Cillian Murphy Left Voicemails in Character to Perfect Tommy Shelby’s Voice—Here’s Why It Worked

Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Thomas Shelby in the BBC’s acclaimed series Peaky Blinders stands as a benchmark in immersive acting. One of the defining features of his performance is the authentic Brummie accent that brings the Birmingham gangster vividly to life. Considering Murphy is an Irishman from Cork, his journey to mastering the Birmingham dialect was no small feat—and it’s a commitment that has paid off handsomely.

A Commitment to Authenticity

Set in the gritty aftermath of World War I, Peaky Blinders demands not just emotional depth and intensity from its lead, but also a genuine regional authenticity. Thomas Shelby’s character is deeply rooted in Birmingham’s working-class culture, so nailing the accent was crucial for Murphy to fully embody the role.

Murphy, already known for his versatile range, understood that his natural Cork accent could undermine the realism of Tommy Shelby. Recognizing this, he committed himself to a rigorous process of voice training designed to capture the true sound of 1920s Birmingham—a voice that would resonate with audiences as real and compelling.

Immersive and Iterative Voice Training

Murphy’s method was as unique as it was effective. Thanks to Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, he had access to Birmingham’s vibrant culture firsthand. In a 2022 Radio Times interview, Murphy shared how he spent time at the historic Garrison pub, an iconic location in the show, recording local conversations using just his iPhone.

These recordings, filled with the rhythms, slang, and intonations of Birmingham locals—including songs and storytelling—became Murphy’s auditory textbook. Back home, he would listen repeatedly, practicing and perfecting every nuance of the Brummie accent.

But what truly set his approach apart was the feedback loop with Knight. Murphy didn’t just practice in isolation; he left voicemails in character, speaking in his carefully honed Brummie accent for the show’s creator to review and critique. This ongoing dialogue ensured his accent continually improved, evolving closer to perfection with each iteration.

Critical Acclaim and Lasting Impact

Murphy’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. His portrayal of Tommy Shelby has been celebrated not only for emotional intensity but also for its linguistic authenticity. In 2023, he earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Lead Actor, with many critics citing his convincing Brummie accent as a standout element that lent weight and credibility to the role.

The voice Murphy crafted is more than just an accent; it’s a tool that conveys power, menace, vulnerability, and complexity—making Tommy Shelby one of television’s most unforgettable antiheroes. The accent has become so inseparable from the character that imagining anyone else playing Tommy Shelby feels nearly impossible.

Fan Theories and Further Insights

Fans have noticed and debated Murphy’s vocal choices online, with some suggesting he intentionally lowered his pitch to give Tommy a more commanding presence. While these ideas add an intriguing layer to understanding the character, they remain speculative rather than confirmed by Murphy himself.

Conclusion: The Power of Preparation

Cillian Murphy’s painstaking work to master the Brummie accent is a masterclass in actor preparation. By immersing himself in the sounds of Birmingham and embracing continuous refinement—even to the point of leaving voicemails in character—Murphy crafted a voice that was integral to Tommy Shelby’s identity.

His dedication not only enhanced his performance but also contributed significantly to the success and cultural impact of Peaky Blinders. Murphy’s journey from Cork to Birmingham, captured through his accent, exemplifies how the smallest details can make the biggest difference in storytelling—and why authentic character immersion remains the heart of great acting.