BLINDING opportunity
HIT BBC DRAMA IS FILMING IN GREATER MANCHESTER ... AND YOU COULD BE AN EXTRA
FILMING is due to begin again on Peaky Blinders next year - and it looks like the Shelby gang will be back in Manchester.
Production had to be paused on season six of the smash hit BBC drama this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
But the cameras will start rolling again in the New Year, according to some very heavy hints in a casting advert.
Talent agency LB Casting Ltd is recruiting for extras for ‘a very wellknown BBC period drama shooting early 2021 in Manchester’.
The advert features a silhouette of a man in a newsboy cap, like those worn by Tommy Shelby - played by Cillian Murphy - and his associates.
Perhaps most tellingly, male actors ‘must be willing to shave hair if required’ - and the wording ‘by order of LB Casting’ provides another clue.
The Leeds-based agency has previously provided talent for Peaky Blinders, according to its website.
The agency is casting for men and women of all ethnicities, with ‘natural looks that can portray a true reflection of the time period being told’.
That means no piercings or visible tattoos, false nails, tattooed or drawn eyebrows, or eyelash extensions.
Women must have mid to shoulder length hair that isn’t dyed and has no obvious highlights, and must wear a dress size 12 or smaller.
Men must have no modern haircuts, fades, dye or obvious highlights, must be willing to shave their hair if required.
‘Modern beards/facial hair’ are another no-no, and their chest measurements must be no bigger than 44”.
Actors will be paid at PACT Equity rates, but travel and accommodation expenses will not be included.
“Ideally we are looking for people who drive due to early call times and late finishes. Please ensure you can independently get to and from Manchester outside of peak times,” the advert continues.
Applicants must be aged 16 or over and should send their details together with two new photos to apply@lbcastingltd.co.uk by January 3, 2021.
While set in Birmingham, Greater Manchester has formed much of the backdrop for Peaky Blinders’ previous seasons.
Its new production base is at Space Studios in West Gorton, and filming has previously taken place at studios on the Roundthorn Industrial Estate in Wythenshawe as well as Old Granada Studios in the city centre.
The five series so far have also featured many scenes shot on location in and around the city too, at sites including Victoria Baths, London Road Fire Station, Rochdale Town Hall, Stockport Plaza and Arley Hall in Cheshire.