It’s official… a Peaky Blinders film is being made for Netflix, and according to its star, it’s going to be “one for the fans”.
Fans of the smash-hit BBC drama series will know that the idea of a film sequel has been a very long time coming, with rumours about it having been circulating pretty much since the success of the first series, and the show‘s creators even adding fuel to the fire by refusing to rule-out the prospect – but now, Netflix has confirmed what we’ve all been waiting for.
Taking to its official social media platforms to tease the long-awaited news, Netflix shared a picture of the film’s script and simply revealed that it’s “coming”.
“BIG NEWS: A Peaky Blinders film is coming to Netflix,” the streaming platform confirmed on X.
As you can imagine, not a great deal is known about the film at present.
Pretty much the only information fans have been given to go off being that the film is written by Peaky Blinders’ original show creator, Steven Knight, and it’s set to be directed by Tom Harper – who’s known for directing three episodes of the show, as well as other TV programmes such as such as This Is England, and the 2015 BBC adaptation of War & Peace.
Oh… and then there’s just the small matter of the fact that Cillian Murphy has been confirmed as returning to his starring role as Tommy Shelby.
Speaking on getting the chance to team back up with Steven Knight once again, and stepping back into Tommy Shelby’s shoes for the film, Oscar-winner Murphy said: “It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me… It is very gratifying to be re-collaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders.”
The celebrated actor closed out his mysterious statement claiming that “this is one for the fans”.
A Peaky Blinders film is officially coming to Netflix and it’s one ‘for the fans’ / Credit: Netflix UK / BBC
Knight has previously claimed the plot of the film will carry on the Shelby family’s story, as the timeline approaches the Second World War, and even teased to Esquire that: “I know what two stories it’s going to tell”.
But he said little else about how they will unfold and who exactly they involve.
Further casting announcements, timelines for filming and production, and eventual air dates for the Peaky Blinders film are all expected to be revealed in due course.
But considering we don’t know when that’ll be, all we can do for now is wait.
Featured Image – Netflix UK / BBC
Art & Culture
Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later this year
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Featured Images – Supplied (via Publicity Pictures)
Art & Culture
Iconic musical Annie is returning to the stage in Manchester next summer
Emily Sergeant
One of the most iconic musical productions of the 21st century will be heading out on a tour of the UK and Ireland next year.
And of course, an iconic musical will be taking to an iconic Manchester stage.
Renowned theatre producers Michael Harrison and David Ian are ‘delighted’ to announce that their smash-hit production of the musical Annie is being revived for 2026 and 2027, and will be embarking on a huge UK-wide tour, stopping off at some major cities in the process.
Unfamiliar with the musical Annie? Yet to see it on stage? Or haven’t been able to watch the beloved 1982 film of the same name? Let us fill you in.
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage – but her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.
Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family.
➕ ATG+ PRESALE ➕
The smash hit West End production of ANNIE, the world’s favourite family musical, returns to Manchester for 2 weeks only.
Groups presale 👉 Today 12pm General sale 👉 Friday 12 Sep 10am
Based on the 1924 comic strip, Little Orphan Annie by Harold Grey – which, in turn, was inspired from the poem, Little Orphant Annie by James Whitcomb Riley – Annie the musical originally debuted on Broadway in 1977 where it ran for nearly six years, before eventually spawning numerous productions in countless other countries, as well as national tours.
Over the last four decades, Annie the musical has won seven Tony Awards, including for Best Musical, and a wide variety of other accolades.
The songs ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’ are among its most popular and well-known musical numbers.
Annie the musical will be taking to the Manchester Palace Theatre stage from Tuesday 9 – Saturday 20 June 2026, with the tour continuing right through to mid-March 2027, and even more locations yet to be announced.
Tickets for the show are officially now on sale, and you can get your hands on them here.
Emily Sergeant -
5th June 2024 
