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WED 25 JUN – SAT 5 JUL
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MATERIAL
DIRECTED BY REP ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR IQBAL KHAN PAGE 15
THU 21 – SAT 30 AUG THE BOY WITH WINGS BASED ON THE BOOK BY SIR LENNY HENRY
PAGE 23
THU 28 AUG – SUN 14 SEP
INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS
STARRING TOM CHAMBERS
PAGE 25
WED 22 OCT – SAT 1 NOV
STARTER FOR TEN STARRING MEL GIEDROYC
PAGE 33
FRI 14 NOV – SUN 11 JAN SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
PAGE 37
LAST CHANCE TO SEE...
BY URSULA RANI SARMA
BASED ON THE BOOK BY KHALED HOSSEINI
DIRECTED BY ROXANA SILBERT
FROM £19.50
AGE 14+
SEE PAGE 30 FOR INFO
A REP ORIGINAL DRAMA
A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS
FRI 11 APR – SAT 3 MAY
The Rep presents a powerful new production of A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini’s spiritual sequel to The Kite Runner.
In 1992 in an Afghanistan ravaged by war, an orphaned Laila is left alone in an increasingly threatening world. Her older neighbour Rasheed is quick to open his home and takes Laila as his second wife.
Rasheed’s first wife Mariam has no choice but to accept her younger, and now pregnant, rival. As the Taliban take over, life for all of them becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, and the two women find themselves unlikely allies.
Former Rep and Hampstead Theatre Artistic Director Roxana Silbert returns to Birmingham to direct this unflinching, life affirming drama, in which love grows and sustains the human spirit even during the hardest of times.
A Birmingham Rep, Nottingham Playhouse & Leeds Playhouse co-production.
THE
MON 14 & TUE 15 APRIL
THE WORST PRINCESS
TUE 22 APRIL
This critically acclaimed production created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show –The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
FROM £16.50 AGE 1+
CHARMING AND INGENIOUS THE STAGE
Feisty Sue is not your everyday fairy tale superstar, in fact she’s The Worst Princess. After being rescued by her twit of a prince she’s ready to start her happy ending. But first she’ll have to make friends with a dragon, escape from a tower and set the Prince’s pants on fire with her new fire-breathing bestie.
Enjoy laugh-out-loud comedy, cool puppets, sing along pop anthems and a dazzling larger-than-life dragon as this bestselling picture book is brought to life on stage.
FROM £16.50 AGE 3+
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE - DR. STRANGELOVE
FRI 25 APRIL
The world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove, is heading to the big screen for the first time. Starring seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge, The Trip) in four different roles, directed by former Rep Artistic Director, Sean Foley
FROM £20 AGE 15+
STEVE COOGAN IS STELLAR
THE SHARK IS BROKEN
TUE 6 - SAT 10 MAY
FADE IN: The open ocean, 1974. Filming is delayed…again. The lead actors - theatre veteran Robert Shaw and young Hollywood hotshots Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider - are crammed into a too-small boat, entirely at the mercy of foul weather and a faulty mechanical co-star. Alcohol flows, egos collide, and tempers flare on a chaotic voyage that just might lead to cinematic magic…if it doesn’t sink them all.
Step aboard the Orca and into The Shark is Broken, the Olivier Award-nominated five star play starring Ian Shaw (War Horse) as his father, Robert Shaw, Ashley Margolis (Hollyoaks) as Richard Dreyfuss and Dan Fredenburgh (Noises Off ) as Roy Scheider.
A smash hit in the West End and on Broadway, The Shark is Broken celebrates movie history and peeks at the choppy waters behind Hollywood’s first blockbuster.
Short tempers. Short circuits. 95 minutes, no intermission.
Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest – direct from the West End and now heading to Birmingham!
With 15 years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity.
A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results.
SO POLISHED, IT DEFIES BELIEF
So whether you fancy Hamilton in a hospital, Sondheim in the Sahara or Cabaret at Cadbury World, you suggest it and The Showstoppers will sing it! SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL MON 12 & TUE 13 MAY ACHINGLY FUNNY TIME OUT
TALKING ABOUT THE FIRE
FRI 9 & SAT 10 MAY
Nuclear weapons could destroy us all, right now - so why aren’t we talking about them? Sometimes the threat slides into view - Russia invades Ukraine - but that doesn’t make the weapons more dangerous. They’re always dangerous.
Talking About The Fire is a show and a conversation. We’ll talk about where we are, where we live, and why it’s important people like us talk about this at all.
Created by seven-time Fringe First winner Chris Thorpe and Claire O’Reilly (Abbey Theatre) and developed with Tony Award-winning Rachel Chavkin.
ALL MY PRETTY ONES
10th June 1944. As the villagers of French village Oradour-sur-Glane prepare for a festival, the German SS approach and a shocking tragedy unfolds.
80 years later three young students, British, French and German are stranded at a deserted railway station. They are about to embark on a journey that will change their lives forever…
All My Pretty Ones recreates the terrible barbarism of Oradour seen through modern eyes, which gives a chilling warning to our society today.
RUM
TUE 27 & WED 28 MAY
Meet Danny, plastering since he was a kid, he’s not scared of anything, he’s RUM. Danny’s been up all night and now he’s rushing to finish a job before he has to give the speech of his life.
RUM is a darkly humorous and powerful new play that wrestles with masculinity, mental health and addiction in the trade.
BROADWAY BABY THE SCOTSMAN
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY LOUISA MAY ALCOTT
ADAPTED BY ANNE-MARIE CASEY
FROM £19.50
AGE 10+
LITTLE WOMEN
TUE 20 - SAT 24 MAY
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women was an immediate critical and commercial success. The book was inspired by Alcott’s experiences growing up and is one of the best loved novels of all time.
Experience the enduring journey of the March sisters –tomboy Jo, beautiful Meg, sensitive Beth and spoilt Amy, as they as they navigate the challenges of the Civil War era, forging unbreakable bonds of love and family. Step into the world of sisterhood, courage, ambition and follow them as they progress into womanhood.
Still as relevant today, Little Women is a celebration of women proving that women can be heroes of their own story, can be bold, persistent, self-assured to stand strong in who they are, and what they desire for themselves in their present and future.
Anne-Marie Casey’s masterful new adaptation stars Belinda Lang (2point4 Children, Sister Boniface Mysteries), Honeysuckle Weeks (Foyle’s War), Jack Ashton (Call the Midwife) and Grace Molony (The Great).
THE BBC BIG BAND: THE ART OF SWING
SUN 25 MAY
The internationally acclaimed The BBC Big Band are joined by multi award-winning vocalist, Claire Martin, for a musical journey celebrating ‘The Art of Swing’.
Through a wonderfully diverse repertoire, arranged and curated by the The BBC Big Band ’s conductor, Barry Forgie and Claire, the concert celebrates the music of the twentieth century’s quintessential Big Band, Swing orchestras, and vocalists - whose legacy and influence continues to define a classic era of music.
The concert will feature sparkling collection of numbers inspired by likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee – alongside music from the legendary bandleaders and composers of the era, such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman … as well as a few surprises along the way.
PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE: INSIDE GIOVANNI’S ROOM
WED 28 MAY
Phoenix Dance Theatre presents Inside Giovanni’s Room, a full-length dance production inspired by James Baldwin’s groundbreaking 1956 novel Giovanni’s Room
Set in 1950s Paris, Giovanni’s Room tackles themes of love, sexuality, guilt and selfacceptance. Baldwin was known for writing about the African American experience and was warned by his publishers that his exploration of sexual identity and depiction of same-sex relationships could alienate his audience and potentially end his career. Today the novel is celebrated as one of the most important literary works of the 20th century.
To mark Baldwin’s 100th birthday, choreographer Marcus Jarrell Willis unpacks this thoughtprovoking novel in a narrative adaptation that examines how its themes are still poignant and relevant today.
Founded over 40 years ago by three young Black British men, Phoenix Dance Theatre’s new production builds on their legacy of pushing cultural boundaries and using dance as a platform to ask questions that get to the very heart of what it is to be human.
THE CROFT
TUE 10 – SAT 14 JUN
The past won’t be silenced. Based on a true highland story.
In the remote Scottish Highlands two women arrive at a former Crofters Hut in the deserted village of Coille Ghillie. When suddenly the weekend getaway takes an unexpected turn. Cut off from the modern world, Laura and Suzanne find themselves drawn into the dark history of the Croft and the lives that passed before them.
In this bold and haunting play the present interweaves with the past as ancient tales surface and the terrifying truth lurking in the Croft is revealed.
Starring Liza Goddard, one of the UK’s favourite actresses known for her roles in Doctor Who and Bergerac, Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street) and Caroline Harker (A Touch of Frost), this suspenseful show from the director and producers of Birdsong will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Presented by Original Theatre, Joshua Beaumont & Huw Allen in association with Wiltshire Creative
FUN! WITH BARBARA NICE
THU 12 – SAT 14 JUN
Join ordinary housewife extraordinaire Barbara Nice for a laugh-out-loud joyful get-together as we reconnect with what makes life worth living. This smashin’ Edinburgh Festival regular and comedy circuit headliner Barbara Nice brings out the hidden joy in all of us.
FROM £12 AGE 14+
AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH
FRI 13 & SAT 14 JUN
JAH
MAKIN
Howl with the Hounds of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights. She’s not there - but you are. Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or recently joined the shoal there has never been a better time to release your inner Bush and celebrate at this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show.
The sell-out, smash-hit, award-winning show starring Sarah-Louise Young pays glorious homage to the music, fans, and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music.
FROM £20 AGE 10+
IT HAPPEN – A REGGAE MUSICAL
FRI 20 & SAT 21 JUN
Johnny dreams of becoming a reggae star, determined to provide the best life for his wife and children in the land he loves —Jamaica. But when devastation from a Hurricane leaves him jobless, he leaves in search of new opportunities.
This inspiring show tells one family’s story from Jamaica to the UK during the Windrush era. Told through the vibrant sounds of reggae, the musical portrays the challenges, resilience, and eventual triumphs as they adapt to British life.
FROM £15 AGE 8+
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE SENIOR
DIRECTED BY SEÁN AYDON
DESIGNED BY SARAH BEATON
SPITFIRE GIRLS
MON 16 – SAT 21 JUN
“It’s built for us, isn’t it? The Spitfire. Built for women.”
New Year’s Eve, 1959.
Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The Spitfire pub.
As we hear their story, we’re transported back to a time when female pioneers defied expectations and soared through the skies.
Spitfire Girls is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during WWII and the incredible bond that tied them together.
Funny and heart-warming, this is an untold story of strength, courage and loss. But above all else, hope.
Presented by Tilted Wig and Mayflower Southampton
WRITTEN BY INS CHOI
DIRECTED BY ESTHER JUN FROM
KIM’S CONVENIENCE
TUE 1 - SAT 5 JUL
There’s humour and heart in every aisle…
Following hugely successful runs both in London and internationally, Kim’s Convenience is heading to Birmingham.
Now a global smash hit, this hilarious and heartwarming drama about a family-run Korean store that inspired the Netflix phenomenon, is written by Ins Choi, who calls the play his “love letter to his parents and to all first-generation immigrants who now call Canada their home.”
Kim’s Convenience stars James Yi from the Netflix hit tv-show.
INS CHOI’S DISARMING KOREAN CORNER STORE COMEDY MAKES A TIMELY RETURN TO THE STAGE
THE OBSERVER
KIM’S CONVENIENCE IS A STORE OF WISDOM
BY GURPREET
KAUR BHATTI
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SATHNAM SANGHERA
DIRECTED BY IQBAL KHAN
FROM £19.50
A REP ORIGINAL DRAMA
MARRIAGE MATERIAL
WED 25 JUN - SAT 5 JUL
“In our shops we will be Kings of England. And we will make this place our place.”
The Bains’ corner shop in Wolverhampton has been at the centre of the family for three generations.
In 1969, Mrs Bains is balancing running the business, caring for her ailing husband and the demands of her two headstrong daughters, who each have their eye on a different kind of future.
In the present day, a family tragedy pulls Arjan Bains back from a life in London. The shop represents everything he was trying to escape, but with his mother insisting it remain open, how long can he stay away?
SEE PAGE 30 FOR INFO
SEE DIARY ON PAGES 46 & 47 FOR INFO
Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti (A Kind of People) adapts the critically acclaimed novel from Sathnam Sanghera (Empireland), a sweeping family portrait directed by The Rep’s Associate Director Iqbal Khan (East Is East).
A Birmingham Rep and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre co-production
KHAN’S SENSE OF VISION FOR THIS PRODUCTION IS HUGELY
IMPRESSIVE
EAST MIDLANDS THEATRE, ON OF MICE & MEN
IQBAL KHAN’S DIRECTION TIES THE PRODUCTION TOGETHER, DELIVERING A FAST-PACED, COMPELLING PERFORMANCE
REVIEWS GATE, ON TARTUFFE
SANGHERA’S TENDER AND FUNNY BOOK IS A CRACKING AND PACY READ
THE OBSERVER ON SATHNAM SANGHERA’S ORIGINAL NOVEL
Our Young Rep Festival is BACK this summer in our third annual celebration of the city’s brilliant young talent! Featuring more than 400 performers across 15 shows, Home and Horizons Festival gives voice to the next generation as they explore adventure, community and self-discovery. How do we embrace where we belong while exploring what’s beyond?
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Around The World in 80 Days,The Diamond Debacle, performances from local community groups and more! For
YOU KNOW MY MUM
FRI 27 & SAT 28 JUN
A cheeky comedy about life and death for all the family told through the eyes of Bluey, a baby bird, and Alex, a 25-year-old woman with Down’s syndrome who is struggling with the death of her mum.
As her wild imagination comes to life, Alex learns that the love she thought she lost is all around her.
FROM £12 AGE 7+
SEE PAGE 30 FOR INFO
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES
SAT 19 JUL
SEE DIARY ON PAGE 46 & 47 FOR INFO
The Vagina Monologues is based on writer V ’s (formerly Eve Ensler) “Vagina Interviews” conducted with 100 women all around the world.
This collection of funny, lively and emotional monologues represents the untold experiences of women in a powerful theatrical experience that remains an unmissable celebration of womanhood and sexuality.
Presented by Deafinitely Theatre and directed by Paula Garfield, The Vagina Monologues features a cast of deaf and hearing women and non-binary people from all walks of life, combining both British Sign Language and Spoken English.
FROM £12 AGE 14+
SEE PAGE 30 FOR INFO
SEE DIARY ON PAGES 46 & 47 FOR INFO
CODEBREAKERS: THE STORY OF THE ENIGMA
SAT 26 JUL
Codebreakers is a fascinating exploration into one of the greatest stories of the Second World War, that of the Enigma Machine, told by Dr Mark Baldwin.
Dr Mark Baldwin has been handling Enigma machines for longer than anyone in Germany’s armed forces, and supplied his own personal machine for use in the 2014 film The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
This unique show gives audiences an exciting and rare opportunity to view his original working 1944 4-rotor Enigma Machine, in a hands-on demonstration.
FROM £10 AGE 12+
LONDON CITY BALLET MOMENTUM
TUE 29 & WED 30 JUL
London City Ballet , former resident company of Sadler’s Wells, makes its debut at The Rep showcasing artists rarely seen in the UK in a brand new repertoire. The company presents George Balanchine’s Haieff Divertimento - an early work by the master choreographer originally dubbed lost for 40 years after its premiere. Alexei Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition truly brings art to life with Modest Mussorgsky’s score set against a backdrop of Wassily Kandinsky’s best-known masterpieces.
Unseen in the UK since its 2009 premiere, Consolations & Liebestraum by Liam Scarlett is a response to Franz Liszt’s piano score depicting the lifecycle of a relationship, its blossoming and later fracturing love.
The programme also features a new work by emerging choreographer, Florent Melac, best known as a Premier Danseur at the Paris Opera Ballet.
Join us for a performance showcasing world class dancers from all over the world at one of the company’s first venues on its international tour.
– WED 30 JUL 11.30AM
See how the performers prepare for a performance. Watch the dancers in their warm-up ballet class live on stage. Introduced and led by members of the creative team, audiences get the chance to gain a rare and fascinating insight into how dancers warm-up, rehearse and prepare for a performance.
FROM £17.50
IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE
SAT 2 - WED 6 AUG
IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE A SHOW MORE LIKELY TO ENGAGE LITTLE ONES AND GIVE THEM A SENSE OF THE MAGIC OF THEATRE THE GUARDIAN
Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all!
You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.
Now in its 16th year, In the Night Garden Live is one of the UK’s favourite family events. Over 1 million people have seen it so far and it’s received 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 13,789 parents’ reviews.
There are other shows for young children, but as The Independent wrote, “there’s nothing quite like In the Night Garden Live.” Pip-pip, onk-onk!
THE KOALA WHO COULD
THU 7 & FRI 8 AUG
In a wonderful place, at the breaking of dawn, where the breezes were soft and the sunshine was warm, a place where the creatures ran wild and played free... A Koala called Kevin clung to a tree.
Join Kevin, King of the staying-still-kings, and his friends Kangaroo and Wombat as they learn that life can be great when you try something new! An empowering and chuckle-out-loud story about embracing change — whether we like it or not.
Based on the multi-million copy selling book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field published by Hachette Children’s Group, this brand-new adaptation for stage is directed by Emma Earle (Oi Frog & Friends), with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer (The Lion Inside).
SO MUCH TO DAZZLE THE EAR AND THE EYE THE STAGE
YEH DOSTI: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SHOLAY
SAT 9 AUG
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Bollywood film, Sholay
This spectacular music and dance show will transport you back to the heart of Bollywood’s golden era, honouring the legacy of a movie that has captivated audiences around the world.
Featuring dazzling costumes, vibrant sets, and electrifying dance performances choreographed to the film’s legendary soundtrack, Yeh Dosti ’s talented cast of dancers and musicians will bring to life the energy, drama, and romance that has made Sholay a timeless classic.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Sholay or experiencing its magic for the first time, Yeh Dosti promises a night of nostalgia, excitement, and entertainment.
BASED ON THE BOOK BY SIR LENNY HENRY
WRITTEN BY ARVIND ETHAN DAVID
DIRECTED BY DANIEL BAILEY FROM
THE BOY WITH WINGS
THU 21 – SAT 30 AUG
An ordinary kid is about to become an EXTRAORDINARY hero!
Wings? Check. A super-cool, super-secret past? Check.
An impossible mission to save the entire galaxy. Check.
When Tunde sprouts wings and learns that his father is a ferocious alien warrior, he’s all that stands between the galaxy and total destruction - suddenly his parents and school aren’t all he has to contend with.
Luckily, his rag-tag group of pals have got his back, and with his new powers, Tunde is ready to fly in the face of danger - this is his destiny. No pressure then…
Adapted by Arvind Ethan David from Sir Lenny Henry’s hilarious book, The Boy with Wings is an interstellar, action-packed adventure about friendships, being brave, and how our differences are our super-power!
A Birmingham Rep & Polka Theatre co-production. A REP ORIGINAL FAMILY SHOW
BASED ON CHARACTER BY COLIN DEXTER
WRITTEN BY ALMA CULLEN
DIRECTED BY ANTHONY BANKS
FROM
AGE 12+
A REP ORIGINAL DRAMA INSPECTOR
MORSE:
HOUSE OF GHOSTS THU 28 AUG – SUN 14 SEP
A thrilling murder mystery featuring the nation’s favourite detective.
A chilling mystery unfolds when a young actress suddenly dies on stage during a performance, and Detective Chief Inspector Morse embarks on a gripping investigation. What begins as a suspicious death inquiry takes a darker turn when the legendary inspector, together with DS Lewis, uncovers a connection to sinister events in his own past, twenty-five years earlier.
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts marks the firstever major stage adaptation of the iconic detective in more than a decade. ITV’s long-running Inspector Morse, hailed by Radio Times as “the greatest British crime series of all time”, has inspired equally beloved spin-offs, Lewis and Endeavour
Starring Tom Chambers (Father Brown, Strictly Come Dancing) as Inspector Morse, this latest Rep Original Drama is a must-see.
Presented by Birmingham Rep & Simon Friend
CHAMBERS IS CHARISMATIC AND BELIEVABLE
BY TORBEN BETTS DIRECTED BY PHILIP FRANKS
FROM £25 AGE 14+
MURDER AT MIDNIGHT
TUE 16 – SAT 20 SEP
It’s New Year’s Eve in rural Kent, and Jonny “The Cyclops” has decided to throw a party. But amidst the drinking, music and fireworks exploding overhead, a twisted trail of picture clues emerges. As midnight looms, tarot cards foretell doom, police lights flash in the distance and a killer is in the house.
Everyone’s hiding something—but who’s telling the truth?
SEE
From the mind of acclaimed writer Torben Betts and starring TV favourites Jason Durr (Heatbeat, Casualty) and Susie Blake (Victoria Wood’s As Seen on TV, Coronation Street) Murder at Midnight blends razor-sharp wit with chilling suspense to keep you guessing until the final stroke of midnight.
Presented by Original Theatre
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY PATRICIA HIGHSMITH
FROM £25 AGE 12+
THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY
MON 22 – SAT 27 SEP
Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition. Tom Ripley is a nobody—scraping by in New York, forging signatures, telling little white lies—until a chance encounter changes everything. When a wealthy stranger offers him an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to bring home his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf, Tom leaps at the opportunity.
But in the sun-drenched glamour of 1950s Italy, surrounded by shimmering waters and whispered secrets, Tom is seduced by the life Dickie leads—the freedom, the wealth, the effortless charm. Fascination turns to obsession, and as his grip tightens on Dickie’s world, the lines between truth and deception begin to blur. What starts as an innocent opportunity, spirals into a chilling game of lies, identity theft, and murder.
This electrifying new stage adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley brings Patricia Highsmith’s iconic psychological thriller to life like never before.
BY JANE AUSTEN
ADAPTED BY RYAN CRAIG
DIRECTED BY STEPHEN UNWIN
EMMA
MON 29 SEP – SAT 4 OCT
“I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like”
The beautiful, high-spirited Emma Woodhouse is determined that she will never marry but loves to meddle in her friends and neighbours’ relationships. When her confidante and former governess, Miss Taylor weds her fiancé Mr Weston, Emma, having introduced the couple, takes credit for the marriage and decides that a future in matchmaking lies ahead of her.
So begins a comic journey through the lives and loves of Emma’s acquaintances but as the romantic web she weaves amongst her friends becomes ever more entangled, will Emma herself get swept up in true love’s wake…?
Jane Austen’s enduring comedy of manners is filled with memorable characters - the dashing Mr Knightley, Emma’s friends Jane Fairfax and Harriet Smith, the mercenary Reverend Elton and his delightfully pretentious wife Augusta. This new 250th anniversary stage production celebrates Austen’s magic in fitting style.
Presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions
THE PARTY GIRLS
MON 6 – SAT 11 OCT
The sensational story of the Mitford sisters.
The glamorous Mitford girls cut a glorious swathe through pre-war high society, amidst the glittering world of debutantes and dukes. But as Fascism rises and political storm clouds crackle over carefree country houses, the bonds of sisterhood are threatened by new and treacherous desires.
Amy Rosenthal’s compelling, touching and witty new play explores the true story of a family riven by political extremism, seen through the eyes of Jessica (Decca) Mitford as she battles to stay true to her beliefs.
Nancy aspires to be a celebrated novelist, Diana and Unity fall for the dangerous, charismatic leaders of the Far Right in Britain and Germany, and Debo sets her cap at a Duke. Meanwhile Decca crosses continents in her own passionate pursuit of love – but can she ever escape her sisters and her past?
A Marlowe Theatre production
Calling all young people! Are you aged 16 to 25?
For just £5 per year, you’ll receive access to discounted tickets for our exceptional range of theatre productions for 12 months plus priority booking.
To sign up and for more info visit: birmingham-rep.co.uk/16-25
SEE MORE, SPEND LESS...
Book the same number of tickets for 3 different productions in one transaction and receive 33% off all tickets.
Available on almost all productions. T&Cs apply.
Encourage the theatre audiences of the future and bring a teenager (13 - 19 years) along to The Rep for free. Receive one free young person’s ticket when you book a full priced ticket. T&Cs apply.
Available for selected performances for the following productions:
A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS
THE SHARK IS BROKEN
PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE: INSIDE GIOVANNI’S ROOM
LITTLE WOMEN
THE CROFT
SPITFIRE GIRLS
KIM’S CONVENIENCE
MARRIAGE MATERIAL
LONDON CITY BALLET
INSPECTOR MORSE: HOUSE OF GHOSTS
MURDER AT MIDNIGHT
THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY
EMMA
THE PARTY GIRLS
MON 13 & TUE 14 OCT
When gunmen seize an LA skyscraper, off-duty policeman John McClane is the hostages’ only hope. This uplifting action romp (and unauthorised parody) celebrates the iconic 80s festive favourite while also telling the personal story of a life-long Die Hard fan. Essential viewing for Hans Gruber connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
Written and performed by Richard
Marsh
WED 15 & THU 16 OCT
Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.
Black is the Color of My Voice is inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and features many of her most iconic songs performed live.
Photo by Rod Penn
Photo from Original Cast Production
BOOK & LYRICS BY EMMA HALL & CHARLIE PARHAM
ORIGINAL SCORE & LYRICS BY HATTY CARMAN & TOM RASMUSSEN
DIRECTED BY CHARLIE PARHAM
WED 22 OCT – SAT 1 NOV
Fingers on buzzers!
After a sell-out run at Bristol Old Vic in 2024, the bright, big hearted and “truly brilliant” (★★★★★ Broadway Baby) new musical is back, with its “joy, comedy and 80s nostalgia” (★★★★ WhatsOnStage) dialled up to 11.
What is eighteen-year-old Brian Jackson’s proudest achievement to date? His A-level results.
His idol? Kate Bush.
His lifelong dream? To compete on legendary TV quiz show University Challenge® .
It’s 1985 and, leaving Southend to start his first year at uni, Brian soon discovers that falling in love and growing up take a lot more than general knowledge…
Adapted from the hilarious novel by bestselling author David Nicholls and the popular 2006 film, Starter for Ten is a coming-of-age comedy musical about love, belonging and the all important difference between knowledge and wisdom. Featuring an irresistible original soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the ‘80s, it was nominated for Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards 2024. “Laugh-out-loud funny” (★★★★★ Lifestyle District)
Mel Giedroyc reprises her roles as Brian’s mum Irene and Bamber Gascoigne’s irresistible sidekick Julia Bland.
WRITTEN BY ELOISE
PENNYCOTT
DIRECTED BY
PAULA GARFIELD
MADE WITH THE REP BARRIER(S)
SAT 18 – SAT 25 OCT
Love has no single language.
Alana and Katie come from different worlds. One is hearing, one is deaf. Together, they navigate the joys and struggles of love, communication and survival in a world that keeps putting up barriers. When the world tries to silence you, how can you hold on to love?
Eloise Pennycott’s Barrier(s) is a powerful and intimate love story full of warmth, humour and the fight to be understood.
Deafinitely Theatre makes a welcome return to The Door following the acclaimed co-production of The Promise in 2024 and will showcase the company’s distinctive visual style, seamlessly blending British Sign Language and English.
Critically acclaimed for its honesty and gripping storytelling, Barrier(s) is a theatrical experience that speaks volumes –even without words.
Presented by Deafinitely Theatre, Birmingham Rep, Camden People’s Theatre and Leeds Playhouse
A
MOVING AND IMPORTANT PIECE
A REP ORIGINAL FAMILY SHOW ANANSI THE SPIDER THU 4 DEC - SUN 11 JAN CREATED BY JUSTIN AUDIBERT DIRECTED BY ROBIN BELFIELD
The greatest tales ever spun...
FROM £10.50 FOR AGES 4 – 8 AND THEIR FAMILIES
People say that in a time long, long ago, animals walked on two feet and spoke with words, like we do. And back then, everyone knew that the cleverest of all the animals in the kingdom was a spider – the infamous Anansi – the original trickster and the master spinner of yarns. But sometimes Anansi could be a little too clever for his own good…
Following a sold-out run in London in 2023, these classic West African and Caribbean folk tales about the mischeivous spider are brought vividly to life in a magical festive show for young children and their grown-ups.
A Birmingham Rep co-production with Unicorn Theatre.
ORIGINAL
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DIRECTED BY PHILLIP BREEN WITH BECKY HOPE-PALMER SEE WEBSITE FOR INFO
FRI 14 NOV – SUN 11 JAN FRI 14 NOV 25 – SUN 11 JAN 26
“I think you’re a couple of ice creams short of an interval, Mr. Holmes. We don’t do murders in the theatre. It’s bad for audience numbers!”
It’s Christmas in Victorian London but in the West End – where dreams come true and nothing bad ever happens – a flurry of performers are suddenly dying mid-scene. Scotland Yard rules out foul play…until the world’s greatest consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, discovers an intriguing link to The Twelve Days of Christmas The game is afoot!
Racing against the clock to save French Hens, find Gold Rings and rescue Mother Goose, Sherlock plunges himself into mortal danger. Will this really be the last stand for our hero, or will his trusty sidekick Dr Watson and rival hotshot detective Athena Faversham ensure he lives to consume another Christmas Pudding…?
This World Premiere comedy whodunnit is penned by Fringe-favourites and comic geniuses, The Penny Dreadfuls’ Humphrey Ker and David Reed, with brand new songs by legendary musical theatre duo Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber
A laugh-out-loud festive murder mystery for all the family, join us at 221b Baker St this Christmas for mischief, mayhem and a Partridge in a Pear Tree!
Presented by Birmingham Rep in association with Heartaches Ltd A REP ORIGINAL FAMILY SHOW
E C l H S a festive new comedy days of and the christmas 12 R M K O
TALENT DEVELOPMENT
SCRIPTWRITING
Feedback Fridays is The Rep’s bi-monthly initiative for West Midlands based scriptwriters. Whether you’re an emerging or more established writer, if you’d like feedback and support from Directors at The Rep on a script you’re working on, you can apply. Five scripts are chosen each time, and you’ll receive a detailed script report, recommendations and advice to help you develop and progress your work. Apply on our website.
DIRECTOR’S LINK UP
Director’s Link Up is a regular meet up for Theatre Directors at any stage of their career. If you’re interested in linking up with other creative minds in an informal and valuable space for shared insights, networking and learning, this is for you. You must be living, working or learning in the West Midlands to take part. Upcoming dates plus a short registration form is available to complete on our website.
WORKSHOPS AND MASTERCLASSES
The Rep hosts a series of masterclasses and workshops throughout the year to support learning and development across the sector. We invite industry leaders and in-house professionals to deliver sessions. For more information, please visit our website.
R&DS (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT)
Artists or companies can apply for R&D opportunities throughout the year to develop a project, play or performance in an established and supportive setting. For more information about any of our opportunities, visit our website, or e-mail the team on talent.development@ birmingham-rep.co.uk
Photo by Graeme Braidwood
Photo by Joanna Freeman
Photo by Kris Askey
BACKSTAGE
Explore behind the scenes at The Rep and join us on a backstage tour around
Visit spaces usually closed to the public, including our huge workshop, paint shop and wardrobe departments – you may even get to rub shoulders with an actor or two.
Our 90 minute tours take place twice a month. Check the website for dates and
We also run Family Tours during the school holidays. Children get to experience what it may be like to have a job in the theatre, pick up skills needed for running a production, and learn more about previous productions that have been staged at The Rep.
: Adults: £8 Children: £6
birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on to find out more.
by
Photo
Kris Askey
TAKE PART!
Photo by Alex Summers
YOUTH THEATRE
Aged between 7-26? Join one of our Youth Theatre companies for a range of weekly workshops directed by professional theatre-makers including opportunities to perform on The Rep’s stages. We also lead Youth Theatre groups in partnership across the city and region.
Join our waiting list
E mail youngrep@birmingham-rep.co.uk for more information, or visit our website.
Term fees
£85, bursaries available
YOUNG REP
EARLY YEARS
Meeting weekly on Saturday mornings, join our newest and youngest youth theatre groups! Through drama games, puppetry, storytelling, and more, joining Young Rep will help young people to develop their communication skills, confidence and self-expression. Parents and carers are also invited to regular mini performances!
Young Rep Play Time Pre-School and Reception
Young Rep Beginners School Years 1 and 2
Term fees
£85 per term, bursaries available
“MY CHILD HAS STARTED TO COME OUT OF HIS SHELL. THE TEAM ARE AMAZING AND REALLY MAKE THE EXPERIENCE A SAFE AND NURTURING SPACE FOR CHILDREN.”
PARENT OF YOUNG REP EARLY YEARS PARTICIPANT
YOUTH BOARD
Our Youth Board gives young people the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the vision and direction of The Rep. The board is made up of Young Rep members and young people from the local community, providing The Rep Board of Trustees with valuable feedback and ideas.
Register your interest
Email learning@birmingham-rep.co.uk
OPEN DAY
Join us on Sun 27 Apr for a free day of activities for theatre lovers of all ages. Go behind the scenes of Birmingham’s only producing theatre.
Highlights include talks, workshops, tours and our annual costume sale.
No booking required – keep an eye out on our website and social media for more information.
Photo by Graeme Braidwood
SUMMER PROGRAMME
CREATE: DEVISING MUSICAL THEATRE
21 – 25 Jul 10am – 3pm
Dance, sing, act and devise a brand-new showcase of musical theatre work. Join us for a week filled with training from professional directors in devising and learning the skills of performing devised musical theatre. This jampacked week will look into developing choreography skills, singing, acting skills and how to work as an ensemble to devise a new piece of musical theatre!
All abilities welcome and encouraged, no prior training required.
Ages: 13-19
Fee: £90, bursaries available
SPY SCHOOL
28 Jul – 1 Aug 10am - 3pm
Spy School is back for an incredible tenth year and this year’s mission is bigger than ever! We’re on the hunt for highly intelligent, incredibly practical and decisively dramatic young people to help save the day. Think you have what it takes to join our ranks? Join us for our weeklong immersive theatre adventure where you take on the role of spy to complete training, discover clues and uncover mysteries.
Ages: 7-9 and 10-12
Fee: £85, bursaries available
EARLY YEARS
SUMMER SESSIONS
Every Mon from 21 Jul –18 Aug 10am-2pm
Through puppetry, music and movement
we will bring well known tales to life, as well as encouraging children to create their own characters and new stories, to help develop children’s imagination and creativity. Each session will have a different theme and craft for the children, who will also be provided with a snack. Adults will also be offered hot beverages in the sessions.
Ages: 3-5, grown-ups are welcome too!
Fee: £13.50 per day, or £55 if you book all in one go
PLAY IN A WEEK
4 – 8 Aug 10am – 3pm
Tell stories, play games and perform something entirely original created by YOU! Join us to have and work creatively with theatre directors to create a brand-new play.
Develop acting skills, improve confidence and have a lot of fun working together as a team across a busy and exciting week.
Ages: 7-13
Fee: £85, bursaries available
ADVANCED PLAY IN A WEEK
4 – 8 Aug 10.30am - 5pm
Have you ever wondered how the professional world differs from youth theatre? Do you want to get a taste of what an intensive rehearsal process can be like?
We are looking for people who are interested in acting as a potential career to join us to work on a play text as if they were working towards a professional production. Expect to learn some new skills, techniques and also, to have a lot of fun!
Ages: 14-19
Fee: £85, bursaries available
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
TAKE CENTRE STAGE...
Get closer to The Rep by becoming a Corporate Member or Sponsor and play a vital role in the cultural life of our city. You can help us create a vibrant programme of productions, inspire creative people and enrich the lives of the communities we serve, all whilst enjoying a range of brand, entertaining and stakeholder benefits that are tailored to your business needs.
FIND OUT MORE
Email development@birmingham-rep.co.uk
Call 0121 245 2159 (Mon – Fri)
Visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/support-us
TAKE YOUR SEAT!
YOUR SEAT CAN BE THE BEST IN THE HOUSE ...
Sponsor your very own seat in The House auditorium.
With a dedicated seat plaque, you can celebrate a person or occasion and be part of the magic of theatre.
From: £250
Terms and conditions apply
FIND OUT MORE
Email development@birmingham-rep.co.uk
Call 0121 245 2159 (Mon – Fri)
Visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/support-us
By sponsoring a seat or making a donation, you help The Rep sustain and expand our vital work.
The Rep’s Patron of Youth and Education, Floella Benjamin, takes her seat.
THE REP IS A GREAT THEATRE FOR EVERYONE. I HAVE SIX SEAT PLAQUES IN THE FRONT ROW WITH MY FAMILY MEMBERS AND IT'S A GREAT HONOUR. I WANTED TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK. SEAT PLAQUE DONOR
Photo by Kris Asky
Photo by Aaliyah Collins
ACCESS FACILITIES
Spaces for wheelchair users are available for every performance in all of our auditoriums.
Accessible toilets are available on the ground floor and first floor.
We offer an up-to-date Hearing Assistance system in all three of our auditoriums. All of our counters are fitted with hearing loops.
Signed performances with British Signed Language interpretation.
Captioned performances translate spoken word and song to text on screen(s) at the side of the stage.
Audio Described performances offer a live description of what’s happening on stage in addition to what the actors are saying. This can be done using headphones that you can borrow from The Rep or through the Mobile Connect app. Most Audio Described performances are preceded by a Touch Tour.
Relaxed performances are designed to welcome people with a learning disability or sensory and communication conditions, or anyone that would benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement and some small changes are made to the light and sound effects.
Chilled performances are designed to welcome anyone that would benefit from a more informal performance environment. Similar to a Relaxed performance however, there are no changes to the content of the performance or auditorium lighting levels.
We welcome assistance dogs throughout the theatre. They must be taken into the auditorium with you, with suitable seating to allow for adequate space for them. Please contact our Box Office, who can advise on the best seating for you.
ACCESS REGISTER
JOIN THE ACCESS REGISTER
We have recently relaunched our access registration scheme in partnership with Nimbus Disability, with the introduction of the Nimbus Access Card.
Nimbus Disability is a social enterprise and an organisation run by and for disabled people and is recognised as a leading authority on accessible ticketing in the UK. By partnering with Nimbus Disability, we will be able to ensure that even more people are able to book access tickets at The Rep, and that the right tickets are sold to those who are eligible.
Registering for a Nimbus Access Card is simple and membership is valid for three years. You can sign up for a Birmingham Rep Access card for free or alternatively you can upgrade to a Universal Access card for £15. Universal Access cards are valid to use at The Rep and other venues in the West Midlands and across the UK.
If you already own a Universal Access card with Nimbus, you’ll just need to link your card with The Rep during the registration process.
To sign up visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/accesscard or email access@birmingham-rep.co.uk for further information.
AUDIENCES FORUM
We are always looking for ways to improve our access provisions. If you would like to join the conversation, join our next access focus group. Sessions take place on Zoom with BSL Interpreters and live captioning.
Email access@birmingham-rep.co.uk for further information.
2025 CALENDAR
BOOKING INFORMATION
BOOK ONLINE
Book tickets 24/7 via our website at birmingham-rep.co.uk
BOOK BY PHONE
Call the Box Office on 0121 236 4455 and our friendly team will guide you through your booking and answer any questions about your visit.
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 12 noon to 6pm. On Saturdays, our phone lines open from 12 noon to 6pm (or 4pm if there is no evening performance scheduled).
BOOK IN PERSON
On performance days, counter services will open 90 minutes before the start of the first scheduled performance.
On Sundays and Bank Holidays when a performance is scheduled, counter services open 60 minutes before the start of the first scheduled performance.
On non-performance days, the Box Office counter service is closed.
DISCOUNTS AND CONCESSIONS
Discounts are available for most productions for schools, groups and children.
Under 16s receive £5 off the advertised ticket price for most shows.*
Aged 16 to 25? For only £5 per year, sign up to access exclusive discounted tickets. See page 30 for further information.
Schools can access discounted ticket rates and dedicated schools performances.*
Group bookers can benefit from 10% off tickets for groups of 10+ 15% off tickets for groups of 20+ and 20% off tickets for groups of 50+*
AGE GUIDELINES
Please check the age guideline for specific productions before booking.
We ask that you do not bring children under the age of 5 into the auditorium, unless you are attending a Family Production or a specified Relaxed or Chilled performance.
UNDER 5 s AND BABES IN ARMS
We welcome children under 5 to our family productions or specified relaxed and chilled performances.
Everyone admitted to the theatre needs a ticket and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Babes in Arms tickets are available for children 2 years and under when booked directly with the Box Office. (Children 6 months and under for In The Night Garden.) A nominal rate of £2 will be charged.
*Some exceptions apply.
Photo by Graeme Braidwood
TRANSACTION FEE
All orders are subject to a £3.50 transaction fee. This covers administration costs and enables us to provide a dedicated booking service.
Exclusions include Access Register members, Groups of 10+, School Groups and Rep Friends. Transaction fees are not applicable for free events.
For full terms and conditions, please visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/ terms-conditions
HOW TO FIND US
Birmingham Rep, 6 Centenary Square Birmingham, B1 2EP
ticketservices@birmingham-rep.co.uk
Company number 00295910
Registered Charity number 223660
TICKET PROTECTION
The Rep offers optional Ticket Protection to protect your booking through provider Ticket Plan.
For a fraction of the cost of your tickets, Ticket Protection allows you to re-coup 100% of the paid ticket price (including the associated transaction fee) if you are unable to make it to your event.
Terms & Conditions apply.
Find out more by visiting birmingham-rep.co.uk/bookinginfo
Breaks the hearts of each audience member...
An inclusive masterpiece of visual theatre.
WEST END BEST FRIEND ON THE PROMISE
The Birmingham Rep has yet another hit on their hands.
A BRUMMIE HOME AND ABROAD ON BECOMING NANCY
I cannot imagine you will find better than at the B’ham Rep this Christmas.
THEATRE BAB ON A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Presents the joy and magic of theatre with this production in ways I’ve not seen before.
BROMSGROVE STANDARD ON THE SNOWFLAKE
It’s great to be enjoying new work at Birmingham Rep, especially from a Birmingham writer.
CULTURE BAB ON COMMUNITY
The Rep are certainly at the forefront when it comes to new shows ... We are coming here more and more thanks to the diversity of shows.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
Immense talent was bounding off that stage and I was so privileged to witness it.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
I already want to book tickets again and come back!
AUDIENCE COMMENT
There’s always a good choice of live theatre to be seen at The Rep...whether, comedy, drama or music.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
The Rep are having some super shows at the moment, so I recommend looking at what is on and giving them your support!
AUDIENCE COMMENT