Kudos, ‘Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight unveils music drama

Steven Knight

Banijay-owned UK prodco Kudos is developing a new drama series to be penned by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, about the ‘Two Tone’ music scene.

The series, which will be produced by Kudos in association with Kudos North and Yesterday producers Matthew James Wilkinson and Nick Angel, will tell the story of how Two Tone exploded out of the British cities of Coventry and Birmingham to unite black, white and Asian youths in the struggle against racism and political injustice and gave rise to an era-defining music scene in the process.

If the series is commissioned it will be one of the first to be produced at the 30 Acre TV & Film studio complex being set up by Knight in central Birmingham, with the cast and crew reflecting the racial diversity of the city.

“This will be a project very close to my heart, since this is home territory geographically and personally,” revealed Knight, who explained how he grew up within the Two Tone music scene.

“It was a soundtrack that perfectly fitted the mood of the times, on the streets, in clubs and on the football terraces,” he said, adding: “Birmingham and Coventry were the places where Two Tone was born and we will chart its progress through the important years.  The production team we are putting together will perfectly reflect the make-up of the people who made Two Tone happen.”

Karen Wilson, co-MD of Kudos, said that the project will tackle a “remarkable period of cultural history deeply rooted in the West Midlands” and noted “Steven’s passion for the area” which would bring to life “a fascinating story of progression and unity set against a backdrop of racial tension and economic demise.”

Knight is also the creator of shows including Apple TV+ sci-fi See, BBC1 drama Taboo and TV quiz series Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? His feature credits include Eastern Promises, Serenity and The Girl In The Spider’s Web.