The Peaky Blinders is set in the Midlands city of Birmingham, England.
Peaky Blinders, the British TV series, has earned praise for its captivating narrative and stellar acting. Unfolding in the aftermath of World War I, the show delves into the escapades of a notorious gang in a raw urban setting. Its meticulous historical depiction and nuanced characters have gripped a global audience, while the series is applauded for its immersive cinematography and authentic portrayal of the era.
Where is Peaky Blinders set?
Peaky Blinders unfolds primarily in Birmingham, the Midlands city that housed the real-life Peaky Blinders gang from the 1880s to the 1910s. Comprising youthful delinquents from modest backgrounds, the gang delved into a range of illicit activities, including robbery, violence, racketeering, illegal bookmaking, and gambling control.
However, the TV series takes creative liberties, weaving a fictional narrative where the Peaky Blinders clash with the Birmingham Boys and the Sabini gang in the post-World War I underworld. Set in the Small Heath area of Birmingham, the gang's residences span from Longbridge to Sutton Coldfield. The post-WWI backdrop enhances the visual allure, and the post-industrial Birmingham serves as a vivid character in itself.
Where was Peaky Blinders filmed?
While Peaky Blinders is rooted in the post-war streets of Birmingham, its on-screen representation diverges from its actual filming locations. Surprisingly, the BBC series captures the essence of Birmingham within the bustling streets of another English city. Manchester, situated in the northwest, becomes the clandestine backdrop for much of the action-packed drama. Despite the characters' accents and the scenes mirroring Birmingham's era, the cast skillfully crafts the show's immersive world amidst Manchester's urban tapestry.
Beyond Manchester, a diverse array of locations lends authenticity to the series. The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, Powis Street in Liverpool, Port Sunlight in Wirral, Arley Hall in Cheshire, Leeds Town Hall, and Formby Beach all play crucial roles in creating the realistic post-war Birmingham atmosphere. These varied settings not only enhance the visual narrative but also receive financial support to contribute to the show's production.
The decision to film in Manchester stems from its aesthetic alignment with the creator’s vision for the show. Manchester's diverse architecture, notably its canals, bridges, and cobbled streets, seamlessly transforms into Birmingham's Small Heath circa 1934, as affirmed by creator Steven Knight. On the other hand, while the real Garrison Pub did exist, it is no longer open, and thus the show’s creators had to set the interior scenes at Space Studios.
Did the Shelby family exist?
The Shelby family, as portrayed in Peaky Blinders, are fictional and never existed in reality. The television series draws inspiration from the factual Peaky Blinders gang that thrived in Birmingham during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nevertheless, the authentic Peaky Blinders consisted of multiple gangs, lacking the same level of potency and organization showcased in the show.
An economic recession and anti-Irish sentiments gave rise to the emergence of the gang, which gradually dissipated as life improved for certain individuals. The show intricately weaves together historical authenticity and artistic invention, centering on the criminal exploits of the fictional Shelby family in 1920s Birmingham.
FAQs
A. Set in Birmingham, England, Peaky Blinders unfolds a crime drama, following a family with a diverse heritage, blending Irish Traveller and Romani roots.
A. No, Tommy Shelby isn’t Indian but he and his family are a mix of Irish-Romani Gypsies, a cultural group that has been present in Britain since the 1500s.
A. Kevin Mooney was recognized as the most influential member of the Peaky Blinders. He assumed the identity of Thomas Gilbert, consistently modifying his last name.
