Birmingham Rep 2023/2024 Brochure

WORLD CLASS THEATRE FOR EVERYONE

With Artistic Director Sean Foley ’s recent World Premiere of Spitting Image Live transferring to the West End, Associate Director Madeleine Kludje’s World Premiere production of Birmingham Poet Laureate Casey Bailey ’s Grimeboy returning as part of Birmingham Festival ’23, and Associate Director Iqbal Khan’s moving production of Of Mice and Men touring nationally, The Rep is on the move...

From first commissioning writers, to designing sets, props and costumes, all made here in the building, to then creating the lighting, sound and video that are part of the modern theatrical experience - The Rep is the only theatre in The City where new shows are built from scratch. We will continue to create new shows through ’23 and into ’24, with extraordinary World Premiere productions that will bring world class talent to Birmingham.

Sinatra The Musical debuts here this autumn, 70 years after Frank himself played in Brum on a ‘comeback tour’. Working with the Sinatra family themselves, and directed by Tony and Olivier Award-winning Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes), double Tony winning Joe DiPietro, (What’s New Pussycat), has written a superb fast-moving show shedding new light on Sinatra’s life, incorporating many of his iconic hits.

The International Premiere of Bhangra

Nation – A New Musical next year sees another type of music light up our glorious stage. A sensational show about competitive Bhangra dancing and how to find your true self, it is a pulsating and powerful story told with verve.

With the only UK dates of Samuel Beckett ’s Happy Days, featuring the great Irish actress Siobhán McSweeney, and directed by the Artistic Director of Ireland’s national theatre, Caitríona McLoughlin; Harry Hill and Steve Brown’s hilarious TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera]; and the national tour of Michael Frayn’s classic Noises Off starting with us in August, we have every type of comedy covered - from tragedy, to musical, to farce

The Rep is always so much more than our professional work and formal talent development opportunities. Our amazing Young Rep will deliver another spectacularly ambitious festival of work this summer - Order and Chaos. We are especially proud to be partnering with Blackstory Partnership to present The City’s Windrush – 75th Anniversary event on Thu 22 Jun.

As a theatre, we strive to be for everyone and to create extraordinary theatrical experiences for all. Whether through sheer high class entertainment, thoughtprovoking new work, or challenging ideas, (and hopefully, a combination of all three!), we aim to inspire our audiences.

We hope you will join us at The Rep over the coming months - see the world in one theatre, and experience the thrill of shows made right here that go out to meet that world...

DIRECTOR

SEAN FOLEY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

RACHAEL THOMAS EXECUTIVE

The Rep is three theatres in one…

The House has 820 beautiful seats – each seat has a perfect view of our biggest stage... It is here that world class creatives work with our in-house production teams to produce World Premiere musicals, comedies, plays and family shows and where we welcome the very best touring shows from across the UK.

The Studio is our flexible 300 seat theatre where new contemporary plays and classics re-worked with a twist find their home. We share this space with our neighbours, The Library of Birmingham. Many of the shows that start here go on to tour nationally and internationally.

The Door is our most intimate space with 130 seats keep reading to discover its own dedicated programme on page 19.

The Rep has three ‘in-house’ theatre directors - they all work on shows here as well on our Talent Development projects and more widely in the industry...

Associate Director, Iqbal Khan; Artistic Director, Sean Foley and Associate Director, Madeleine Kludje.

Photo © Kris Askey

A REP ORIGINAL DRAMA

I, DANIEL BLAKE

TUE 13 – SAT 24 JUN

The Rep welcomes the powerful stage adaptation of Ken Loach’s iconic, multi award-winning film, I, Daniel Blake

Dan is a carpenter. Just on the mend after a heart attack. Katie has just arrived from London. Finally got a council house for her and the kids. A fresh start.

I, Daniel Blake is one of the most important stories of a generation. A glimpse behind the headlines and the stark reality of what happens when the political system is stacked against you. With 14.5 million* people living in poverty in the UK, this is not fiction. It is reality.

A touching and vital story of how people come together in the face of adversity and how sometimes creating a family to support you just isn’t enough. The show is adapted for stage by Dave Johns who played Daniel Blake in the award-winning 2016 film.

Presented by Northern Stage, Birmingham Rep, ETT, Oldham Coliseum and tiny dragon Productions, in association with Cardboard Citizens

DIRECTED

BY

MARK CALVERT

ADAPTED BY DAVE

JOHNS

DESIGNED BY RHYS

JARMAN

FROM £12.50 AGE 12+

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL FRAYN

DIRECTED BY LINDSAY POSNER

DESIGNED BY SIMON HIGLETT

FROM £15

MADE WITH THE REP NOISES OFF

WED 23 AUG – SAT 9 SEP

One of the greatest British comedies ever written returns to Birmingham following a sell-out West End run.

Michael Frayn’s celebrated play serves up a riotous double bill, a play within a play. Hurtling along at breakneck speed, Noises Off follows the on and off stage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce, Nothing On.

One of the UK’s favourite actresses, Liza Goddard ’s extensive stage comedy credits include Life of Riley, Communicating Doors, Season’s Greetings and Relatively Speaking

Matthew Kelly won an Olivier Award for his performance in The Rep’s Of Mice and Men (2004). His West End credits include Waiting For Godot, Comedians and Troilus and Cressida.

Simon Shepherd’s many credits include Peak Practice and the West End productions of Posh, The Duck House, Rapture, Art and Hay Fever

Presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions

ON SUNDAY

GLORIOUS… ONE OF THE FUNNIEST PLAYS IN THE CANNON MAIL

MICHAEL FRAYN’S SUBLIMELY FUNNY FARCE… WAVES OF UNSTOPPABLE LAUGHTER THE I

REDUCED ME TO LAUGHTER SO HELPLESS I COULD BARELY SEE THE STAGE FOR CRYING WHATSONSTAGE

WRITTEN BY JOE DIPIETRO

DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED BY KATHLEEN MARSHALL

FROM £15 AGE 12+

A REP ORIGINAL MUSICAL SINATRA THE MUSICAL

SAT 23 SEP – SAT 28 OCT

It is New Year’s Eve, 1942, and a skinny 27-year-old Italian- American singer is about to step onto the stage of New York’s Paramount Theatre and give a performance that will change music history.

As Frank Sinatra’s career suddenly skyrockets, he struggles with balancing the love of his wife, Nancy, against the demands and temptations of being the most popular singer in America. But when he begins a torrid affair with movie goddess Ava Gardner, his records stop selling and the press turns against him, sending his career into a tailspin. Driven by his devotion to his family, Sinatra employs his peerless artistry and dogged determination to stage the greatest comeback in showbiz history.

This world-premiere of Sinatra The Musical is brought to the stage by a world class creative team including two-time Tony Award-winning writer Joe DiPietro (What’s New Pussycat? and Memphis) and Olivier Award-winning and three-time Tony Awardwinning director & choreographer, Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes and The Pajama Game).

The world premiere of this exciting new musical features a company of 20 actors and 17 musicians performing over 25 of Frank’s most legendary songs. A unique opportunity to discover the story behind the man and his music.

A Birmingham Rep production in association with Universal Music Group Theatrical and Frank Sinatra Enterprises

I am very proud of our new musical production and delighted that, for the first time, we’re going to give you a perspective on my father that you’ve never seen before

TINA SINATRA

Credit: Courtesy of Capitol Archives/Frank Sinatra Enterprises

Credit: Courtesy of Frank Sinatra Enterprises BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY C.S.LEWIS

DIRECTED BY MICHAEL FENTIMAN

BASED ON THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION BY SALLY COOKSON FROM £20.50

AGE 6+ AND THEIR FAMILIES

REP THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

MADE WITH THE

TUE 14 NOV – SUN 28 JAN

Direct from the West End comes the most magical of shows for Christmas …

Step through the wardrobe into the kingdom of Narnia for mystical adventures in a faraway land. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and say hello to Mr Tumnus, the talking Faun; Aslan, the unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch!

This breath-taking stage show of C.S. Lewis’ classic novel comes to The Rep direct from the West End. With magical storytelling, bewitching stagecraft and incredible puppets, it is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.

Birmingham Rep in association with Elliott & Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber

AN EXHILARATING PRODUCTION, SPELLBINDING SPECTACLE AND PERFECT PUPPETRY

THE GUARDIAN A FANTASTICAL FAMILY TRIP

THE TELEGRAPH

FROM £15

AGE 12+

A REP ORIGINAL MUSICAL BHANGRA NATION A NEW MUSICAL

SAT 17 FEB – SAT 16 MAR

Dancing just got serious!

2024 starts with a bhang! as The Rep presents the UK Premiere of Bhangra Nation. This sensational new show about finding your true self is a pulsating and powerful story told with verve.

When Mary and Preeti’s Bhangra team qualifies for Nationals, they set off on opposing quests to dance to their own beat. Drawing from competitive Bhangra and mixing it with other Indian and Western dance forms, Bhangra Nation – A New Musical is a brash, intoxicating and joyous musical comedy for today.

This exhilarating new musical, from the international creative team put together by Tony Award-winning producers Mara Isaacs (Hadestown) and Tom Kirdahy (Hadestown, The Inheritance), celebrates the traditions we inherit from yesterday and those we create for tomorrow and promises to be a seriously great theatrical experience for all.

A Birmingham Rep Production in association with Mara Isaacs & Tom Kirdahy

THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE

BOOK BY MIKE LEW & REHANA LEW MIRZA

MUSIC & LYRICS BY SAM WILLMOTT

DIRECTED BY STAFFORD ARIMA

CHOREOGRAPHED BY RUJIUTA VAIDYA

Jubilant, funny, accessible and entertaining…Well-crafted characters, quirky humour and touching moments…

ENJOY FRIENDS

Rep Friends is our NEW membership scheme that allows YOU to enjoy the shows you love while supporting the theatre you love.

As a Rep Friend you’ll be the first to hear about new productions and enjoy a host of benefits and savings, including priority booking*, Friends-only ticket discounts, free ticket transactions and exchanges, exclusive savings at the Rep Café Bar and special offers from Rep Partners.

Every Rep Friends subscription contributes to the continuing success of The Rep, supporting our on and off stage activities, allowing us to continue the work we do here in our building and across the community and city.

With memberships starting from just £45 per year, alongside the options to pay monthly or annually, there’s a level for every theatre lovers’ budget. There’s also the option to gift a membership to a friend or loved one.

For a full list of benefits and savings and to become a Rep Friend today, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/membership

GIFT A REP FRIENDS TOMEMBERSHIP

THE LOVERTHEATRE IN LIFE.YOUR

SEEFORWEBSITE DETAILSMORE

*where available

BUFFY REVAMPED

SAT 3 JUN

Seventy minutes. Seven seasons. One Spike…

Fresh from an award-winning run at Edinburgh Fringe, this fast-paced show brings you all 144 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out ... Spike.

Funny, satirical and bursting with 90s pop-culture references, it’s the perfect parody for Buffy aficionados and newcomers to Sunnydale High alike.

Created by comedian Brendan Murphy

BRENDAN IS BRILLIANT, THE SHOW IS BRILLIANT AND IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A BRILLIANT TIME THEN BUFFY REVAMPED IS WHERE YOU NEED TO BE VOICE

FROM £22.50

AGE 14+

TONY! [THE TONY BLAIR ROCK OPERA]

WED 7 – SAT 10 JUN

A reckless reappraisal of the life of the former Ugly Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

The story of how one man went from peace-loving, long-haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multimillionaire in just a couple of decades.

Written by Harry Hill and Steve Brown, this is a hilarious musical tragedy of political intrigue, religion, power, and romance.

PURE SATIRE THAT IS ECCENTRICALLY BRITISH, WITH A GREAT ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SOUNDTRACK AND ORIGINAL HUMOUR THEATRE WEEKLY

FROM £15

AGE 14+

THE BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO

TUE 13 – SAT 17 JUN

Nuri is a beekeeper, his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens.

When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. This compassionate and beautiful play is a story of connection – between friends, families, and strangers.

One of The Times’ top three bestselling books of 2020, Christy Lefteri’s novel has its world premiere in a brand new adaptation by Nesrin Alrefaai, and Matthew Spangler and is directed by Olivier Award-winning Miranda Cromwell.

WINDRUSH 75TH YEAR CELEBRATION

THU 22 JUN

Join Birmingham’s Blackstory Partnership and Birmingham Rep as we celebrate the Windrush Generation at a special Windrush Day – 75th Anniversary event.

This uplifting evening will acknowledge the achievements of Birmingham’s Windrush Generation who contributed to the rebuilding of England after World War II, paving a brighter way for future generations.

BBC West Midlands radio presenter, Nikki Tapper and Mykal ‘Wassifa’ Brown MBE will host this prestigious one-off event that will include performances and an award ceremony and will culminate with a jamboree of music from the 50’s to modern day from Wassifa Sound System.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

FROM £15

AGE 13+

TICKETS £5

SPARKLINGLY ASSURED… IMPRESSIVE SHOW… ANCHORED IN STRONG PERFORMANCES FROM A UNIFORMLY EXCELLENT CAST

FROM £17.50

AGE 7+

HAPPY DAYS

WED 28 JUN - SAT 1 JUL

Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls, Extraordinary) plays Winnie in Samuel Beckett ’s masterpiece, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, Artistic Director of Ireland’s national theatre, the Abbey.

Winnie is buried up to her waist. The merciless sun beats down. Her husband Willie barely speaks.

And yet! – she proclaims – ‘this will have been another happy day’.

Defiant, determined and fiercely resilient, Winnie greets each day with humour and boundless optimism, and lives as best she can between the bell for waking, and the bell for sleep.

SIOBHÁN

IRISH EXAMINER

Critics described Siobhán McSweeney’s performance as ‘a dream‘ (Irish Mail on Sunday) and ‘superb … a remarkable feat ’ (Irish Examiner) when it was streamed live from the stage of the 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin in 2021. Now audiences will have the opportunity to see one of Ireland’s best-loved actors play Samuel Beckett’s iconic heroine live on stage in Birmingham.

Produced by Landmark Productions

Supported by Culture Ireland

MAGNIFICENT MUSINGS IN INTERMISSION

THE IRISH TIMES

MCSWEENEY SHINES IN BECKETT’S HAPPY DAYS

A TESTAMENT TO RESILIENCE AND FORTITUDE

ORDER AND

21 SHOWS, 400+ PERFORMERS AND 2 JAM-PACKED WEEKS OF EMERGING THEATRE TALENT!

The Young Rep companies present an unmissable festival of politically charged plays. Highlights include...

THE TRIALS

In the mid-2040’s a young jury try adult defendants but are they delivering justice – or just taking revenge? Dawn King’s searing play about the Climate Crisis is brought to life in its first performances since the UK premiere at the Donmar Warehouse.

NOUGHTS AND CROSSES

Malorie Blackman’s thrilling novel is an electrifying, bittersweet love story with echoes of Romeo and Juliet, it is set in a society divided by racial bigotry and a world rocked by terrorism.

LORD OF THE FLIES

William Golding’s classic text is reimagined in a contemporary setting. When a group of young people find themselves stranded on a desert island their newfound paradise descends into a hellish nightmare under the terrifying presence of ‘the beast’.

PLUS ONE MILLION TINY PLAYS ABOUT BRITAIN, BRAINSTORM, CHAOS, COMMENT IS FREE, IF I RULED THE WORLD and shows from Open Theatre, Loudeemy, Stories of Hope and Home and more!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE VISIT…

birmingham-rep.co.uk/orderandchaos

This festival is supported by the Joyce Farley Educational Trust

FROM £5

UNKNOWN REALMS

TUE 10 OCT

The world we once knew is becoming one we have yet to understand...

Rooted in African and contemporary culture, ACE dance and music collaborate with two internationally acclaimed male choreographers, Serge Aimé Coulibaly and Vincent Mantsoe in its latest double bill, Unknown Realms

Performed against dynamic multidimensional soundscapes by Andy Garbi and Yvan Talbot , two stunning contrasting works examine the past and present.

Six dancers rise from the ashes with powerful explosive dance that uncovers the rich history of lives lived; memories, human struggle and people letting go...

YIPPEE KI YAY

SAT 14 OCT

This acclaimed retelling of classic film Die Hard from Richard Marsh is back by popular demand, following its sell-out performance earlier in the year.

This joyfully funny show heads out on tour following rave reviews for its premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe.

When gunmen seize an LA skyscraper, off-duty policeman John McClane is the hostages’ only hope. This uplifting action romp (and unauthorised parody) pays affectionate tribute to the iconic 80s festive fan favourite. Essential viewing for Hans Gruber superfans and newcomers alike.

WHETHER

FROM £14.50

AGES 7+

HAPPY TRAILS

THE GUARDIAN

FROM £17.50

AGES 14+

YOU’RE A DIE HARD FAN OR NOT, IT GUARANTEES

Credit: Brian Slater

STAND UP FOR FELIX DEXTER

SUN 15 OCT

Marking the 10th anniversary of his premature passing, join us for a night of very special stand-up comedy for the Felix Dexter Foundation featuring Paul Whitehouse, Shazia Mirza, John Simmit, Geoff Schumann, plus many more acts to be confirmed. A

FEARLESS COMEDIAN… THOUGHTFUL AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING…

COBO : COMEDY SHUTDOWN - BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL SAT 21 OCT

COBO: Comedy Shutdown brings a Black History Month Special to The Rep, celebrating the very best comedy talent from home and abroad.

Get ready for an evening of rip-roaring, back slapping belly laughs with Kane Brown (BBC, 1Xtra, Amazon Prime), Kyrah Gray (Netflix, Comedy Central Live), Loyiso Gola (Live At The Apollo, Comedy Central), and Trixx (Stand Up Comedian & Web Star From Toronto).

FUNNY

AND ILLUMINATING EVENING STANDARD ON SHAZIA MIRZA

Round up your friends and family and join us for a night of laughter and good vibes.

Presented by LuvEntertainment

FROM £25

AGE 18+

FROM £20

AGE 16+

Welcome to The Door!

The Rep’s most intimate space dedicated to local, national and international artists to develop their talent and craft. A space that welcomes different forms of theatre, dance and comedy showcasing new and diverse work from talented established, as well as emerging artists yet to break into the industry. It is the space where audiences and artists alike can get up close and personal with the new, experimental and extraordinary.

This autumn is a season of celebration and joy in different forms. Highlighting literature’s finest from the Birmingham Literature Festival to hosting Women and Theatre’s 40th Anniversary. We also welcome Brown Boys Swim after its sold out Edinburgh run; Jaivant Patel Company with a blend of Kathak and contemporary dance; and Birmingham’s own, writer and performer Dan Hagley showcases his one man show Halfway Round the Bend.

Madeleine Kludje Associate Director

FROM £10

AGE 3-6

A REP ORIGINAL FAMILY SHOW

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

THU 7 DEC 23 – SAT 6 JAN 24

Magical!

Kept the children entertained from the moment we walked through the door

AUDIENCE MEMBER ON JACK AND THE MAGIC BEANSTALK, 2022

Little Red Riding Hood loves adventures. Blazing a trail on her scooter, carrying a basket of goodies for Grandma and wearing her signature bright red coat, she sets out for what will be her most exciting adventure yet!

Join Little Red Riding Hood on her magical festive journey through the deep, dark woods. Watch her outwit the Big Bad Wolf as she shows that being brave, kind and a little bit chatty can get you out of even the trickiest situations.

This modern twist on the children’s classic fairytale is a Rep Original production and has been created especially for children aged 3 to 6 years old (and their grown-ups)! The show takes place in The Rep’s most intimate performance space, The Door offering a perfect introduction to theatre and a special experience for young audiences.

Little Red Riding Hood is generously supported by The Sir Barry Jackson Trust

CLIMATE ACTION WITH THE REP…

FROM £10

AGE 12+

C AN I LIVE?

FILM SCREENING WED 7 – SAT 10 JUN

Why don’t we talk about it? Complicité’s Fehinti Balogun asks this urgent question and offers an invitation in Can I Live? - a vital digital performance in The Door followed by post screening discussions, about the climate catastrophe, sharing his personal journey into the biggest challenge of our times.

Conceived, written and performed by Fehinti Balogun.

Preceded by a screening of the short film

The Migration Blanket - Climate Solidarity

LETTERS TO THE EARTH WORKSHOP MON 5 JUN 6PM

Writing a Letter to the Earth can be a simple and powerful way to deepen our connection with the natural world and the people we are sharing it with.

Letters to the Earth is a global participatory campaign calling on people everywhere to write and share a letter in response to the climate and ecological emergency.

FREE – booking required

OUR FUTURE NEEDS YOU! TALK FRI 9 JUN 4PM

Join us for a lively and empowering 2 hour event about Climate Awareness for artists and arts organisations in the West Midlands.

FREE – booking required

REVIVAL

THU 12 – SAT 14 OCT

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Women & Theatre present Revival , a series of rehearsed readings of key productions from its archive. Developed from research and buzzing with the energy of real-life experiences, these readings will entertain and provide snapshots of issues, experiences, and viewpoints at specific points over the past 40 years.

Revival brings back to life deep work about things that have mattered and matter still.

Each performance will reflect work from a different decade and be accompanied by a discussion facilitated by Women & Theatre’s Artistic Director Janice Connolly BEM

FROM £12

SAT 21 OCT

WOMEN & THEATRE HAVE THE KNACK OF CONVEYING AN URGENT SOCIAL MESSAGE … THE GUARDIAN

Take a bird’s eye view of the humans in a brand-new family show from M6 Theatre.

A tree in a city. Two birds decide to make it their home and soon their cosy nest contains two very precious eggs. The world below is full of stuff but, very quickly, so too is the nest.

Filled with clowning, original song and beautiful shadow play, this highly physical show uses minimal language to tell a tale about taking care, discovering what’s important and learning how to fly.

ADULTS £10

CHILDREN £8

AGE 3+

FAIL TO ENGAGE SMALL CHILDREN FOR EVEN A SECOND AND YOU’VE LOST THEM COMPLETELY. IT IS A REAL ART - AS M6 DEMONSTRATED WITH APLOMB

LYN GARDNER – THE STAGE

HALFWAY ‘ROUND THE BEND - HOW I LOST MY MIND & FOUND IT UNDER THE KITCHEN TABLE

WED 25 & THU 26 OCT

FROM £12

AGE 16+

An unflinchingly honest and cheerfully anarchic fusion of contemporary writing and stand-up comedy that explores what it really means to live, work and thrive with mental illness.

Lived, written and performed by Dan Hagley.

Directed by Alison Belbin with Movement by Natalie Mason

Contains Adult/Mental Health themes

FUNNY, SAD AND POIGNANT…

DR STEVE BALL, SHOUT FESTIVAL

WOMEN AND THEATRE HAVE THE KNACK OF CONVEYING AN URGENT SOCIAL MESSAGE… YOU’D THINK ALL THIS WOULD BE TERRIBLY GRIM… BUT THERE’S A GOOD DEAL OF HILARITY. THE GUARDIAN

WALTZING THE BLUE GODS

FRI 10 & SAT 11 NOV

FROM £12

Waltzing The Blue Gods is a liberating tale in two parts, that re-imagines the Queer symbolism of the Hindu gods, Shiva and Krishna, and the role they played in Jaivant Patel’s sexual awakening and spiritual relationship to faith, to becoming an openly homosexual British-Indian man.

Part auto-biographical, part fantasy, the evening celebrates new possibilities for a rich and traditional art form, Kathak, in the context of modern contemporary Britain that’s proud of its LGBTQI+ narratives.

Kathak is a North Indian classical dance form embedded in storytelling.

FAIL TO ENGAGE SMALL CHILDREN FOR EVEN A SECOND AND YOU’VE LOST THEM COMPLETELY. IT IS A REAL ART - AS M6 DEMONSTRATED WITH APLOMB

LYN GARDNER

Presented by Jaivant Patel Company

FROM £12 AGE 14+

BROWN BOYS SWIM

TUE 31 OCT – SAT 4 NOV

Best friends Mohsen and Kash are gearing up for the biggest night of their lives – Jess Denver’s pool party. There’s just one problem... they can’t swim.

Fuelled by halal Haribo and chicken wings, the pair throw themselves in at the deep end, tackling cramped cubicles and cold showers as they learn how to be at one with the water.

POST SHOW TALK

SAT 4 NOV 3PM

Fierce, funny, and brimming with heart, Karim Khan examines the pressures faced by young Muslim men in this exhilarating play about fitting in and striking out.

Presented by The North Wall

DELICATE AND FRESH COMING-OF-AGE STORY

THE STAGE

CAFÉ BAR

Come and enjoy the delights of the Rep Café Bar for light bites, delicious coffee and refreshing drinks. Watch the world go by with a glass of fizz and glorious views of Centenary Square. We hope to see you soon.

GET INVOLVED AT THE REP… SUMMER SCHOOLS

JOIN US THIS SUMMER TO PLAY, MAKE AND LEARN!

SPYSCHOOL

Mon 31 Jul to Fri 4 Aug

Spy School is back! Another adventure awaits you in a week-long immersive experience this summer!

Ages: 7 to 12 years

Fees: £80, bursaries available.

PLAY IN A WEEK

Mon 7 to Fri 11 Aug

Tell stories, play games and perform something entirely original created by YOU!

Ages: 7 to 12 years

Fees: £80, bursaries available.

THEATRE MAKING

Mon 7 to Fri 11 Aug

Develop your skills by working with professional theatre makers.

Ages: 13 to 21 years

Fees: £80, bursaries available.

LIVING GALLERY WORKSHOP

Mon 7 to Fri 11 Aug

Create a new immersive performance based on the amazing collection at the gallery, devised with professional theatre-makers. Run at both The Rep and The New Art Gallery, Walsall.

Ages: 12 to 18 years

Fees: £80, bursaries available.

YOUTH THEATRE

Aged between 7 and 25? Join us for a range of weekly workshops directed by professional theatre-makers including opportunities to perform on The Rep’s stages. Apply online for September.

We also lead youth theatre groups in partnership across the city and region.

Email learning@birmingham-rep.co.uk to find out more.

Term fees: £80, bursaries available.

BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK/ TAKE-PART FOR INFORMATION AND BOOKING ADULT DRAMA

This fully accessible group of performers from across the city and the region meet weekly to share and create theatre, whatever your age or experience.

Sign up for September 2023 online.

Ages: 25 to 105!

Fees: £80, bursaries available.

CULTURAL EDUCATION

Our team of facilitators deliver bespoke workshops for schools and colleges across the whole curriculum and region, embedding creativity and connecting students to the theatre industry.

GET INVOLVED AT THE REP…

FREE MASTERCLASSES

& WORKSHOPS FOR ARTISTS AND CREATIVE PEOPLE…

THE ROLE OF ASSISTANT AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Wed 7 Jun 5-8pm

Perfect for anyone interested in applying for directing positions, Foundry alumni Beth Kapila and Nyasha Gudo give an insight into their roles.

HOW TO GET THE BEST PRODUCING DEALS FOR YOUR SHOW

Thu 29 Jun 5.30-7.30pm

Join our Executive Director Rachael Thomas and Executive Producer Chloe Naldrett to find out more about financial deals and how to negotiate what’s right for your show.

SMALL TO MID-SCALE TOURING

Mon 10 Jul 5-7pm

The Rep’s Director of Production, Suzy Somerville, shares her industry insights and answers your questions.

FOUNDRY 2023

Our flagship talent development programme for theatre makers is currently up and running. Find out what our six Foundry 2023 artists are up to and how you can apply next year by visiting our website.

Generously supported by The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

DRAMATURGY FEEDBACK FRIDAYS

Are you a writer with a finished script who wants some feedback? Writers (at any stage of your career) are invited to send a half page A4 synopsis. 5 full scripts will be chosen at random for feedback from our Talent Development team and an experienced director. Starting June 2023.

DIRECTORS READING GROUP

A fortnightly group led by the Rep’s Associate director Madeleine Kludje for directors across the West Midlands. If you want to meet others, watch shows together and discuss techniques this is for you! Unpick the process from rehearsal room to stage, develop your practice and spark your creativity! Starting June 2023.

Visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/talentdevelopment to find out more.

BACKSTAGE TOURS

EXCITED BY THEATRE?

Explore behind the scenes at The Rep and join us on a backstage tour around our fascinating building.

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 to book your tickets.

Watch out too for our Family Tours during the school holidays.

Tickets: Adults: £7 Children: £4

Visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on to find out more.

REP VOLUNTEERS

Here at The Rep we have a great group of fabulous volunteers who help us in a variety of ways. They love to share the stories of The Rep.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE REP?

We can travel to deliver exciting and engaging presentations to your group on the history and colourful stories of The Rep. Our current repertoire includes:

• The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe: From Page to Stage

• Notable Women of The Rep

• The Rep at War

• Christmas at The Rep

• Shakespeare at The Rep

• Backstage Stories from The Rep

If you would like more information about the talks and how to organise one, or how to get involved with volunteering please email reptalent@birmingham-rep.co.uk

GET INVOLVED AT THE REP…

PLAY YOUR PART TODAY IN SUPPORTING THE REP!

As a charity, The Rep fundraises to support inspiring and much needed programmes across the city. Through our outreach, education and talent development programmes we support children, vulnerable adults and emerging artists from Birmingham’s diverse communities.

By making a donation, you can help sustain and expand this vital work.

MAKE A DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE!

NAME A SEAT

Sponsor your very own seat in our house and make a lasting impression

FUND A BURSARY

Could you offer a young person the chance to unlock their potential?

BECOME A FRIEND

Come and join the fun, support The Rep by becoming a Member – see page 12 for further information

MAKE A DONATION

Scan here to donate any amount of your choice and help secure the future of The Rep

To find out more about all of these options visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/support-us

Registered Charity number 223660

The Rep was one of the main reasons I applied to drama school, without it my life may have taken a completely different course. It’s an essential and vital pathway for aspiring talent and truly world class productions.

ADRIAN LESTER, CBE

ACTOR AND REP TRUSTEE

THANK

YOU TO ALL OUR GENEROUS DONORS, SPONSORS AND FUNDERS

To find out how your business can benefit from sponsorship with The Rep, email: rachel.cranny@birmingham-rep.co.uk

Credit: Kris Askey

ACCESS FACILITIES

If you need any assistance planning your visit please email access@birmingham-rep.co.uk or call 0121 236 4455.

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 auditoria. All of our counters are fitted with hearing loops and several members of our Front of House team use BSL.

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.

Our 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.

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 made to the light and sound effects.

We welcome assistance dogs throughout the theatre; they can be taken into the auditorium or left with a member of staff during the performance. Just let us know what you prefer when making your booking.

We offer a multi-faith prayer room at every performance. Contact us for more information or ask a member of the Theatre Team on arrival.

ACCESS REGISTER

JOIN THE ACCESS REGISTER

If you have a disability or additional access needs, or you book on behalf of someone who does, we’d recommend joining The Rep’s free Access Register. Access Register members get priority booking and access rate tickets for all performances, including a free companion ticket. They can also book priority locked seats including aisle seats and wheelchair spaces.

To join The Rep’s Access Register:

• Call us on 0121 236 4455

• Use Typetalk 18001 – 0121 235 4455

• Email us at access@birmingham-rep.co.uk

• Or login to ‘My Account’ at birmingham-rep.co.uk and choose ‘Manage My Preferences’.

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.

BOOKING INFORMATION

HOW TO BOOK

You can book tickets 24/7 via our website at birmingham-rep.co.uk .

You can also call our Box Office team on 0121 236 4455 and our friendly Rep team will guide you through your booking and answer any questions about your visit.

The Box Office is open 1pm to 6pm, Mon to Sat. (Phones from 12pm.)

If there is a morning show starting before 12 noon, we will open 1 hour before the first performance starts.

We’re closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays unless we have a performance, in which case the Box Office will open at least 1 hour before the scheduled start time.

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 or know someone who is? Join our Rep Beginners membership for just £5 and access £5 and £10 tickets for all Rep Original productions.

Schools can access a schools ticket rate 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+*

Please email ticketservices@birmingham-rep.co.uk to make your group booking.

TRANSACTION FEE

We charge a fee of £2.50 on all transactions except for Access Register members, Groups of 10+, School Groups and Rep Friends. This covers administration costs, postage and enables us to provide a dedicated booking service.

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

T: 0121 236 4455

ticketservices@birmingham-rep.co.uk

Company number 00295910

Registered Charity number 223660

*Some exceptions apply.

Photo © Graeme Braidwood

SEE MORE, SPEND LESS!

Our new season is packed full of fantastic shows so we’ve introduced some new discounts to help YOU see as many as possible…

TEENS GO FREE:

Encourage the theatre audiences of the future and bring a teenager along to The Rep for free. Receive one free young person’s ticket when you book a full priced ticket.

Available on selected performances. T&Cs apply.

3 FOR 2: Book the same number of tickets for 3 productions in one transaction and receive 33% off all tickets.

Available on almost all productions excluding workshops. T&Cs apply.

All details correct May 2023 at the time of going to print. Brochure printed on UPM Fine made from FSC® certified and traceable pulp sources. Design by Luke Tonge (luketonge.com).

This lavish extravaganza… Mission impossible –yet accomplished

DAILY TELEGRAPH ON SPITTING IMAGE LIVE

Full of laugh-out-loud moments…It’s bang on the Money, Money, Money

REVIEWS HUB ON THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO

It will stay with me forever

BIRMINGHAM LIVE ON OF MICE AND MEN

Bonkers and berserk…not to be missed…How lucky we are to have Idiots Assemble premiere in Birmingham …

CULTURE BAB ON SPITTING IMAGE LIVE

Quake-in-your-seat comedy gold

DAILY TELEGRAPH ON TARTUFFE

Sparkling over-the-top entertainment

THE STAGE ON NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL

Weapons-grade silliness and funny right down to its very marrow. What a coup for Birmingham Rep to have landed the world premiere

I CHOOSE BIRMINGHAM ON SPITTING IMAGE LIVE

LIVE THEATRE AT

Quietly radical. THE GUARDIAN ON OF MICE AND MEN

I saw the show last night! Absolutely fantastic, the whole cast were brilliant!

@GGRimmer45 on Of Mice And Men

Went above and beyond my expectations and would happily watch this again and again

@SarahSpeller6 on The Way Old Friends Do