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 brand-new documentary has actually raised the lid on the making of Peaky Blinders, and the "mythology" at the heart of the story.


Peaky Blinders: The Real Story functions interviews with individuals behind the show, including developer Steven Knight discussing the Birmingham family folklore that motivated it.


"My mom was a bookie's runner. Gambling was unlawful at the time, she was eight years old and she would stroll down the street with a basket of washing and individuals would drop bets into the basket," Knight stated.


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


"The first reported reference of Peaky Blinders that took place at all was in 1890, whereas the Peaky Blinders we see on screen do not begin till after the First World War," he informed BBC Radio WM.


"The real Peaky Blinders had completed before the series starts".


The documentary likewise explores the production methods of the 6 BBC series of Peaky Blinders, including its use of contemporary rock music together with folk and blues.


Bextor stated designer Grant Montgomery desired the program to be "based upon a series of Western movies that he liked".


"I brought a type of Americana to it. I was constantly drawn to that visual, the lawlessness of it," Montgomery informed the brand-new production.


It comes weeks before the release of a new Netflix film, 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 stated his film was a tribute to Peaky Blinders' Brummie roots, and the "unparalleled" ability of its creator, Knight.