the trenches in the opening scene, without the need to be spoon-fed the information. Performers cleverly disappeared into parts of the set, keeping things exciting whilst allowing for more seamless storytelling.
Dance shows, in my opinion, work best when you almost forget they are ‘dancing’ and are instead engrossed in the action. On this basis, Peaky Blinders hits the mark. Benoit Swan Pouffer’s choreography is truly world-class, from fierce fight scenes where you don’t know where to look next, to slower and more sultry moments both keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Productions like this prove to naysayers that dance isn’t the elitist art form some believe it to be; it is, in fact, for absolutely everyone. And from the standing ovation at the end of the performance, it is clear that Salford loved it.
Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a show is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.