Hello everyone and welcome to my first brochure at Birmingham Rep!
It has been incredibly exciting to join such a special theatre at the heart of such an extraordinary city. When you combine the world class quality of The Rep, with the youth, diversity, and energy of Birmingham, I think the creative possibilities become limitless.
This brochure sees out the last remaining productions of the current programme and offers a first look at my new season. All these shows are designed to do one thing: give the people of Birmingham a really great night out!
Whether that’s with the sheer joy and festive magic of Sherlock Holmes and The 12 Days of Christmas, or with the anarchy and wonder of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or through the heartbreaking,
gothic beauty of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, these live theatre experiences are tailor-made to make our audiences laugh, cry, and feel alive.
The Rep’s founder Sir Barry Jackson always wanted the theatre to “put before the Birmingham public such plays as cannot be seen in the ordinary way at theatres.” We want to rise to this challenge and present a popular, daring, and bold programme that engages with our city. We want to celebrate the soul of Birmingham through a world-class Repertory of plays.
I hope that you like what is on offer, and I cannot wait to see you here at The Rep.
JOE MURPHY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
JOE MURPHY, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & RACHAEL THOMAS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE
by
Photo
Kris Askey
JOE’S FIRST SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
FRI 14 NOV –SUN 18 JAN
ANANSI THE SPIDER THU 4 DEC –SUN 11 JAN
Christmas at The Rep is truly magical and these two promise to be festive crackers!
SWEET HENRY V
FRI 23 & SAT 24 JAN
An epic new sword sorcery musical about how Henry V went from playboy prince to warrior king!
PRIMA FACIE
TUE 10 –SAT 14 MAR
I’m thrilled to welcome Jodie Comer as she reprises her Olivier winning performance for one week only.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
SAT 25 APR – SUN 24 MAY
It’s my favourite Shakespeare play –a banging night with a deep emotional core.
THE BATTLE
WED 11 FEB – SAT 7 MAR
A hilarious new play about the most famous battle of the bands in history: Blur vs Oasis for number 1!
SMALL ISLAND
WED 1 –SAT 18 APR
An incredible play exploring the history of the UK and Jamaica from WWII to the Empire Windrush.
SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
SAT 4 JUL –SUN 9 AUG
It’s one of the greatest musicals ever written – don’t miss this exceptional night at the theatre!
FRIENDS
Rep Friends is the membership scheme which brings you closer to the theatre you love ♥
As a Rep Friend your membership will help ensure The Rep’s future. Part of your membership is treated as a donation, helping to support The Rep’s far reaching and industry leading charitable activity, which includes:
100,000 creative learning engagements each year
Activity in schools every day of the academic year
Training and support for hundreds of aspiring theatre makers
PRIORITY BOOKING
TICKET & BAR DISCOUNTS
NO TRANSACTION FEES
NO TICKET EXCHANGE FEES
FREE CLOAKROOM
MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
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LAST CHANCE TO SEE...
Our Stages:
TUE 7 & WED 8 OCT
The House has 816 seats, each with a perfect view of the stage. It’s here where we produce World Premiere drama, comedy, musicals and much more.
The Studio is our 292 seat auditorium where new contemporary plays and classic are re-worked with a twist!
THU 9 –SAT 11 OCT BIRMINGHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULES
The Door is our most intimate space with 133 seats, dedicated to local, national and international artists to develop their talent and craft.
Photo by Alex Brenner
Photo by Jyoti Graziano
WRITTEN BY
HUMPHREY KER & DAVID REED
ORIGINAL SONGS BY TIM RICE & ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
DIRECTED BY PHILLIP BREEN WITH BECKY HOPE-PALMER
SET & COSTUME DESIGN BY MARK BAILEY
FROM £25 FOR EVERYONE AGED 10 TO 110!
MADE IN BIRMINGHAM
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
FRI 14 NOV – SUN 18 JAN
“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.
SEE PAGE 45 FOR INFO
Christmas at The Rep never fails to entertain, so join us at 221b Baker Street this festive season for mischief, mayhem, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree!
Presented by Birmingham Rep in association with Heartaches Ltd
SEE WEBSITE FOR INFO
DATES EXTENDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND!
THU 4 DEC - SUN 11 JAN CREATED BY JUSTIN AUDIBERT DIRECTED BY ROBIN BELFIELD FROM £12.50 FOR AGES 4 – 8 AND THEIR FAMILIES
SEE WEBSITE FOR INFO
TAKES FOLKLORE’S MOST FAMOUS ARACHNID RIGHT BACK TO HIS ROOTS TIME OUT
ANANSI THE SPIDER
The greatest tales ever spun...
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 MADE IN BIRMINGHAM
ONE SPIDER’S WEB THAT IS WELL WORTH GETTING CAUGHT UP IN WHATSONSTAGE A SILKY SHOW THAT LEAVES ITS AUDIENCE CHARMED THE GUARDIAN
SUPERLATIVE FAMILY THEATRE IS PURE JOY AND DELIGHT THE STAGE
ENTERTAINMENT FOR FAMILIES!YOUNG
Photos by Ali Wright
BOOK, MUSIC & LYRICS BY SEIRIOL DAVIES
DIRECTED BY JOE MURPHY FROM £15
AGE 16+
MADE IN BIRMINGHAM
SWEET
HENRY V
FRI 23 & SAT 24 JAN
Born to be King. Dying to be free. This party boi trashbag is about to break history. It’s 1413, witness the glow up as Sweet Henry V (it’s pronounced Vee, actually) transforms from playboy prince to the most famous warrior king in British history. All he has to do is defeat the douchebag, Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndwr.
Watch as the anointed King and rebel Prince go head-to-head in this hilarious and heart-rending new musical that shines a spotlight on the most human of struggles; the quest to find out who we are and where we belong.
This script in hand, concert performance unravels an epic romance saga between Henry V and O G. Featuring a live band with over thirty original numbers; including bangin’ medieval tunes like “A-Hole”, “Naked out Here” and “I’m Your Man”, that will make you want to lift your goblet in the air and dance like you just don’t care.
Imagine if Shakespeare’s History Plays donned their lippy and heels and were taken out for a night on the tiles. We’re talking Hamilton meets Braveheart meets Priscilla Queen of the Desert in this radical reinvention of history that’s pounding with camp Celtic vibes.
Directed by The Rep’s Artistic Director, Joe Murphy. Presented by Birmingham Rep
WRITTEN BY
JOHN NIVEN
DIRECTED BY MATTHEW
DUNSTER
FROM £25 AGE 12+
MADE IN BIRMINGHAM
THE BATTLE
WED 11 FEB – SAT 7 MAR
Get ready to roll with it.
London, 1995. Two of the country’s biggest bands release singles on the same day, commencing the battle of Britpop. On one side, clean-cut, art-school intellectuals from the South. On the other: raw and unapologetic lads from the North. Rivalries flare, friendships fracture and at the centre of it all a mania that would define an era – were you Blur or Oasis?
From the chaos of the Brit Awards to the infamous chart The Battle is a wickedly funny dive into one of the greatest rivalries in rock history. Featuring legendary personalities and unforgettable clashes, it was never just about the music, but power, pride, and uncontrollable competitiveness.
Expect filthy language and razor-sharp dialogue in this cut-throat new comedy that puts you right at the heart of the feuding, the fame, and the fallout.
Mathew Horne (Gavin and Stacey) as the music industry executive who kicked off the race to No 1. between the two bands.
Presented by Birmingham Rep and Melting Pot
Please note this is a fictionalised account of one of the biggest chart battles in Rock and Roll history, based on research and interviews, it features characters inspired by some very real-life individuals, and some composite characters and conversations entirely imagined by the writer.
BY ANDREA LEVY DIRECTED BY MATTHEW XIA
MADE IN BIRMINGHAM
SMALL ISLAND
WED 1 – SAT 18 APR
Journey from the sun-drenched shores of Jamaica to the cold, grey streets of 1940s London in Small Island, a powerful and intimate portrayal of Andrea Levy’s multi award-winning novel.
This bold staging offers a fresh perspective on a world shaped by empire and entitlement, caught between belonging and unbelonging, disappointment and hope.
Four unforgettable characters bring this Windrush story to life: Hortense and Gilbert, determined Jamaican migrants in search of belonging and respect; Queenie, an Englishwoman who defies convention; and Bernard, her husband, struggling with change. Together, they discover love across culture, colour and class - and the fragile hope of a shared future.
Spanning decades and continents, this brand-new production draws on the joyful rhythms of calypso and the harsh realities of post-war Britain to explore the emotional truth of our collective history, brought vividly to life through music, striking visuals and a compelling story you will never forget.
Presented by Birmingham Rep, Leeds Playhouse and Nottingham Playhouse, in association with Actors Touring Company
WRITTEN BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
DIRECTED BY
JOE MURPHY & MADELEINE KLUDJE
SET & COSTUME
DESIGN BY CARL DAVIES
FROM £25 AGE 10+
SEE PAGE 45 FOR INFO
MADE IN BIRMINGHAM
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
SAT 25 APR – SUN 24 MAY
When a love-struck teenager is forced to marry a man, rather than the women she loves, she has a few options: certain death, live a lie, move to a nunnery… or flee to a messy, neon rave in an enchanted forest!
Beyond the city walls boundaries blur, music pulsates, and love is celebrated. Inhibitions are unleashed and love potions spill into more re-couplings than an episode of Love Island
But with the feisty fairies locked in their own conflict; the seasons are pulled into climate chaos and the young lovers’ moonlit escape from reality loses its shine.
As relationships sour and temperatures soar, Shakespeare’s romantic comedy might leave you thinking… what the Puck?!
Directed by The Rep’s Artistic Director, Joe Murphy and Deputy Artistic Director, Madeleine Kludje, step into the wild with this vibrant telling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, celebrating the beauty of love in all its forms.
Presented by Birmingham Rep
5000 tickets at a fiver!
To celebrate Artistic Director Joe Murphy ’s enchanting new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, we’re offering 5000 dreamworthy tickets at £5 each for under 25s!
See Page 45 or visit birmingham-rep.co.uk for full details.
MUSIC & LYRICS BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM
BOOK BY HUGH WHEELER
FROM AN ADAPTATION BY CHRISTOPHER BOND
DIRECTED BY JOE MURPHY
SET & COSTUME DESIGN BY ELIN STEELE
MADE IN BIRMINGHAM
SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
“Swing your razor wide, Sweeney!”
Wrongfully imprisoned for 15 years, Benjamin Barker returns to Victorian London as the mysterious barber, Sweeney Todd.
Upon finding out he’s lost everything he ever loved, Sweeney swears revenge and so begins a chilling tale of murder, macabre and Mrs Lovett’s pies!
First performed on Broadway in 1979, Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler ’s 12-time Tony Award-winning masterpiece is considered one of the greatest musicals ever written.
A razor-sharp story of retribution, this darkly comic and dramatic musical is a must-see in this new version by Rep Artistic Director, Joe Murphy
Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International
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.
BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE
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.
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Black is The Color of My Voice features many of her most iconic songs performed live.
Performed by Florence Odumosu.
DEKHA: COME FALL IN LOVE ... AGAIN
Commemorate the 30 year journey of the legendary film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge with an evening that celebrates the enduring spirit of Bollywood and the romance of a generation!
Tujhe Dekha relives the magic of one of Bollywood’s most iconic films and features vibrant choreography inspired by the movie’s most memorable dance sequences.
Photo by Steve Ullathorne
MADE IN BIRMINGHAM BARRIER(S)
SAT 18 – SAT 25 OCT
Eloise Pennycott ’s Barrier(s) is a powerful and intimate love story full of warmth, humour and the fight to be understood. 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.
Deafinitely Theatre makes a welcome return to The Rep following their recent production of The Vagina Monologues and our acclaimed 2024 co-production of The Promise. The company will showcase their distinctive visual style, seamlessly blending British Sign Language and English.
FROM
£10 AGE 14+
Hey stagey friends!!! Hannah Lowther here –you might know me from TikTok, the West End, or for going viral in a Tesco uniform!
Now I’m bringing my love for theatre straight to you with… How Very Hannah. This isn’t just a podcast – it’s a show, with backstage stories, games, public challenges and brilliant chats with guests from the stage and screen.
COBO: COMEDY SHUTDOWN
BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL
SAT 18 OCT
Gather your friends and family for an unforgettable evening of uproarious laughter and celebration.
COBO return with their Black History Month Special which brings together some of the most talented comedians on the circuit including Richard Blackwood (MTV, ITV, BBC, CH4), Nabil Abdulrashid (BBC Live At The Apollo, ITV Stand Up Sketch Show), Diesel (BBC New Comedy) and Shabz Kariem (BBC, ITV ).
MATT PARKER: GETTING TRIGGY WITH IT
SUN 19 OCT
It’s maths, but not as you know it. New York Times best-selling author and highly acclaimed stand-up performer Matt Parker is ready to talk maths…a lot of maths.
Come and watch as he turns numbers into punchlines and equations into comedy gold.
FROM £27 AGE 12+
MARGARET THATCHER: QUEEN OF SOHO
FRI 24 & SAT 25 OCT
Following five sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, UK tours and a West End season, the Iron Lady is back and more fabulous than ever.
On the eve of the vote on Section 28, Maggie gets lost in Soho and accidentally becomes a cabaret superstar. Will she change her mind about the homophobic bill before it’s too late…?
FROM £24 AGE 16+
BIG GAY POETRY NIGHT: HALLOWEEN SPECIAL THU 30 OCT
Join us for a night of queer joy, performance, and glorious filth.
Expect powerhouse poetry from Birmingham and beyond, plus singing, dancing, and more from your award-winning hosts Bradley Taylor and M. L. Walsh.
FROM £10 AGE 16+
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY DAVID NICHOLLS & HBO/PLAYTONE FILM
BOOK & LYRICS BY EMMA HALL & CHARLIE PARHAM
ORIGINAL SCORE & LYRICS BY HATTY CARMAN & TOM RASMUSSEN
DIRECTED BY CHARLIE PARHAM
FROM £19.50 AGE 12+
STARTER FOR TEN
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.
Mel Giedroyc reprises her roles as Brian’s mum Irene and Bamber Gascoigne’s irresistible sidekick Julia Bland.
Herbert grew up in the Metropol. The eerie old cinema was his playground and prison – a place where endless latenight horror films were his only window to the world. Now Herbert’s back at the abandoned cinema, searching for answers to long-buried questions. But for him, and for you, the real horror has only just begun…
FROM £17 AGE 12+
THE SEX LIVES OF PUPPETS
FRI 7 & SAT 8
The Sex Lives of Puppets by Mark Down and Ben Keaton pulls back the covers on puppet sex in contemporary Britain: filthy, funny, shocking and touching… lots of touching.
This collaboration between Blind Summit ’s puppets and the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles creates a safe space to get down and dirty and talk about the rude stuff, the stuff that matters. Not so much “birds and bees”, more “nuts and bolts”.
Hosted by the charismatic Hashu, better known as SMASHBengali – comedian, TV personality, and BBC Asian Network presenter – this electrifying evening will spotlight some of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming talent.
Expect side-splitting ‘Binglish’ banter and hilarious performances that’ll have you laughing from start to finish. FROM £10 AGE 14+
LGBTQTEEHEE! COMEDY FESTIVAL
FRI 21 NOV
ASTITVA
FRI 21 & SAT 22 NOV
The Rep is proud to introduce Brum’s newest stand-up comics from our ground-breaking comedy workshop for members of the LGBTQ+ community…. LGBTQTeeHee!
Headlining the show will be extra special guest, and Birmingham comedy royalty, Yshee Black (Late Night Lycett). Prepare for an evening of joy, laughter and lots of jokes.
FROM £6 AGE 15+
ASTITVA meaning existence, is a powerful and evocative dance production by award-winning choreographer Jaivant Patel, offering a rare and moving portrayal of British-Indian gay men. This ground-breaking work explores the complex realities of balancing tradition, culture, and identity.
Through this compelling new production, Jaivant Patel Company brings queer South Asian stories to the forefront, inviting audiences to connect, reflect, and celebrate the beauty of being human.
THE REAL QUEENS OF BOLLYWOOD
MON 8 DEC
FROM £10 AGE 13+
Hosted by Chirag Rao and featuring the sensational vocal talents of Abirah Shah and Rekha, The Real Queens of Bollywood will take audiences on a nostalgic journey through legendary songs –from the golden era classics to modern-day anthems.
This evening of dance and music pays tribute to the queens behind the magic, who brought emotion, passion, drama & romance to life on the silver screen.
FROM £22 AGE 12+
SEND IN THE CLOWNS: UNPOPULAR
THU 29 – SAT 31 JAN
Making its debut at The Rep, Send In The Clowns is a raucous and tantalizing drag revue that promises an unforgettably wild evening packed with outrageous comedy, spine-tingling live vocals, camp cabaret, and audience sing-alongs!
Join your host, cabaret superstar Fatt Butcher (The Voice UK and winner of Drag Idol UK ), alongside a stellar lineup of the Midlands’ finest drag and cabaret talents in their electrifying show Unpopular - a parody celebration of the magic and madness of musical theatre.
FROM £14 AGE 18+
CALLY BEATON: NAMASTE MOTHERF*CKERS
FRI 13 FEB
Cally Beaton combines comedic and storytelling prowess with extracts from her provocative, stereotype-busting book of the same name, in this quick-witted, unexpected and unapologetic insight into life in midlife.
A funny show about a deadly serious subject, Namaste Motherf*ckers is a celebration of and for the female of the species.
FROM £21 AGE 16+
PETER PAN UGLY DUCKLING THE ON SALE NOVEMBER 2025
Photo by Natasha Pszenicki
Photo by Emma Jones
MYRA’S STORY SUN 15 MAR
Redefining dance from the African Diaspora, ACE dance and music’s new double bill presents two powerful contrasting visions of our world today.
ECHOES OF DUST BY SERGE AIMÉ COULIBALY
In a world torn apart by war, disaster and the invisible collapse of human connection; seven individuals find themselves stranded in the heart of chaos…
LETLALO BY VINCENT MANTSOE
Rooted in ancestral wisdom and inspired by nomadic cultures, this piece examines the layers beneath the surface, exploring the true essence of the human spirit, while evoking themes of power, unity, serenity, and interconnectedness.
Following a sell-out performance at The Rep this year, Myra’s Story returns by overwhelming demand for more laughter, heartache, and unforgettable storytelling.
Meet Myra - a resilient woman who’s fallen on hard times and living on the streets of Dublin. As she begs from passers-by, Myra recreates her rollercoaster backstory that led her to this point in her life.
Starring Fionna Hewitt-Twamley who plays over 15 characters, this one-woman show is guaranteed to stay with you forever.
DIRECTED BY OLIVIA JACOBS
ADAPTED FROM THE PICTURE BOOK BY JULIA DONALDSON & AXEL SCHEFFLER
FROM £16 AGE 3+
THE GRUFFALO’S
CHILD
FRI 20 – SUN 22 FEB
The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should Ever set foot in the deep dark wood...
Follow The Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist does he?
SEE
Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and adventure for everyone aged 3 to 103!
“Why love, if losing hurts so much?” It is forbidden.
Sephy is a Cross and Callum is a Nought. Between Noughts and Crosses there are racial and social divides. A segregated society teeters on a volatile knife edge. As violence breaks out, Sephy and Callum draw closer, but this is a romance that will lead them into terrible danger.
Winner of Excellence in Touring at the UK Theatre Awards, this gripping Romeo and Juliet story by acclaimed writer Malorie Blackman is a captivating drama of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a divided world.
Presented by Pilot Theatre in association with Northern Stage.
TELL IT TO THE MUSIC
THU 26 FEB
Join us for an evening of verse and music as Birmingham’s favorite experimental poetry group return for a round at The Rep!
Tell It to the Music are excited to showcase four fantastic poets, and four incredible improvising musicians in one night of live, electrifying storytelling.
FROM £10 AGE 16+
CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT
MON 2 & TUE 3 MAR
A clubland coming-of-age story, Children of the Night follows Lindsay, a young Donny lass with an A in English, a thirst for raves and £4.25 for the taxi home.
Amidst the chaotic finale of 90s nightlife, the backdrop of post-Thatcher Britain and during the UK’s first heterosexual HIV cluster, Children of the Night is a play, a poem, a party and a love letter to the working-class cultural pulse of the North.
FROM £12 AGE 16+
LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND: THE MUSIC OF VICTORIA WOOD
FRI 20 & SAT 21 MAR
2026 marks ten years since the death of the beloved Victoria Wood. So be amongst friends at “ The most feel-good show in town” (Daily Mail) and join Paulus & Michael for a celebration of her life.
Touring for over five years, this is an evening of pure joy filled with her best-loved songs.
10+
Photo by Sam Taylor
PERFECT SHOW FOR RACHEL
FROM £25.50 AGE 14+
SEE PAGE 45 FOR INFO
Rachel is a theatre-loving, enigmatic, learning-disabled 35 year-old who loves Kylie, heckling her sister, and seeing people falling over. At the touch of a button she commands the action, each scene brought to life by a skilled cast ready for whatever she asks of them. From bar room brawls to a bourbon biscuit cabaret - get ready, this is Rachel’s Perfect Show.
Perfect Show For Rachel is a “ joyous celebration of theatre without the rules” (The Stage) combining physical theatre, live music, family memories, massive fights and fart jokes in an electric, moving and triumphant tapestry. Step into Rachel’s unique, often hilarious world in this critically acclaimed show.
All performances are relaxed and include a mixture of creative captioning, live captioning and integrated BSL, making it accessible for deaf and hard of hearing audiences.
Presented by Zoo Co and Improbable
Photo by Holly Revell
PEPPER AND HONEY
FRI 27 & SAT 28 MAR
WED 15 & THU 16
Ana is ready to start her new life in the UK. As she focuses on life in this new land, she is haunted by the voice of her Grandma- calling her to stay true to her identity and yearning for Ana to come home.
Notnow Collective’s Pepper and Honey is a poignant, subtle and timely play about the journey of change, cultural differences, and the conflict between upholding the traditions of the “old country” and embracing those of the new.
Multi award-winning writer, performer and actor Rob Auton presents his debut narrative show.
Having written 11 critically acclaimed shows on specific themes, Rob is now keen on telling you a story he has written about a man he made up called CAN. At one point in his life CAN was the world’s number one motivational speaker. And then something happened…
FROM £17.50 AGE 14+
A dark comedy about the power of sisterhood and grief.
Sienna is trying to deal with her grief by clinging on tightly to what she knows – in short, she’s seeing her dead sister everywhere she goes.
Not only seeing her… but having full on conversations with her. As Emily’s presence becomes more overwhelming, the line between happiness and delusion becomes blurred. How do you truly let go of someone when you imagined they’d be there forever?
Photo by Fernando Photography
LAST UNICORN AIRWAYS
SAT 18 APR
FALLING
FRI 8 & SAT 9 MAY
Take flight with Last Unicorn Airways! Join two lively baggage handlers as they unpack a globe-trotting adventure from a magical final flight, where every suitcase tells a story.
The show uses playful storytelling to remind us to see everyday life as an adventure and to cherish our world and each other - perfect for families and children with complex needs and disabilities. Stick around after the show for an immersive, hands-on sensory experience!
FROM £8 AGE 4+
The walls are closing in: a young woman dreams of a better life – she wants to break away from her urge to smash things, and to find her tribe. But falling in love sparks more chaos and her dream-world reality continues to conspire against her. Will she ever find her freedom?
Falling is an experience on the borderlines of theatre, dance and mime, devised and performed by Open Theatre‘s ensemble company.
FROM £8 AGE 14+
A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS ON SALE SOON...
GRIMEBOY CHAINS
CONCEPT & BOOK AND DIRECTED BY PRAVESH KUMAR
SONGS & MUSIC BY NIRAJ CHAG
SONGS & LYRICS BY TASHA TAYLOR
JOHNSON
BOLLYWOOD
SONGS BY HARRY ANAND
FROM £30.50 AGE 8+
FRANKIE GOES TO BOLLYWOOD
WED 10 – SAT 13 JUN
Dive into the dazzling, high-pressure world of Indian cinema, where dreams are mass-produced and women are expected to play by the rules.
When British teenager Frankie is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, her quiet suburban life is turned upside down as she is thrust into a world of dazzling lights, choreographed perfection and media obsession. Can she become a star without losing who she really is?
Featuring spectacular choreography, lavish costumes and original songs by Bollywood hitmaker Harry Anand, Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a feel-good celebration of love, courage, and self-discovery, bursting with Bollywood glamour.
Whether you’re a fan of musicals, Bollywood films, or powerful British stories, this is one night at the theatre you won’t want to miss.
Presented by Rifco Theatre Company
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE SCREENINGS
THU 30 OCT INTER ALIA
Jessica Parks is a smart Crown Court Judge at the top of her career. Behind the robe, she is a karaoke fiend, a loving wife and a supportive parent. When an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance, can she hold her family upright? Starring Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn).
SEE PAGE 45 FOR INFO
SEE DIARY ON PAGE 42 & 43 FOR INFO
MON 17 NOV MRS WARREN’S PROFESSION
Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs. Warren a fortune – but at what cost?
Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton (The Crown) joins forces with her real-life daughter Bessie Carter (Bridgerton) for the very first time.
SEE PAGE 45 FOR INFO
SAT 14 FEB
THE FIFTH STEP
SEE DIARY ON PAGE 42 & 43 FOR INFO
After years in the 12-step AA programme, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths start to emerge…
SEE PAGE 45 FOR INFO
FRI 27 MAR HAMLET
SEE DIARY ON PAGE 42 & 43 FOR INFO
Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one. Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
SEE PAGE 45 FOR INFO
SEE DIARY ON PAGE 42 & 43 FOR INFO
TALENT DEVELOPMENT
ON THE WRITE TRACK
Ever thought about writing for Theatre, but unsure of where to start or how to get involved? This 10-week, fun and supportive introduction to playwriting course is the perfect introduction. Led by an experienced Playwright and Director, participants meet for 2.5 hours every week to explore script structure, writing characters, crafting dialogue and more!
The course concludes with a reading of your script by The Rep’s Young Company No experience is necessary, just your imagination and a notebook!
Applications open January 2026
FOUNDRY
The Rep’s acclaimed artist development programme, Foundry, is back – with a bold new focus! Reimagined to provide deeper support for writers in the region, Foundry puts the craft of playwrighting at the heart of a new generation of writers ready to make their mark.
Whether it’s shaping your first full-length play or refining your process, Foundry will provide a unique deep dive into what it really takes to bring your work from idea to page and prepare for the stage.
Working closely with The Rep’s artistic team, you’ll receive one-to-one dramaturgical support, practical writing workshops and masterclasses, plus dedicated time to explore, develop and write. The course also includes exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Rep productions, equipping you with the tools and knowledge to navigate the theatre sector.
Applications will go live online October 2025
Photo by Kris Askey
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.
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
FAMILY BACKSTAGE ADVENTURE
Bring the whole family on a fun and interactive tour through The Rep’s fascinating history. You’ll meet lively characters from the past—including theatre founder Sir Barry Jackson and other famous faces, who’ll share the secrets and stories of our iconic building.
Tickets: £10 per person or family of four for £25
Photo by Angela Grabowska
TAKE PART!
REP PATHWAYS
Rep Pathways is The Rep’s exciting new programme, bringing together all of our work with young adults aged 18–30.
Designed to support first steps towards professional theatre, Rep Pathways offers training and performance opportunities and industry experience led by theatre professionals.
• Rep Backstage: A fully funded training initiative for young people aged 18–26 interested in backstage careers.
• The Company : The Rep’s theatre company for young adults aged 18–30. Meeting on Thursday evenings, participants develop their skills through workshops and performance.
• Rep Studio 8: Launching in 2026, our new training programme will offer 8 performers from The Company the opportunity to take part in advanced actor training.
YOUNG REP
Our celebrated youth theatre company offers weekly sessions led by professional theatre-makers. Young Rep participants create high-quality performances, grow in confidence, and gain insight into how a professional producing theatre works.
Ages 3 - 18
Fees £90 per term
Photo by Geraint Lewis
YOUNG REP COLLECTIVE
We’re launching a brand-new devising Musical Theatre group!
Sessions will run on Tuesday evenings in 2026 and focus on creating original musical theatre performances with guidance from professional artists.
Ages 14 – 18
HAVE A QUERY?
For further information on Rep Pathways and Young Rep, please visit our website or email youngrep@birmingham-rep.co.uk
WORK EXPERIENCE
MON 15 - FRI 18 JUN
Explore the wide variety of careers theatre has to offer during our work experience week.
30 participants will have the chance to meet theatre professionals, practitioners, and creatives working in the industry, gaining valuable insight into how a successful producing theatre operates behind the scenes.
Ages 14 - 17
HOW TO APPLY:
Limited number of spaces available. Applications open on our website in January. Please note, we cannot offer alternative dates for work experience opportunities.
Photo by Geraint Lewis
WORKSHOPS & PARTNERSHIPS
CENTRAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH & DRAMA
MON 27 – WED 29 OCT
10am – 5pm daily
We’re delighted to be collaborating with Central School of Speech and Drama to deliver a dynamic series of workshops and masterclasses, offering exciting opportunities for emerging talent to learn, grow and connect with industry professionals.
Please email outreach@cssd.ac.uk or visit birmingham-rep.co.uk for further information.
Ages 16+
Fees Free, booking required
BUILDING A FACILITATION TOOLKIT
THU 30 OCT
12 noon – 3pm
Learn how to build safe, inclusive spaces, adapt to access needs, and gain core skills in arts-based facilitation with a series of practical, hands-on workshops. Ideal for emerging artists, educators, and community practitioners.
Ages 18+
Fees £15 per workshop Bursaries available
Photo by Geraint Lewis
THE MERMAID QUEST
MON 16 & TUE 17 FEB
10am – 12 noon & 2pm – 4pm
Grab your snorkel and help the undersea creatures in their quest to find a real-life mermaid, whilst making friends, solving quests and taking part in shrimp-ly amazing and fun activities!
Ages 4 - 9
Fees £10 per child
Bursaries available
PLAY IN A DAY
WED 18 – FRI 20 FEB
9am – 5pm
Step into a world of imagination where your ideas bring the story to life! In this exciting, hands-on workshop, you’ll work with others to create a brand-new play from scratch. Dream up characters, build scenes, and perform it all by the end of the day.
Ages
WED 18 FEB: Ages 6 - 8
THU 19 FEB: Ages 9 - 11
FRI 20 FEB: Ages 12 - 14
Fees £25 per child
Bursaries available
IMPROV DAY
TUE 31 MAR
10am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm
Are you ready to think fast, get creative, and have fun? This Improvisation workshop is all about building confidence, teamwork, and spontaneity through theatre games and exercises. No scripts, no pressure…
Ages 14 - 18
Fees £15 per child
Bursaries available
NEED MORE INFO?
For further information regarding our workshops, please visit our website or email learning@birmingham-rep.co.uk
INTRODUCING OUR NEW PATRONS SCHEME, GETTING YOU EVEN CLOSER TO THE THEATRE YOU LOVE!
As a Patron, you’ll become part of The Rep family, enjoying a unique range of benefits both on and off stage. Join us for award-winning Rep Productions, with exclusive invitations to bespoke events with actors and creatives, sneak a peek behind the scenes in our rehearsal rooms or experience an onstage Technical Rehearsal to see for yourself how theatre is made by The Rep, right here in Birmingham.
I AM THRILLED TO BE LAUNCHING OUR NEW PATRONS SCHEME, GIVING OUR MOST VALUED SUPPORTERS UNRIVALLED ACCESS INTO HOW WE MAKE THEATRE AT THE REP.
I CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE THIS VISION WITH YOU, PUTTING YOU AT THE HEART OF ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING THINGS IN THE WORLD: MAKING THEATRE
JOE MURPHY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Photo by
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 online access focus group on Thu 23 Oct 2025 at 5pm.
Sessions take place on Zoom with BSL interpreters and live captioning. Please email access@birmingham-rep.co.uk for further information.
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.
TRANSACTION FEE
We charge a non-refundable fee of £3.50 on all transactions. This covers administration costs and enables us to provide a dedicated booking service. This charge does not apply to Access Register members, Groups of 10+, School Groups and Rep Friends.
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.
A Babes in Arms ticket is required for all theatre goers under the age of 2. You can book these online or over the phone with the Box Office. A nominal rate of £2 will be charged.
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 45 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+*
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.
For our full terms and conditions of sale, please visit: birmingham-rep.co.uk/bookinginfo
*Terms
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
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. See website for full Terms & Conditions.
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 price ticket. See website for full Terms & Conditions.
Available for selected performances for the following productions:
TWAWSI: The World as We See It
Small Island
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
For A Midsummer Night’s Dream we’re making 5000 tickets available at £5 each for under 25s.
This offer is subject to availability and will end once 5000 discounted tickets have been booked. Tickets must be collected on the day of the performance and ID may be required on collection of your tickets. See website for full Terms & Conditions.
SWEENEY TODD
THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET
STREET
PETER PAN CHAINS
UGLY DUCKLING THE
A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM SMALL ISLAND GRIMEBOY
