Tom Maller presenting at the Live Immersive Design Symposium in October 2023

Creating Peaky Blinders: The Rise

“Immersive theatre is a playground for audiences and characters to connect” – this is the philosophy behind Rebecca Brower and Tom Maller, the creative minds of “Peaky Blinders: The Rise.” They take us from the conception to the execution of staging, design, and interactive storytelling, which immerses the audience in the atmospheric depths of 1920s Birmingham right in the heart of modern London. 

A key theme of their presentation is the categorisation of audience types – a framework they developed to tailor the experience to engaging a broad audience. They identify several audience personas, including narrative players deeply immersed in the storyline, explorers on the lookout for hidden details, and fans eager for interaction with their favourite characters. This approach informed both the design and direction, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive experience that resonated with a broad spectrum of attendees.


This talk was recorded at the Immersive Experience Network’s Live Immersive Design Symposium in October 2023, and is supported by Arts Council England and our industry partners Illusion Design & Construct, Mance Communications, White Light, Unlocked Vision, Clockwork Dog, d&b audiotechnik, Scene2, Little Lion Entertainment, Entourage, and Vista Insurance.

Date of article - July 17, 2024
Updated - July 1, 2024
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