Leeds Stagecoach students make big-screen debut in new Peaky Blinders film
As the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders film The Immortal Man lands in cinemas across the UK today (March 6), several young performers from Stagecoach Performing Arts schools in Garforth, Wetherby, Selby and Pontefract are celebrating their big-screen debut alongside the famous Shelby clan.
Back in Autumn 2024, a group of enthusiastic students aged between 8 and 15 swapped their usual weekend classes for a real film set, transforming themselves with soot-daubed faces and vintage costumes as they joined the production as supporting artists. Now, their hard work has paid off as the World War II-set film is finally released to audiences.
Filming took place at iconic northern locations including St George’s Hall in Liverpool and the former Pilkington factory in St Helens. From underground bunkers filled with “authentic grime” to dramatic night shoots involving rain machines and pyrotechnic explosions, the students experienced first-hand the excitement of working on a major film set.
“It is so exciting to finally see our students on the big screen today,” said Simon Austin, Principal of Stagecoach Garforth, Wetherby, Selby and Pontefract.
“They were transported to another era during filming. One night in Liverpool was particularly dramatic, re-enacting an air raid with stunt teams, vintage London buses and massive lighting rigs.
"While most of them aren't quite old enough to watch the full film yet, we are all incredibly proud to see their names and faces associated with such a massive production.”
Several students had memorable moments during filming:
- Annie (9) from Stagecoach Garforth took part in dramatic night scenes involving real fires and horses.
- Sophia (11) and Dylan (13) from Stagecoach Wetherby appeared on a vintage bus during a fast-paced air-raid sequence.
- Sienna (12) from Stagecoach Garforth travelled to Calder Bridge in Cumbria to act as a body double during a pivotal funeral scene.
For many of the students, this experience marks an important step in their performing arts journey. Sophie (15) from Stagecoach Pontefract has attended the school for 12 years and hopes to continue studying acting, while Dylan already has an impressive résumé that includes appearances in House of the Dragon and Downton Abbey.
Beyond the excitement of the film set, Stagecoach continues to give students valuable life skills.
Pontefract student Ede says the training has given him the confidence to audition for school shows, while Matthew, from Garforth, says the friendships he has made through the school are just as important as the performances.
With more than 60,000 students and over 3,000 extra-curricular performing arts schools worldwide, Stagecoach aims to make a lasting difference in young people’s lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life — with many students going on to pursue careers in film, television and theatre.
The Immortal Man is in cinemas from today, and local audiences are encouraged to keep an eye out for these rising stars from Stagecoach West Yorkshire.