Birmingham well and truly took centre stage at the Hippodrome Theatre with the premiere of the new dance show Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby.

Based on the hit television series written by Birmingham’s Steven Knight and set in the city, the show is produced by Rambert in association with the Hippodrome and there was only one place it could be launched.

Peaky Blinders fans were out in force to see the show which has been newly written by Knight and is set largely prior to the first series while picking up some of its themes. The story focuses very closely on Thomas Shelby, this is his story rather than that of the Peaky Blinders, although other familiar family members including Arthur, Polly, John and Ada are featured.

The tale begins on the Western Front as the Shelbys fight the Germans and we learn how their humanity has been stripped away by the horrors of the First World War. After the brutal violence of the trenches, a street fight pales into insignificance.

Knight’s story also features Grace and her romance with Tommy and its consequences which sees him lose control, find solace and oblivion in opium but finally return to his family. It is a complex tale which may not always be clear to people who don’t know the television series.

While the production begins brilliantly with plenty of drama and personality it does drift through the opium scenes, losing its way a little and becoming as befuddled as Tommy appears to be. Fortunately it pulls its way back to coherence with a finish which will have fans cheering.

The choreography by Rambert artistic director Benoit Swan Pouffer is dynamic and hugely energetic, particularly when the Shelbys square up for a punch-up. But it also has its moments of tenderness when Tommy and Grace fall in love and between members of the Shelby family.

Guillaume Quéau as Tommy is full of attitude but also ready to crumble when his life becomes unbearable. Naya Lovell’s Grace is initially predatory, prepared to sacrifice Tommy to her own designs, but she gradually succumbs to his charms.

Birmingham writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who plays Preacher Jeremiah Jesus in the series, is also given a role with a recorded narration which stitches some of the scenes together, providing additional explanation and context.

The production takes its lead from the television series in ensuring a strong musical score, created by Roman GianArthur with a blend of live music and recordings from The Last Shadow Puppets, Laura Mvula and Radiohead. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ television theme tune Red Right Hand is also given pride of place, its opening bars immediately tuning in the audience.

There will be much that Peaky Blinders fans recognise including the trademark sharp suits and Peaky Blinder caps designed by Richard Gellar. And while we aren’t treated to the inside of the Garrison pub, the sets by Moi Tran do feature inspiration from Birmingham and the Black Country, not least with a scene in a chain making factory.

Bringing together a hugely successful television series and contemporary dance is a stroke of genius for this team behind Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby. The show packs plenty of punch, has strong characterisation and fantastic music and was a clear winner with its Birmingham audience.

Four stars

Reviewed by Diane Parkes on Wednesday 28 September. Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby continues to show at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sunday 2 October. The show then returns to the theatre from Tues 23 to Sat 27 May