Bucks &amp; Oxon


<p>If you think ballet is all tutus and Tchaikovsky, think again. The Rambert Dance Company’s <em>Peaky Blinders</em> is about to smash those expectations into a million pieces. Here are six reasons we’re absolutely thrilled that one of the most innovative dance companies in the world is bringing this creative take on the classic TV series to the New Theatre Oxford next month.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-rambert-innit"><strong>It&#8217;s Rambert, innit</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/BalletRambert1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-170557" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/BalletRambert1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/BalletRambert1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/BalletRambert1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We don’t often get the pleasure of hosting Rambert in Oxford, so when they do grace us with their presence, you know it’s going to be something special. Rambert isn’t just any ballet company—they’re basically the cool kids of the dance world. Founded way back in 1926, they might be the oldest dance company in Britain, but they’re anything but old-school. Rambert is all about pushing boundaries through innovative choreography, collaborating with top artists, and making contemporary dance totally epic. French-born Benoit Swan Pouffer, the Artistic Director, has had a distinguished career in the world of dance. His vision? Top-notch. Their shows? Mind-blowing. And they’re not just about looking good on stage—they’re all about getting everyone involved, from school kids to wannabe dancers. It’s diverse, it’s inclusive, and this level of breath-taking choreography in Oxford? Consider it a rare and unmissable treat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-original-series-writer-is-involved"><strong>The original series writer is involved</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/PeakyBlinders.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-170559" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/PeakyBlinders.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/PeakyBlinders-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/PeakyBlinders-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Steven Knight, the genius behind the&nbsp;<em>Peaky Blinders</em>&nbsp;TV series, has his fingerprints all over this production. Born in Birmingham, Knight drew inspiration from real-life gangs in the city to craft the gritty world of the Shelby family. But&nbsp;<em>Peaky Blinders</em>&nbsp;is just one of his many accomplishments—he also co-created&nbsp;<em>Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?</em>, wrote the screenplays for films like&nbsp;<em>Dirty Pretty Things</em>, and directed the critically acclaimed film&nbsp;<em>Locke</em>. His storytelling style, characterized by sharp dialogue and complex characters, has made him one of the most respected figures in British television and film. His involvement with Rambert means the intense atmosphere that made the show a hit is brought to life on stage with all the authenticity you’d expect. It’s not just ballet—it’s&nbsp;<em>Peaky Blinders</em>&nbsp;without a tutu in sight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-plot-developments-are-revealed"><strong>New plot developments are revealed</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-170561" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert2-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><em>Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby</em>&nbsp;picks up the story at the end of World War One, following Tommy Shelby and Grace Burgess through their passionate love affair. While Tommy builds his empire, Grace is operating as an undercover agent for Special Branch on a mission to get close to the heart of Tommy’s gang. Steven Knight has added character insights that didn’t make it to the TV screen but were in his mind while creating the show, giving&nbsp;<em>Peaky</em>&nbsp;fans some special extras. Fans will also recognize the (pre-recorded) voice of narrator Benjamin Zephaniah (Jeremiah in the series) illuminating key points of the story.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-engages-younger-audiences-with-ballet"><strong>It engages younger audiences with ballet</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="632" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-170563" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert8.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert8-800x506.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert8-400x253.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Let’s face it, ballet sometimes gets a bad rap with younger audiences, but this production is a total game-changer. By blending the cool, edgy world of the&nbsp;<em>Peaky Blinders</em>&nbsp;with the elegance of ballet, Rambert is making this art form accessible and downright exciting for a new generation.&nbsp;<em>Peaky Blinders</em>&nbsp;has already hooked a whole generation of young fans with its razor-sharp storyline, complex characters, and seriously slick visuals. Now, imagine all that intensity, but with some fancy footwork thrown in. We may be swapping razor blades for pointe shoes, but the result is a fresh, totally unexpected way to dive back into the world of the Shelbys.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-there-s-a-live-band">There&#8217;s a live band</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/BalletRambert-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-170565" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/BalletRambert-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/BalletRambert-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/BalletRambert-1-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Who needs a pre-recorded soundtrack when you can have a live band bringing the energy right to the stage? That’s right, Rambert’s <em>Peaky Blinders</em> takes things up a notch with a live band that cranks up the intensity and immerses you even deeper into the dark world of the Shelbys. Cillian Murphy, who plays Thomas Shelby on TV, says that he listened to every track of music and knows whether it’s ‘either Peaky or not’. This live soundtrack is <em>definitely</em> Peaky. Expect everything from brooding, atmospheric tunes to high-energy, foot-stomping beats that will have you on the edge of your seat. The live band doesn’t just accompany the dancers—it drives the narrative forward, creating a fully immersive experience that’s innovative, fresh, and unlike anything you’ve seen in ballet before.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specially-commissioned-music"><strong>Specially commissioned music</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-170568" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert7-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert7-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>As if all that wasn’t enough, the show’s music includes specially commissioned tracks by some of the biggest names in the industry—think Radiohead, Nick Cave and beyond. This isn’t your typical ballet score; it’s a genre-defying blend of sounds and songs that uses music from the TV series and nails the show’s dark, moody vibes. The result? A performance that’s as much a concert as it is a ballet. Get ready, Oxford—this isn’t just ballet, it’s <em>Peaky Blinders</em> with a twist and we couldn&#8217;t be more excited.</p>



<p><strong><em>Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is on at the New Theatre Oxford from 15-19 Oct. Book tickets <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/peaky-blinders-the-redemption-of-thomas-shelby/new-theatre-oxford/">here</a>.</em></strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-170570" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert6-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/Rambert6-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>


6 reasons we’re buzzing about Rambert’s Peaky Blinders

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