From a typical day on set to the one big actor who never broke character, Peaky Blinders extra Adam Crolla reveals what it's like the behind the scenes of the acclaimed TV drama.
Peaky Blinders has become one of the most acclaimed TV dramas since its launch in 2013, and fans were thrilled last month when it was announced that the film The Immortal Film has finally been released.
Set in 1920s Birmingham, the show follows the ruthless Shelby family as they rise through the criminal underworld. And while the stellar main cast of Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy as Tommy Shelby and Alfie Solomons make the show such a hit, the gritty world of post-war Birmingham is also brought to life through the dedicated team of background extras.
But what’s it like to appear on such a high-profile show as a background star? Adam Crolla, who appeared in 2017, reveals in an exclusive interview with online casino Betway, the tiny details that surprised him, the gruelling 12-hour days, and a side of Cillian off-camera that few fans ever see.
When did you start on the show and what role did you play?
It was in 2017. I was an extra. On one day, I played a spectator at a boxing match that went awry, and on another, I was a political supporter of Tommy.
How did you audition?
There was no audition needed. They were looking for real-looking people to fill the scenes.
What did you have to do in the role?
It wasn’t a speaking role. 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. I was instructed to duck and look uneasy as he spoke. On the second day, I was simply walking down a staircase behind him in Parliament. Being an extra mostly involves basic actions rather than detailed direction.
Did you get to meet any of the cast?
I chatted with a few people, though I didn’t always know who they were. Everyone was friendly, kind, and professional. The actor who played Arthur (Paul Anderson) stayed in character between takes, gruffly encouraging everyone to keep going.
What surprised you most about the set?
The set was incredible! It was at the Liverpool Astoria, which had been transformed into an old boxing hall with faded swagging curtains, posters, and period props. Even the tiniest details were considered, like period-accurate coins at a betting table, or tickets littered on the floor with real fight schedules. It genuinely felt like stepping back in time.
What was a typical day on set like for you?
Call time was around 7 a.m. Hair and makeup came first. For extras, this meant two large rooms resembling salons, where men sometimes had glued-on facial hair. Then the wardrobe department would give you your costume and accessories, making sure everything, from hats to ties, was positioned perfectly. There was a final check for continuity, with photos taken for reference in future shots.
Because it was summer, wearing multiple layers of 1930s period costumes could get very warm. I had a large wool coat! Watching everyone in their outfits was fascinating, though. It really added to the time-travel feeling. Filming went on through the day with breaks for lunch, usually wrapping around 7pm. Crowd scenes involved multiple takes from different angles, and for the boxing match, the fighters had to transform from fresh-faced to sweaty and bloodied, then back again for pickup shots. Classic movie magic.
Did you witness any unforgettable or funny moments on set?
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. I also loved observing the other main actors, even when they weren’t the focus of the scene; they fully inhabited their characters, which was really interesting to watch.
