Peaky Blinders ballet and musical in the works

The Shelby brothers could be set to swap Small Heath for Sadler's Wells, if the rumours circulating about a theatrical adaptation of Peaky Blinders are true.

Talking to WhatsOnStage, Paul Anderson – who plays Arthur Shelby in the BBC Two drama – said: "They're talking about a [Peaky Blinders] ballet at the moment. There's also been suggestions of a musical and a movie.

"It's taken on a whole new life recently. It's become very big, and very popular."

Anderson's comments echo those made by the programme's creator Steven Knight, who recently told the Birmingham Press Club that Rambert dance company had approached him with plans for a ballet based on the hit show.

Starring Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, the head of a Birmingham-based crime family, Peaky Blinders first hit our screens in 2013 and has so far had four series, with another three future series anticipated.

Earlier this week it won the award for Best Drama at the BAFTA Television Awards. Other cast members include Helen McCrory, Paddy Considine (recently seen in The Ferryman) and Charlie Murphy (soon to star in The Lieutenant of Inishmore).

Anderson is currently gearing up to play the title role in Christopher Hampton's new modern adaptation of Moliere's Tartuffe, which opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket later this month. Our full interview with him will be published on Monday 21 May.