The BBC’s critically acclaimed gangster epic, Peaky Blinders, is returning to Liverpool to film part of its second series.
The prime time BBC Two drama which focused on rival gangs in Birmingham’s underworld as they battle for supremacy, first aired in September 2013, pulling in an average audience of 2.4million each week during its six-episode run.
It has now been re-commissioned for a second series, with cast and crew returning to Liverpool as the city doubles for Birmingham – the Midlands city couldn’t replicate the era. Stanley Dock will once again be transformed in to 1920s Garrison Lane, but there will also be a significant amount of filming just outside the city centre.
Stars including Cillian Murphy (star of Dark Knight), Sam Neill (Jurassic Park) and Helen McCrory (Skyfall) will be back to film, and will be joined by Hollywood star Tom Hardy whose credits include Inception and The Dark Knight Rises.
Filming will begin later this month, with a view to it airing in the Autumn.
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member responsible for the Liverpool Film Office, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “We’re delighted this gripping drama is returning to the city.
“The production was filmed here last year over a three month period, and saw around 120 cast and crew make Liverpool their temporary home, giving a great boost to the local economy.
“The feedback we received from the Peaky Blinders team was overwhelmingly positive, and clearly their experience not only of the city but of our dedicated Film Office made it a simple decision for them to film on location here again.
“Liverpool is one of the most filmed cities in the UK outside of London, and even though it’s only February – 2014 has seen a real boom in the number of projects taking place here, with the city already playing host to Foyles War, Tubby and Enid and the forthcoming ITV drama Cilla.
“These really are exciting times, and we look forward to welcoming more top-class productions later on in the year.”
Cillian Murphy plays Tommy Shelby who is a ruthless member of the Peaky Blinders – named after the practise of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps.The second series will see the Shelby family expand their empire South and North while maintaining a stronghold in their Birmingham heartland.
Caryn Mandabach, Executive Producer, Caryn Mandabach Productions, says: “We’ve been thrilled by the passionate responses Peaky Blinders has been getting from viewers all over the country. Like them, I can’t wait for Thomas Shelby’s story to continue.”
Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two, adds: “With a fantastic cast and epic story-telling, Peaky Blinders was an utterly compelling addition to the BBC Two schedule and I’m delighted we’ll be paying another visit to the Shelby family next year.”
