This is the third part in our trilogy of festivals that started in 2023 with Order and Chaos, followed by Love and Rebellion in 2024 This year we are bringing you Home & Horizons
Each year our Young Rep staff read hundreds of plays and this year we have chosen another exciting and powerful selection Summer & Smoke marks the first time we have worked in a professional setting with a small cast from The Company. It’s a beautifully written, thought-provoking play and I am so proud of the cast who have brought such depth to their characters. The Company will also perform Alice, which includes live pop music and dance choreographed by members of the cast. We can’t wait to expand The Company programme further next year – stay tuned to The Rep social media channels to find out more soon!
Our other headliners are performed by Young Rep Seniors, who will be bringing Ben Power’ s Medea and Evan Placey’ s Jekyll and Hyde to life The talent across both shows is staggering, displaying “the best of Birmingham’s young talent!” In addition to the headliners, our younger groups are delivering comedy and adventure in their plays and our new theatre group for 5-7 year olds will be performing on the stage for the first time.
As our festival continues to grow, I am so excited to see our community groups and schools take to the stage again I’m so proud of everyone who makes this festival possible A huge thank you goes to all of our staff, our wonderful team of chaperones, and the parents and carers who support their young people to be part of Young Rep
Lastly, I’d like to thank all of our performers. Thank you for wanting to tell stories, for making us laugh during rehearsals and for being some of the most creative, funny, brave and kind people on this planet.
We wouldn’t be here without you.
Set & Props Designers
Costume Designer
Sound Designer
Lighting Designer
Production Manager
Props Supervisor
Costume Supervisor
Creative Lead
Producer
Company Stage Manager
Deputy Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
LX Programmer
Sound No.1
Dresser
Stage Technician
Captions
Creative Learning Coordinator
Lighting Practicals
Sound Practicals
Scenic Painting
Set Construction
Technical Drawings
Laura O'Connell & Margaret Rees
Laura O'Connell
Clive Meldrum
KJ & Joseph Stairs
Suzy Somerville
John Bailey
Louise Marsh
Becky Deeks
Sophie Skellern
Elliot Mitchell
Alex Ford
Charlotte Dodd
Joe Ralph
William Gilbert
Roanne Bray
Malik Awajan
Jeanette Maggs & Hollie Tomlinson
Rosalie Smith
The Rep
The Rep
The Rep
The Rep
The Rep
Young Rep Backstage Creative placements
Young Rep Backstage offers a 10-month training programme in Lighting, Scenic Art,
Sound, Stage, Stage Management, Wardrobe and Workshop We are grateful to the following graduates who have worked on the festival this year:
Eleanor Birch
Emily Fey Allen
Hannah Louise Dacombe
Hassan Ahmed
Hugo Villalobos Finigan
Humeira Naseem
James Simpson-Bray
Joby Young
Maddie Stevenson
Martha Roche
Nathan Hill
Savannah Estridge
Sharday Hodges
Sylvie Turner
Valeriia Bakun
Young Rep Backstage Coordinator: Lia Isabella
Festival Schedule
Wed 9 Jul
2.30pm Tile Cross Academy and The Grove School Showcase
7.30pm Iranian Community Theatre of Birmingham Present: Nowruznameh: A Cultural & Artistic Event
Fri 11 Jul
7pm The Company Present: Summer & Smoke
Sat 12 Jul
12pm Young Rep Juniors Present: The Diamond Debacle
4pm Open Mic Night
7pm The Company Present: Summer & Smoke
7.30pm Plymouth Barbican Theatre ReBels Young Company Present: The Witching Hour
Sun 13 Jul
7pm Young Rep Seniors Present: Medea
Tue 15 Jul
12.30pm Bellfield Junior School and Staffordshire University Academy Showcase
5pm Kings Heath School and Small Heath Academy Showcase
7pm Young Rep Seniors Present: Medea
8pm Thimblemill Creatives
ngine Thu 17 Jul
7pm The Company Present: Alice Fri 18 Jul
2pm LouDeemy Presents: Four Stories Up 4pm Open Theatre and Stories of Hope and Home
7pm The Company Present: Alice Sat 19 Jul
7pm Young Rep Seniors Present: Jekyll & Hyde Sun 20 Jul
3pm Young Rep Inters Present: Around The World in 80 Days
7pm Young Rep Seniors Present: Jekyll & Hyde
For a full list of creatives, see page 1
“This group of young people are a credit to young actors in Birmingham and the talent we have to showcase across the city” Redbrick on last year ’ s festival
Samuel Gold Akanbi
Dr Buchanan
Áine Maher
Alma
Amar Jagpal
Rev Winemiller, Papa & Vernon
Gemma Griffiths Rosa & Mary
Haleema Nasir Nellie
Jude Ezra Wilding
Roger Doremus, Mr Kramer & Dusty
Kevvauna Welsh Mrs Bassett & Mrs Winemiller
Kyron-Ellis Bryan
John
THU 17 & FRI 18 JUL 7PM
Presented by
Written by
Based on the book by Directed by
Assistant Director Composers
The Company
Laura Wade
Lewis Carroll
Becky Deeks
Alice Chambers
Lia Isabella
Tyriq
Baker
Bob Cheel
For a full list of creatives, see page 1
Laura Wade’ s Alice offers a contemporary re-imagining of the classic Alice in Wonderland story, weaving together a turbulent landscape of grief and selfdiscovery. Teenage Alice, grappling with the devastating, sudden loss of her brother, embarks on a psychological journey through a fractured, larger-thanntastical.
host of characters and events: a chaotic game of croquet at th some lobsters. These surd, serve as metaphors for f, loss, and the complexities of tric choreography, this ergy to an age-old story, with a dynamic, modern twist.
Abby Peet
White Rabbit & Wonderlander
Ameena Edwards Duchess, Lobster & Wonderlander
Em Sandford Gryphon, Commentator 1 & Wonderlander
Jude Ezra Wilding Croquet Official, Len & Wonderlander
Abi Thompson
Catering Woman, Knave of Hearts & Wonderlander
Cianan Holtgreave
Tweedledee, Tom & Wonderlander
Áine Maher Wonderlander
Gemma Griffiths
Hedgehog, Lobster & Wonderlander
Kevvauna Welsh Wonderlander
Deborah Omoruanzoje Queen of Hearts, Mum & Wonderlander
Mock Turtle, Teacher & Wonderlander Zeina Archibald Alice (in real world)
Presented by
Written by
Directed by
Assistant Director
Young
For a full list of creatives, see
Medea is devastated when her husband, Jason, leaves her for the king’s daughter Heartbroken, alone, and consumed by rage, Medea decides to take revenge so that Jason will suffer as much as she has. No matter the cost, she will make him pay.
This timeless tale of love, betrayal and consequences is brought to you by Young Rep Seniors
Whose side will you choose? SUN 13 & TUE 15 JUL 7PM
Presented by Written by Based on the book by Directed by Assistant Director Movement Director
SAT 19 & SUN 20 JUL 7PM
Step into the shadows of Victorian London with our Young Rep Seniors as they present Evan Placey’ s bold reimagining of Jekyll & Hyde
This thrilling adaptation shifts the focus to Harriet Jekyll, the determined widow of the late Dr Jekyll, who is set on continuing her husband’s controversial experiments But as she delves deeper into the mysteries of science, she awakens something dangerous… something unstoppable Enter Lady Hyde – a force that refuses to be controlled
With intense physicality, striking visuals, and a thought-provoking script, this gripping production smashes through time, drawing powerful parallels between past and present, gender and power, repression and freedom.
Daring, dynamic, and unapologetically bold - this is Jekyll & Hyde as you ’ ve never seen it before!
Will you dare to step into the darkness?
Young Rep Seniors
Evan Placey
Robert Louis Stevenson
Jasmin Hilton
Lia Isabella
Ana Diego Iversen
For a full list of creatives, see page 1
Nancy
Maya
Oliver
Spike
Antonio
Peter
Harriet Jekyll
Flossie Hyde
Gabriel John Utterson
Sally
Abbie
Officer Rose
Officer Ray & Doctor Robert
Josephine
Paper Boy
Priest
Florence
Lucy
Gertrude & Georgie
Martha & Millie
Ida & Izzy
Doctor Lanyon
Spike
Doctor Robert
Doctor Finn
Doctor Maxwell
Edgar
Lancelot
Freddie Amelie
Dylan
Joshua
Tommy
Judge Richard Enfield
DCI Renford
DC Williams
Johnny
Doctor
AROUND THE WORLD IN
80 DAYS
SUN 20 JUL 3PM
Presented by Directed by
Associate Director
Assistant Directors Young Rep Inters
Becky Deeks
Jasmin Hylton
Ibrahim Ibrahim Muhibb Nazir
Get ready for a whirlwind adventure as our Young Rep Inters take you on a thrilling, high-energy journey! With daring escapes, unexpected detours, and plenty of laughs, this fast-paced and physical production brings Jules Verne’ s classic tale to life like never before.
Follow the unflappable Phileas Fogg and his ever-resourceful companion Passepartout as they race against time, encountering eccentric characters, breath-taking challenges, and edge-of-your-seat action at every turn.
Can they complete their globetrotting quest in just 80 days? There’s only one way to find out!
THE DIAMOND DEBACLE
SAT 12 JUL 12PM
Presented by
Written by
Directed by
Assistant Directors
Young Rep Inters
Becky Deeks Jasmin Hylton
Ryan Lewis
Scarlett Taylor
Get ready for mischief, mystery, and mayhem in this fast-paced murder comedy full of unexpected twists and laugh-out-loud moments!
When the world’s most valuable diamond goes missing during a glamorous event, chaos erupts. A cast of suspicious characters, unlikely detectives, and hidden agendas all collide and will keep you guessing until the very end. This is perfect for young performers and audiences alike. Our Young Rep Juniors take centre stage in a show that’s sparkling with fun and just a touch of danger.
Who took the diamond? Who’s telling the truth? And who will crack the case? Come an find out – you won’t want to miss it!
ALSO FEATURING A SPECIAL CURTAIN RAISER...
DRAGON FRIEND
SAT 12 JUL 12PM
Young Rep Beginners proudly presents Dragon Friend - a co-devised story created by our youngest company
Presented by
Directed by
Assistant Directors
Early Years Beginners
Charlie Bannocks
Aine Maher
Lia Isabella
Muhibb Nazir
When stomping in the mountains is heard, the people of the town go to investigate In a cave, they find a baby dragon who is lost and trying to find their way home. At first, everyone is afraid! Everyone knows dragons are bad… but is that really the truth?
Featuring an original song by Charlie Bannocks and with handmade puppets by Kit Prosser, watch the Young Rep Beginners take centre stage!
WED 9 JUL 2.30PM
Tile Cross Academy present: The Lost & Found
Fed up with their failing school, a group of students skip class in search of freedom but their day off takes a dark turn when they stumble into an abandoned museum hiding sinister secrets What was once a harmless day of ditching school soon becomes a waking nightmare…will they all make it out alive?
Directed by Jasmin Hylton
The Grove School present: A House on the Hill
When an iron-age chief demands that his tribe construct a new hillfort, things soon descend into anarchy! With one daughter searching for something more and another who just wants to have fun, can the chief keep a band of roving boys at bay as they strive to win their hearts?
Devised by students in years 7, 8 and 9 from research conducted into local iron and bronze age history, this comedy combines inspiration from Horrible Histories and nostalgic soundbites from the 90’s and 00’s.
Directed by Lisa Morris
Supported by Bozena Evans-Coates
BELLFIELD JUNIOR SCHOOL AND STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY ACADEMY SHOWCASE
TUE 15 JUL 12.30PM
Bellfield Junior School Drama Club present: Because I Said So
Students are fed up of chores, homework, and always doing as they’re told When they escape to a world without grown-ups or rules, they can’t believe their luck, and their dreams are brought to life! But with children left to organise chaos, surely things aren’t as wonderful as they first seemed
Directed by Becky Reidy
Supported by Narda Mowitt-Bogle
Staffordshire University Academy present: Home & Horizons
A group of students are bored with the mundanity of the day to day. They imagine what their lives could be Devised and performed by Year 7 Drama students from SUA
Directed by Rob Beck
Supported by Jordan Lockett & Jack Brindley
KINGS HEATH SCHOOL AND
SMALL HEATH ACADEMY
SHOWCASE
TUE 15 JUL 5PM
Drama Club at Kings Heath School present: 7 Homes
A devised piece by Year 7 students, exploring the complex theme of home through seven powerful episodes. Each scene focuses on a different narrator, sharing a personal story of why they left home – whether due to war, family conflict, foster care, or personal choice.
Through movement, voice, and storytelling, the piece invites us to consider what home truly means – and what it means to leave it behind
Directed by Luke Hopson
Supported by Lisa MacFarlane & Hannah Silvester
Heath Academy present Ridgewood Manor
When a group of mismatched students land themselves in detention, it seems like just another boring afternoon until they realize they’ve been accidentally locked inside the school overnight But as the sun sets and the halls grow darker, strange things begin to happen What secrets is the school hiding—and will they survive long enough to uncover the truth?
Small
Directed by Jasmin Hylton
IRANIAN COMMUNITY THEATRE OF BIRMINGHAM
WED 9 JUL 7.30PM
The Iranian Community Theatre of Birmingham presents Nowruznameh: A Cultural & Artistic Event, a Farsilanguage storytelling performance that brings to life ancient tales from the Shahnameh, Zarathushtranameh, and other Iranian legends tied to Nowruz, the Persian New Year
Celebrated on the first day of spring, Nowruz marks nature’s rebirth and holds deep cultural and mythological meaning. While the performance is in Farsi with no subtitles, English summaries will be provided for non-Farsi speakers
REBELS YOUNG COMPANY: THE WITCHING HOUR
SAT 12 JUL 7.30PM
Black Cats, Broomsticks, and Pentagrams? It sounds like you have a witch problem!
But fear not justice has never been more entertaining! Welcome to The Witching Hour, the nation’s hottest, most cutthroat game show, where trials are a spectacle, the audience holds the gavel, and survival is a matter of public opinion
Forget fairness Here, charm is currency, and scandal is sport. Contestants must plead their case via dazzling performances and persuasive narratives. One wrong move and they could find themselves the latest villain
ReBels Young Company is a creative development initiative at Plymouth Barbican Theatre, designed for 18-25 year olds who are seeking their first job in the arts ReBels Young Company provides a pathway to overcome the barriers that so often deter young people from pursuing their dreams.
THIMBLEMILL CREATIVES
TUE 15 JUL 8PM
Following their debut at Birmingham Rep in December, Thimblemill Creatives return for a second sharing of work created during sessions at Thimblemill Library, Smethwick
Working with actor, musician and Birmingham Rep foundry artist Robert George Lane, the group have been exploring “creativity from nothing” with drama, improvisation, comedy, creative writing and music
STORY ENGINE BIRMINGHAM
WED 16 JUL 7.30PM
Story Engine Birmingham is a new stage to screen scratch night, showcasing some of the best writing and acting talent in the West Midlands!
This is an exciting chance to see four short plays which shine a light on the brilliance of our city’s creative community.
LOUDEEMY PRODUCTIONS:
FOUR STORIES UP - AN ELEVATING JOURNEY
FRI 18 JUL 2PM
Prepare for a quirky, pacey, and fun theatrical adventure!
LouDeemY Productions is a Birmingham-based theatre and arts organisation that works with a diverse range of participants, including those from vulnerable and marginalised groups.
DOUBLE BILL
FRI 18 JUL 4PM
OPEN THEATRE PRESENT: WELCOME HOME
Open Theatre present Welcome Home.
Home is where the heart is But how much can you take before you SNAP!
An experience on the borderlines of theatre, dance and mime, devised and performed by Open Theatre‘ s ensemble company
Ensemble work is central to the company ’ s practice, using long-term improvisation and nonverbal physical theatre to create performances Music is used to develop character, situation, and narrative, replacing traditional text, with each ensemble member contributing to the development process
STORIES OF HOPE AND HOME PRESENT: HOME IS WHERE WE BELONG
Home Is Where We Belong is devised, written and performed by members of Stories of Hope and Home, a group of people with lived experience of seeking safety in the UK
In this year ’ s piece, the group will be exploring what makes a home and in particular what it is like to have multiple places to call home, none of which feel fully like the place where you truly belong: a lived reality for so many people in the world.
Backstage
The Company
Young Rep Backstage is a fully funded course for those aged 18-25 who are interested in a career in backstage theatre.
The course covers skills in Lighting, Sound, Stage Crew, Stage Management, Wardrobe and Workshop. Participants will take part in masterclasses and workshops in all areas of production, and work closely within one department here at The Rep to develop skills in that area
“Undeniable talent!” Redbrick on Lord of the Flies
The Company is The Rep’s training ground for young adults. It is a highly competitive programme that aims to develop, challenge and nurture performers, preparing them to work professionally in theatre and the arts
The Company performed a professional production of The Trials by Dawn King in partnership with the Donmar Warehouse and have performed as part of international theatre festivals.
Previous festival performances include Wuthering Heights, a queer re-telling of Martin Crimp’ s Cyrano De Bergerac, Lord of the Flies and Blank by Alice Birch They have also worked on musical performances, including a 90s themed musical version of Twelfth Night and a musical adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“An outstanding performance” Theatre Village on The Trials
Seniors
Young Rep Seniors is our celebrated youth theatre company for young people aged 14–18. Young Rep groups meet weekly at The Rep to create high quality performances working with professional theatre-makers We provide our members with opportunities to develop their performance skills, learn how an exciting producing theatre works, and grow in confidence.
Young Rep Inters is our company for young people aged 11-14 They have performed Tuesday by Alison Carr and Chaos by Laura Lomas as part of previous festivals
Around The World in 80 Days is the first fulllength play the group have performed Prepare yourselves for some brilliant multi-roling, physical theatre and the largest cast yet to grace our stage as part of the festival!
Inters Juniors
Young Rep Juniors is our youth theatre for 7-11 year olds. They meet weekly at The Rep and learn performance skills through games and brilliantly creative drama-based activities. Each year, they work with our professional directors towards a performance in our summer festival Some years they perform scripted plays, other years they devise pieces from scratch and this year it is a combination! The group were eager to perform a comedy AND a murder mystery so The Diamond Debacle has taken their ideas, mashed them together and created a play that will hopefully leave you laughing and on the edge of your seats!
Beginners
Young Rep Play Time and Young Rep Beginners are our groups for children aged 3 -7
These groups are the newest Young Rep companies, and this is the first time Beginners will perform in the festival.
Young Rep Beginners is for children aged 5 - 7; they meet on Saturday mornings and it offers children the chance to develop their confidence and performance skills, whilst having fun and being creative.
