A powerhouse of producing theatre

The REP today is a powerhouse of producing theatre, just as it was when it was founded nearly 100 years ago. In 1913 Sir Barry Jackson, son of a Birmingham , built a theatre (now The Old REP Theatre) on Station Street and pioneered a tradition of producing plays that fundamentally influenced 20th century theatre.

He helped launch the careers of many great dramatists and actors including George Bernard Shaw, Laurence Olivier, John Gielguid, Derek Jacobi, Peggy Ashcroft and Julie Christie. He presented Hamlet in modern dress, toured plays to the city's parks, established a theatre school and made Birmingham Repertory Theatre one of the most renowned theatres in the world.

In 1971 the company moved to Broad Street to a newly built theatre with a stage of epic proportions and a democratic auditorium with no balconies, pillars or boxes. Everyone shares the same space and everyone gets a great view. New generations of artists have launched their careers here and new ideas continue to flourish reflecting changes in the city and the wider world.

A Change of Scenery

The REP's first ever off-site programme gets underway in 2011 as the company begins its two year adventure performing at different venues across Birmingham. This Change of Scenery comes as a result of The REP's integration with the new Library of Birmingham currently under construction and due for completion in 2013.

So The REP is closing the doors to its home in Centenary Square in January 2011 but will be appearing at a select number of venues established and unfamiliar, large and small throughout the year including mac (previously Midlands Arts Centre), Alexandra Theatre, The Crescent Theatre and The ICC Birmingham as well as making a return to its original home, The Old Rep Theatre.

But despite being without a permanent home The REP continues to offer its audience as wide a variety of theatrical experiences as possible throughout 2011 with a mixture of new writing, fresh adaptations and of course fabulous family Christmas favourites.

Book online at http://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk  

Box Office 0121 236 4455