Peaky Blinders 'a Western In The West Midlands'

24 February 2026
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Ed James, BBC Radio WMand


Tim Page, West Midlands


A new documentary has actually raised the cover on the making of Peaky Blinders, and the "folklore" at the heart of the story.


Peaky Blinders: The Real Story functions interviews with individuals behind the show, including creator Steven Knight speaking about the Birmingham family folklore that influenced it.


"My mother was a bookmaker's runner. Gambling was prohibited at the time, she was eight years old and she would stroll down the street with a basket of washing and people would drop bets into the basket," Knight stated.


The documentary, which launched on streaming websites today, has been made by filmmaker Robin Bextor, who said he set out to different fact from fiction.


"The first reported reference of Peaky Blinders that took place at all remained in 1890, whereas the Peaky Blinders we see on screen don't start until after the First World War," he informed BBC Radio WM.


"The genuine Peaky Blinders had finished before the series starts".


The also explores the production methods of the six BBC series of Peaky Blinders, including its use of modern rock music together with folk and blues.


Bextor stated designer Grant Montgomery wanted the program to be "based on a series of Western movies that he enjoyed".


"I brought a sort of Americana to it. I was always drawn to that visual, the lawlessness of it," Montgomery told the brand-new production.


It comes weeks before the release of a brand-new Netflix movie, the Immortal Man, continuing the story of the Shelbys into World War Two. This will be followed by two more BBC series heading through to the 1950s.


Bextor said his movie was a tribute to Peaky Blinders' Brummie roots, and the "unmatched" ability of its creator, Knight.


"It's not an accident that he's ending up being the king of drama now. He's been asked to write the new Bond motion picture, he's got 2 brand-new series operating on TV, he's got the Peaky Blinders movie ... and he was asked to compose Star Wars.


"I indicate, this guy is a substantial achiever. Plus obviously, what Peaky Blinders offered us was six series of a brilliant performance by Cillian Murphy."


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