Musician lands Peaky Blinders extra role after gigs wiped out by Covid pandemic; North-east town's 'fantastic reputation' with film industry stands it in good stead for more time in the spotlight
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A musician swapped stage for screen when he landed himself a role as an extra on the set of Peaky Blinders filming in the north-east last week.
Lossiemouth man Stu Richardson (61), one half of husband-and-wife duo BedHead, signed up to Grantown-based agency Beautiful Bearded Bastards in the hope of picking up some film work after the pandemic wiped out the couple's bookings.
The duo would normally perform around 200 gigs annually – but they haven't been able to play live for a year now and are living in hope that venues are still around when they can get back to performing.
Stu spent three days on set in a sub-zero Portsoy last week layered up in a woollen peacoat, heavy boots and the obligatory cap as an extra in scenes being filmed for the sixth and final series of the hit BBC gangster drama.
The drama, which is set in inter-war Birmingham, stars Cillian Murphy as the troubled Tommy Shelby, a powerful member of the Shelby crime family.
Stu said: "Areas were set aside for us to keep warm – but I was too interested in what was going on.
"The wardrobe department were excellent. We had about five or six layers of costume and we were given hand-warmer and toe-warmer packs to keep warm.
"I was there on the Sunday for costume fitting and make-up runs and wore the same costume on the Tuesday and Thursday.
"I was amazed how long I was in make-up – over an hour putting scars on my face."
Stu, who has already received the Covid-19 vaccination due to his other occupation as a support worker for adults with learning difficulties, said the safety precautions on set were rigorous.
He said: "The team really did take great care. Everyone was Covid tested and masks were worn all day unless shooting was under way.
"It was great fun – lots of standing about but we were really well looked after.
"When Cillian Murphy came on set you could see he was 'in the zone'. Then when a scene was over he'd be smiling and cracking jokes."
Stu's wife, Hazel (48), is an extra in the filming of Tetris in Aberdeen this week.
Iain Wilkie is owner of Beautiful Bearded Bastards, which specialises in body doubles, stand-ins, professional dancers, musicians and actors as well as background. The agency, which has worked on other hit shows such as Bridgerton, The Crown and Outlander, has invested in a rebrand and is about to change its name to BBBs.
Iain, who acted as a body double for a season in Outlander, said: "Peaky Blinders did absolutely everything right at Portsoy. They were extremely strict with Covid-19 procedures and the welfare of the support cast was just outstanding.
"Portsoy is a well-known location in the film industry and I can't see this being the last big thing for the village.
"It has a fantastic reputation in the industry both as a location and for its welcoming locals.
"I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few more film cameras rolling in Portsoy before the end of the year."
