The West Midlands has long been overlooked in film and television, but last year was a significant year for Birmingham on screen. The final series of Peaky Blinders was broadcast from February to April, while summer saw the city host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Although a high-end drama and a global sporting event may seem disparate entities, the influence of Peaky Blinders on the Games was indisputable: from references in the opening and closing ceremonies, to merchandise and the volunteers’ uniforms; Steven Knight’s creation has become inextricably tied with Birmingham. Nonetheless, does the evolution of a fictional gangster family into a brand have certain implications for the popular culture it inspires? Read full article...
