Peaky Blinders Extra Reveals Cillian Murphy's Funny On-Set Moment in Birmingham
A background actor who worked on the acclaimed television drama Peaky Blinders has shared captivating behind-the-scenes stories from filming in Birmingham, including a particularly amusing moment involving star Cillian Murphy during rehearsals.
Behind the Scenes of a Birmingham-Based Drama
Peaky Blinders, which debuted in 2013, has been widely praised as one of the most outstanding TV dramas. The series is set in 1920s Birmingham and follows the ruthless Shelby family's ascent through the criminal underworld. The spin-off film, The Immortal Man, recently launched to glowing reviews, boasting an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Cillian Murphy, 49, reprised his role as Tommy Shelby for this film, joining a star-studded cast that includes Tom Hardy as Alfie Solomons.
In addition to the main actors, a large team of background extras plays a crucial role in bringing the post-war drama to life. One such extra, Adam Crolla, secured a part in Peaky Blinders back in 2017 and has provided unique insights into the production process.
A Day in the Life of an Extra
Adam Crolla portrayed a spectator at a boxing match that went wrong and a political supporter of Tommy Shelby. In a conversation with Betway, he revealed the demanding nature of the work, including 12-hour days, and the surprising details of being an extra. "It wasn't a speaking role," Adam explained. "There were over 150 extras on the first day and around 30 on the second. During the boxing match scene, I had to react with shock and fear when Tommy (Cillian) got in the ring and fired a gun."
He added that he was instructed to duck and look uneasy as Cillian Murphy's character spoke. On the second day, his role involved simply walking down a staircase behind Tommy in Parliament. "Being an extra mostly involves basic actions rather than detailed direction," Adam noted, highlighting the often-underappreciated work of background actors.
Meeting the Cast and a Hilarious Moment
Speaking about his interactions with the cast, Adam said, "I chatted with a few people, though I didn't always know who they were. Everyone was friendly, kind, and professional." He particularly mentioned that Paul Anderson, who plays Arthur Shelby, stayed in character between takes, gruffly encouraging everyone to keep going.
However, the most memorable anecdote involves Cillian Murphy. Adam recalled, "During rehearsals, when Tommy (Cillian) got into the ring, he once used his fingers as a gun and shouted 'bang! bang!' instead of firing a prop. It was hilarious to see compared to how much he stayed in character during actual takes." This lighthearted moment contrasted sharply with Murphy's intense performance during filming, showcasing a different side of the actor.
Adam also expressed admiration for the other main actors, noting that they fully inhabited their characters even when not the focus of the scene, which he found fascinating to observe.
Where to Watch
Both Peaky Blinders and the spin-off film The Immortal Man are currently available to stream on Netflix and BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to enjoy the Birmingham-based drama and its latest installment.
