Even though Birmingham is one of
Britain’s largest cities, historically it’s never been the setting for fiction
(or even drama) in the same way that, say, London, Manchester, Liverpool,
Edinburgh or Glasgow have. That may be changing with the success of the BBC’s Peaky Blinders (even though it was
filmed elsewhere) and less obvious drama such as Hustle and By Any Means
(both set in London, but ironically filmed in Birmingham…). There has been the occasional
literary excursion, too, and it recently occurred to me that I have appeared in
three of them.
First there was Birmingham Noir (Tindal Street Press, 2002,
edited by Joel Lane and Steve Bishop). Well before Peaky Blinders, this anthology showed that Birmingham was just as
gritty and crime-ridden as any major city. After the building of the ICC and
NIA, Birmingham had established itself as a major conference and sports venue,
with accommodation to match – from Hilton and Radisson hotels down to the
humblest Travelodge. And keeping pace came adult entertainment; either legit or
criminal, businesses grew to keep visitors amused. My contribution – “Brindley’s
Place” – was set among the pubs and restaurants that were growing up alongside
the newly-scrubbed canals in Brindleyplace and along Broad Street. It showed
what happened when those at the bottom of the food chain get caught up in the
inevitable sleaze and corruption – whilst offering the hope of some form of
redemption.
I’m pleased to be able to write
about my home city: its seedy underbelly and even darker, less tangible
elements. Birmingham has a rich history, present and intended future – all of
which may be mined for their potential. Here’s to future editors and
anthologists, and the shadowy treats they may perceive in the city’s grimy
heritage or burgeoning prospects.