Peaky Blinders: The Real Story

In the 19th Century Birmingham was at the heart of a revolution. A tumultuous change in living and working conditions that swept across the world....it was the Industrial Revolution, and it created enormous wealth for some but also grinding inequality and harsh living conditions for many. From those humble origins Birmingham also gave the world a new name for a group of criminals, who were born out of the squalor and poverty and who banded together bound by disorder, crime and deadly violence. They were known as the Peaky Blinders.

Today the Peaky Blinders have become the centre of a worldwide phenomenon in TV and film: spawning six hit series of drama and a soon to be released motion picture all starring Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby the charismatic leader of the gang. But did Shelby exist, what were the key decisions that shaped the series and how did the music, design, and performances come together to create a landmark in TV drama. We go behind the scenes to find out how Peaky Blinders’ unique style came about and whether indeed Alfie Solomons, Billy Kimber or Darby Sabini were real or sprang from the imagination of creator Steven Knight. With crime historian Carl Chinn- the world expert on Peaky Blinders- as our guide we find out the truth of the Real Blinders: where they came from, how they got their name and what they really did.

Special Feature:

Extended interview with historical advisor Carl Chinn author of the Real Peaky Blinders