Autumn 2024 Brochure

WHAT’S ON GUIDE 2024/2025

FRIENDS

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

As a Rep Friend you can enjoy a host of savings and discounts, with just a few listed below.

Your subscription also supports our on and off stage activities, allowing us to continue the work we do here in the building and across the community and city.

GIFT A REP FRIENDS TOMEMBERSHIP THE LOVERTHEATRE IN LIFE.YOUR SEEFORWEBSITE DETAILSMORE

A REGULAR PROGRAMME OF BEHIND THE SCENES INSIGHTS AND FRIENDS EVENTS

THE CHANCE TO MEET CAST MEMBERS AND THE REP CREATIVE TEAMS

TICKET DISCOUNTS, PRIORITY BOOKING & NO TRANSACTION FEES

Memberships start from £45 a year. Join now: BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK/MEMBERSHIP

So many shows and not sure what to pick? Here’s our guide for what to look out for...

Looking for family work?

Check out...

Pied Piper on page 28

The Snowman on page 19

Coming To England on page 21

Searching for Christmas treats? Try...

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story on page 17

The Snowflake on page 29

Need an evening of laughter ? Look at...

Withnail and I on page 7

Tez Ilyas on page 14

Live at The Rep on page 26

SEE MORE, SPEND LESS...

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

Available on almost all productions. T&Cs apply.

Encourage the theatre audiences of the future and bring a teenager (13 - 19 years) along to The Rep for free. Receive one free young person’s ticket when you book a full priced ticket.

Available on selected midweek performances for the following productions:

WITHNAIL AND I BECOMING NANCY

COMING TO ENGLAND

After the best in story-telling? Check out...

Liberation Squares on page 23

Love and Rebellion Festival on page 11

Boy Out The City on page 24

Glory on page 13

Want to dance the night away? Try...

RUSH – A Joyous Jamaican Journey on page 10

Windrush Concert on page 9

Looking for the best in UK premieres? Don’t miss...

Becoming Nancy on page 15

Bright Places on page 27

TRANSACTION FEE UPDATE

You may know that we charge a flat transaction fee per booking to help cover some costs associated with running our Box Office.

We haven’t increased this charge since 2017, but in light of the recent loss of our Birmingham City Council grant, we have taken the difficult decision to raise this from £2.50 to £3.50.

This remains a per transaction fee, not per ticket, but the additional £1 per booker will help us close the gap.

For more info on how you can support The Rep as a charity, please see page 35.

The Rep specialises in originating new works of theatre, but also in creating new, exciting ways to tell existing stories…our upcoming season sees us bringing thrilling adaptations of iconic, funny, challenging, and relevant stories to the stage for the first time, as well as seeing the return of well loved shows…

In May, Sean directs the iconic comedy Withnail and I - Bruce Robinson’s new stage adaptation of one of the finest British films ever made. This truly hilarious tragi-comedy about two out of work actors who go ‘on holiday by mistake’ brings to life the classic dialogue, the insane situations, and above all the irresistibly hilarious relationship of one of the most famous slacker duos ever created.

Love and Rebellion is this year’s extraordinary youth theatre and

community festival, and features over 15 separate performances - come and take a look at the stars of the future… Other House highlights include the returning productions of RUSH - A Joyous Jamaican Journey and Ballet Black , as well as, Roger McGough, Tez Ilyas, and the wonderful Glory - about the amazing Rosetta Tharpe.

Becoming Nancy, adapted from Terry Ronald ’s best-selling novel, is a feel good coming of age story packed full of thrilling new songs. One of the UK’s best musicals’ teams, Stiles and Drewe, team up with Broadway legend, two-time Tony Award winner, Jerry Mitchell, to bring another blockbuster musical to The Rep stage. A story of young love and being true to yourself, this production is the UK Premiere - catch it here before it goes to the West End.

The festive season sees two more literary favourites spring to life on our stage. The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future visit The Rep in A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, Mark Gatiss’ spine-tingling adaptation of Dickens’ festive classic. The Rep’s very own adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ much loved The Snowman, featuring Howard Blake’s timeless musical score including Walking in the Air, returns for one week in early January.

We are delighted to welcome back Coming To England, the family musical based on our Youth and Education Patron Baroness Floella Benjamin’s autobiography. Alongside a typically thrilling programme in The Door, curated by Associate Director, Madeleine Kludje, we hope you will find something to excite you - and we all look forward to seeing you at The Rep throughout 2024 and into ’25…

RACHAEL THOMAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Photo by Kris Askey

LAST CHANCE TO SEE... SILENCE

TUE 23 – SAT 27 APR

The 1947 partition of India into West Pakistan and East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, saw millions uprooted and resulted in unspeakable violence. It would also shape modern Britain. Witnesses to this brutal moment in history live among us, yet the stories of that time remain shrouded in silence. This new play shares a history inspired by the remarkable personal testimonies of people who lived through the last days of the British Raj.

Originally commissioned by Tara Theatre, SILENCE is adapted from Kavita Puri’s acclaimed book Partition Voices: Untold British Stories and was originally-produced and performed during a hugely successful run at the Donmar Warehouse.

SILENCE sees the return of The Rep’s Associate Director Iqbal Khan, after the success of his 5 star production Of Mice and Men in 2023. His credits also include the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, Tartuffe (Birmingham Rep) and Othello (RSC), amongst others.

ORIGINAL PRODUCTION

DIRECTED AND DEVELOPED FOR TOUR BY ABDUL SHAYEK

DIRECTED BY IQBAL KHAN

FROM £18.50 AGE 14+

Add a little sparkle to your visit with our... at The Rep Café Bar

Relax in our VIP lounge and enjoy a glass of champagne before the curtain rises

£32.95 PER PERSON

• Exclusive entry to our VIP Lounge 90 minutes before the performance and during the interval

• Savoury nibbles

• Half a bottle of champagne for two (non-alcohol option available)

• Dedicated host and table service

• Complimentary cloakroom

Now available to book online at time of booking or call to book direct with our Box Office on 0121 236 4455

2

The House has 820 beautiful seats - each with a perfect view of the stage. It’s 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 also welcome the very best touring shows from across the UK.

Photo by Kris Askey

WRITTEN BY BRUCE ROBINSON

DIRECTED BY SEAN FOLEY

DESIGNED BY ALICE POWER

FROM £19.50

AGE 14+

WE WANT THE FINEST WINES AVAILABLE TO HUMANITY. WE WANT THEM HERE AND WE WANT THEM NOW! WITHNAIL

London, 1969, rock ’n’ roll has electrified a generation, and bohemianism rules.

But, away from the bright lights two young unemployed actors, the flamboyant, boozy Withnail, and the shy, contemplative Marwood live in utter squalor, praying for a job. Their only visitor is their drug dealer, Danny; their only expeditions are to the local pubs; and their only friends each other.

Needing a break, they head to the country, and a cottage owned by Withnail’s wealthy Uncle Monty. Surely, escaping London will reinvigorate their addled brains and kick start their professional fortunes?

One of the finest British films ever made, this new stage adaptation of Withnail and I is written by its original creator, the legendary Bruce Robinson, and directed by double Olivier award winner, Sean Foley, with Robert Sheehan as Withnail, alongside Adonis Siddique as Marwood, and Malcolm Sinclair as Uncle Monty.

Hilarious, tragic, and wild, this irresistibly funny comedy brings to life the classic dialogue, insane situations, and above all the boozy, irresistibly funny relationship of one of the most famous slacker duos ever created.

Presented by Birmingham Rep, Handmade Films and George Waud for Groove International. Based on the film Withnail and I, written and directed by Bruce Robinson, produced by Handmade Films.

BALLET BLACK: HEROES

THU 13 & FRI 14 JUN

FROM £16.50

AGE 7+

Cassa Pancho‘s Ballet Black return to The Rep with a new double bill, HEROES, following its triumphant visit last May.

Ballet Black has transformed the landscape of British ballet, creating a prominent platform for dancers and artists of Black and Asian descent, as well as establishing a new canon of ballet repertoire that resonates with audiences around the world.

A WHIRLWIND OF A COMPANY BRINGING NEW AND EXCITING DANCE TO BIRMINGHAM CULTURE BAB

WINDRUSH CONCERT

SAT 29 JUN

FROM £22.50

AGE 10+

As part of the Windrush week of celebrations, Blackstory Partnership CIC hosts Windrush Concert 76 featuring musical tributes from some of Birmingham’s established artists and entertainment by Wassifa Showcase

The evening’s event will also include a special Windrush Awards presentation.

Join us for a joyful evening of music with a concert that’s not to be missed!

I LOVED THE ATMOSPHERE - IT WAS INCLUSIVE OF ALL GENERATIONS, CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT & ENTERTAINING

RUSH – A JOYOUS JAMAICAN JOURNEY

FROM £24.50

AGE 10+

Join us for this incredible narrated musical as we tell the story of the Windrush Generation and Reggae and hear how this music took the world by storm.

Narrated and written by John Simmit , and featuring ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and Reggae played live by the JA Reggae Band.

Get ready to enjoy the music of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Millie Small and many more!

Presented by Rush Theatre Company

JAMPACKED WITH MUSIC FROM START TO FINISH

CURTAIN CALL REVIEWS

THIS IS A FANTASTIC SHOW, INFORMATIVE, HUGELY ENTERTAINING & THE MUSIC – WOW!!!

AUDIENCE COMMENT

This festival is supported by the Joyce Farley Educational Trust FESTIVAL MULTI-BUY OFFER SEE DIARY ON PAGE 39

Book 3 or more festival events and save 33% off your booking.

When anger fuels rebellion, is love ever enough?

Following the success of last year’s Order & Chaos Festival, our Young Rep companies are BACK!

With over 15 performances showcasing the best of Birmingham’s young talent, Love & Rebellion will take audiences through an empowering season of plays about the power of unity in the face of adversity.

Festival highlights include:

THE MAGIC FLUTE

THU 5 SEP

FROM £28.50

AGE 5+

GLORY

SAT 7 SEP

FROM £24.50

AGE 16+

Prince Tamino falls in love with Pamina, the kidnapped daughter of the Queen of the Night, and must journey to rescue her with the help of the hapless Papageno. His quest will set him against forces of darkness and light and transform his understanding of the dream-like world in which he lives.

Directed by Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, and Opera North regular James Hurley, this surreal tale of lovers, bird-catchers, and operatic queens offers an electrifying evening of magic, romance, and timeless music.

On a rainy evening in May 1964, Granada Studios broadcast a gospel concert on a disused railway station in Manchester. For the star of the show, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, it was an opportunity to revive her gospel career. For young Brits, the chance to see the type of African American performer they’d only heard on the radio.

Presented by Simmer Down Arts, the UK’s premier Reggae Music and Arts Development Agency - don’t miss this excellent musical play, set in a black community radio station.

Glory recalls Rosetta’s life during a latenight radio show presented by DJ Griot. Through Rosetta’s remarkable story of faith and sisterhood, connect with the deep, spiritual roots of rock ‘n’ roll and journey back through the music that broke the colour bar.

TEZ ILYAS AFTER EIGHT

THU 12 SEP

FROM £27 AGE 16+

One of the most celebrated stars in British comedy, Tez Ilyas (Live At the Apollo, Mock The Week, Comedy Central, Comic Relief ) and Sunday Times best selling author (Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13 3⁄4) is back with his hilarious new show.

A lot has changed in the last two years for Tez. He got married, he bought a house, and he became a stepdad... to two rabbits. Trying to make sense of his new life, the changing world around us and wrestling the big questions, like: why is Lotus Biscoff in everything now?

ILYAS HAS A SLICKNESS MORE REMINISCENT OF U.S. COMICS, AND THE GAGS TO BACK IT UP THE GUARDIAN

ROGER MCGOUGH ALIVE AND GIGGING SAT 14 SEP

FROM £19.50 AGE 12+

For sixty years, Roger McGough has thrilled and delighted generations of readers with his irreverent, intimate and ever-original poetry.

A performance poet like no other, he is bringing his best pieces to the stage for new and old audiences alike.

Aged 87, he is a force of nature – and poetry. Is poetry the new rock’n’roll?

...it always was!

THE PATRON SAINT OF POETRY!

CAROL ANN DUFFY

MCGOUGH IS A TRUE ORIGINAL THE TIMES

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY TERRY RONALD

BOOK BY ELLIOT DAVIS

MUSIC BY GEORGE STILES

LYRICS BY ANTHONY DREWE

ADDITIONAL MUSIC & LYRICS BY ELLIOT DAVIS, TERRY RONALD & GEORGE STILES

DIRECTED & CHOREOGRAPHED BY JERRY MITCHELL

A REP ORIGINAL

BECOMING NANCY

WED 2 OCT – SAT 2 NOV

It’s 1979 and David Starr is unquestionably one of the smartest, most talented sixth-formers in East Dulwich – he’s got a wild imagination, a vocal range to die for, and a bedroom plastered with posters of his beloved pop idols: Blondie, Sting, and Kate Bush.

But being clever, with a great taste in music may not be enough to get him through secondary school, where, to his great surprise, he’s given the lead role of Nancy in the school play, Oliver... The unconventional casting sends shockwaves through David’s small town, first with David, and then with his parents, his aunt, and his classmates.

Before long, it seems like everybody has an opinion on whether David should go on with the show, inspiring him to turn to his no-nonsense best friend Frances and his unlikely co-star Maxie, the enigmatic captain of the football team.

This eagerly anticipated coming-of-age story is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, legendary director of blockbuster musicals including Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, The Devil Wears Prada, Hairspray, Pretty Woman: The Musical and many more.

With smash-hit songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Becoming Nancy is a feel good, nostalgic, new musical that weaves a story of family and first loves, with the courage it takes to find your own spotlight.

See it first in the UK at The Rep this autumn!

Presented by Birmingham Rep in association with Hal Luftig, Mike Isaacson & Kristin Caskey.

An unmissable new musical about first love (and a little bit of punk)...

A CHOREOGRAPHER AND DIRECTOR WHO SEEMS TO HAVE THE MIDAS TOUCH

THE GUARDIAN ON JERRY MITCHELL

IT MADE ME CRY TEARS OF JOY EVERY TIME I SAW IT

AUDIENCE COMMENT ON U.S. PRODUCTION

IRRESISTIBLY THEATRICAL! MARK GATISS’ FABULOUS TAKE ON DICKENS DAILY

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY CHARLES

DICKENS

ADAPTED BY MARK GATISS

DIRECTED BY ADAM PENFORD FROM £24.50 AGE 12+

MADE WITH THE REP

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY

THU 14 NOV - SUN 5 JAN

Mark Gatiss’ acclaimed retelling of Dickens’ winter ghost story visits The Rep this Christmas.

It’s a cold Christmas Eve and mean-spirited Ebenezer Scrooge has an unexpected visit from the spirit of his former business partner Jacob Marley. Bound in chains as punishment for a lifetime of greed, the unearthly figure explains it isn’t too late for Scrooge to change his miserly ways in order to escape the same fate, but first he’ll have to face three more eerie encounters ...

Filled with Dickensian, spine-tingling special effects, prepare to be frightened and delighted in equal measure as you enter the supernatural Victorian world of A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story

Birmingham Rep presents The Nottingham Playhouse Production in association with Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Eilene Davidson Productions.

Previous Cast from Nottingham Playhouse production. Photography by Manuel Harlan.

BASED ON THE BOOK BY RAYMOND BRIGGS

MUSIC & LYRICS BY HOWARD BLAKE

CHOREOGRAPHY BY

ROBERT NORTH

DIRECTED BY BILL ALEXANDER

DESIGN BY RUARI MURCHISON

LIGHTING DESIGN BY TIM MITCHELL

FROM £32.50

SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

SHEER THEATRICAL MAGIC THE TIMES

The Rep’s enchanting production of The Snowman has been delighting audiences for over 30 years and is the West End’s longest running Christmas show. It returns home this festive season to give Birmingham audiences the chance to be part of the magic!

When a young boy’s snowman comes to life, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning?

Based on Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake’s classic song Walking In The Air, don’t miss this beautiful and spine-tingling live show for all the family.

Presented by Birmingham Rep.

PERFECTLY CRAFTED AND WILL ENTERTAIN EVERYBODY NO MATTER THEIR AGE

THEATRE REVIEWS

A REP ORIGINAL FAMILY SHOW COMING TO ENGLAND

WED 19 - SAT 22 FEB

Returning to The Rep by popular demand, Floella Benjamin’s award-winning and iconic book Coming to England comes to life in this joyful stage adaptation.

Much loved by children and families, Coming to England tells Floella’s own story of emigrating to England as a child.

Aged just 10, she and her siblings left Trinidad and sailed alone to join their parents. But her excitement for her new life in England is short-lived, with her family subjected to racism and intolerance in 1960s’ London.

Guided by her mother, and working twice as hard as her classmates, learn how a young Floella overcame adversity and grew to become Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham.

Adapted for the stage by David Wood (“the national children’s dramatist ” – The Times) don’t miss the chance to relive this vibrant and energetic musical which was loved by audiences in 2022.

BASED ON THE BOOK BY FLOELLA BENJAMIN

ADAPTED BY DAVID WOOD FROM £15 AGE 8+ SEE PAGE

A VIBRANT, COLOURFUL CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF FLOELLA BENJAMIN... ULTIMATELY UPLIFTING THE REVIEWS HUB

If you’re looking to try something different or simply to feel closer to the action, our more intimate spaces, The Door and The Studio, are the spaces for you.

Here you’ll find a diverse line up of productions brought to you by the best home grown and national talents.

Our autumn season features Birmingham’s own Tyrone Huggins returning with the successful To Move In Time followed by Coventry’s Declan Bennett who brings us Boy Out The City.

Leading British-African heritage theatre company tiata fahodzi presents a Triple Bill of three back-to-back short plays around the theme of Everywhere, written by global majority writers.

The Rep also proudly premieres Peggy Ramsay award winner and Rep Foundry Alumni Rae Mainwaring’s play Bright Places alongside successful Edinburgh Fringe shows Why I Stuck A Flare

Up My Arse and the award-winning physical theatre show The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much.

We hope you enjoy the new season!

Madeleine Kludje Associate Director

LIBERATION SQUARES

THU 16 – SAT 18 MAY

FROM £12

AGE 14+

TO MOVE IN TIME

THU 23 & FRI 24 MAY

FROM £12

AGE 16+

Three teenage girls forge an unlikely friendship. They challenge each other with TikToks, beat-boxing, rap and dance routines They just want to build their social media empire, or study astronomy, or become as good a rapper as Megan Thee Stallion. But they undergo a political awakening when they realise that what you say – even what you think – is viewed very differently depending on who you are. A riotous, funny play told through the technicolour lens of three teenage girls, Liberation Squares asks what it takes for young Muslim women today to be the heroes of their own stories.

MESMERISING... LEAVES US LOST FOR WORDS

THEATRE-NEWS ON WE NEED NEW NAMES

Imagine you can travel through time, backwards and forwards. What would you do?

To Move In Time is a dizzying monologue performed by Forced Entertainment Associate Artist Tyrone Huggins, in which an unnamed protagonist speculates playfully about what he’d do if he were able to travel in time.

Written and directed by Tim Etchells

WINDRUSH QUEEN 2024 COMPETITION

SAT 18 MAY

FROM £12

AGE 10+

Join us as contestants of Caribbean heritage compete to secure the title of Windrush Carnival Queen 2024!

The winner will lead the Windrush Carnival procession, held in Centenary Square on Sat 22 Jun and will also appear at the Windrush Concert at The Rep on Sat 29 Jun.

Hosted by Gman and Rebbecca Hemmings, the evening will bring vibrance and vibes of Caribbean culture to The Rep stage.

BOY OUT THE CITY

WED 4 – SAT 7 SEP

FROM £12

AGE 16+

Declan Bennett takes us on a raw, brutal and often funny journey into the messy, turbulent world of toxic masculinity, homophobia and men’s mental health; confronting his catholic school days, discovering the gay scene in Soho and surviving the harsh bright lights of New York City.

Faced with the unexpected isolation of the Oxfordshire countryside, he is forced to fight the demons of his past and come face to face with the Boy Out The City

AN OUTSTANDING ACTOR AND A MASTER OF WORDS

LONDON THEATRE REVIEW

EVERYWHERE

THU 26 SEP

FROM £12

AGE 14+

Fearless British African heritage contemporary theatre company tiata fahodzi have been delving into stories of what we are, and what we are becoming.

Exploring the theme of Everywhere - this triple bill of short plays written by Yusra Warsama, Magero and Anyebe Godwin tells the stories of our tomorrows.

BEAUTIFUL AND ESSENTIAL THE STAGE ON BLACK LOVE

WHY I STUCK A FLARE UP MY ARSE FOR ENGLAND

MON 4 – WED 6 NOV

FROM £12

AGE 16+

Billy and his best pal Adam are die-hard football fans. It’s how they spend every weekend, without fail. It’s their escape, their religion and their life. But when they encounter a new group of mates, they start to take their support one step further.

Direct from a sell-out, five star Edinburgh Festival run, this blisteringly funny new play asks what it means to belong to a club that you live for.

Written and performed by Alex Hill

THE MAN WHO THOUGHT HE KNEW TOO MUCH

FRI 8 & SAT 9 NOV

FROM £12 AGE 8+

LIVE AT THE REP

FRI 22 & SAT 23 NOV

FROM £27.50 AGE 18+

Hitchcock meets Spaghetti Western in this multi-award-winning, cinematic caper of accusations, accidents, and accents.

After he narrowly avoids an explosion, Roger - a Frenchman in 1960’s New Yorkthrows his ordered, predictable world into chaos, chasing his would-be assassins around the globe.

Raucously funny and endlessly inventive, this Lecoq-trained theatre company delights and stuns with live, original music and virtuosic acrobatics.

PHYSICAL THEATRE AT ITS MOST IMMACULATE THE SCOTSMAN

Gather your friends and prepare for an evening filled with laughter!

Featuring an incredible lineup including: Dave Chawner (BBC, CH4, ITV ), Gary Delaney (BBC Live at The Apollo, Mock The Week), Kyrah Gray (Netflix, Comedy Central Live), Tommy Sandhu* (BBC, Brownload) and Imran Yusuf * (Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The Imran Yusuf Show).

The evening promises heaps of hilarity, so flex those laughing muscles and get ready for a night to remember.

*Please note:

Imran Yusuf will appear on Fri 22 Nov only

Tommy Sandhu will appear on Sat 23 Nov only

WRITTEN BY RAE MAINWARING

DIRECTED BY TESSA WALKER

FROM £12 AGE 12+

Presented by Carbon Theatre, in association with Birmingham Rep.

The play was originally commissioned by Birmingham Rep in 2020, with generous support from the Sir Barry Jackson Trust.

CONCEPT & STORY BY

CONRAD MURRAY & LARA TAYLOR

DIRECTED BY

CONRAD MURRAY & RIA PARRY

FROM £15

AGE 6+

PIED PIPER

A HIP-HOP FAMILY MUSICAL

THU 31 OCT - SAT 2 NOV

It’s the eve of the mayoral election, and the kids of Hamelin aren’t happy. The mayor and owner of the local pie factory has imposed a music ban, and to make matters worse, there’s a serious rat problem. But, there have been whispers of a mysterious rat catcher in town... Can this curious stranger help Hamelin to find its voice once more?

Pied Piper is a raucous musical re-imagining of a medieval fairy-tale featuring off West End award-winning music.

Starring a hugely talented cast of beatboxers, musicians and special guest performances from the local community, get ready for an electrifying night of vocal wizardry for all the family.

Co-produced by Battersea Arts Centre, Beatbox Academy & rODIUM

A TRULY INSPIRATIONAL, DYNAMIC AND UPLIFTING PRODUCTION THAT WILL HAVE YOU BOPPING IN YOUR SEAT EVERYTHING THEATRE

HEARTWARMING AND FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

ENTERTAINMENT VIEWS ON JACK & THE MAGIC BEANSTALK

BASED ON THE BOOK BY BENJI DAVIES

ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY MATT ASTON FROM £10 FOR AGES 3-6 & THEIR FAMILIES

A REP ORIGINAL FAMILY SHOW

THE SNOWFLAKE

THU 5 DEC – SUN 12 JAN

Wherever the wind takes us, we all find a place to land…

Based on the timeless Christmas story by Benji Davies , The Snowflake tells the tale of a snowflake, a little girl and her Grandpa – all longing for their own special place in the world.

Unwrap the magic at The Rep this festive season and find out how everyone can find their way to shine like a star!

Our beloved Christmas production returns in The Door, offering the perfect introduction to theatre for our younger audiences.

Co-produced by Birmingham Rep, Polka Theatre and Little Angel Theatre.

THE PERFECT SHOW TO INTRODUCE YOUNGSTERS TO THE MAGICAL WORLD OF THEATRE

I AM BIRMINGHAM ON JACK & THE MAGIC BEANSTALK AN ENCHANTING TALE, PERFECTLY ADAPTED WITH LITTLE ONES FIRMLY IN MIND

LIVELY AND ENGAGING CULTURE BAB ON LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

YORKSHIRE TIMES ON THE STORM WHALE

- ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY MATT ASTON

SUMMER SCHOOLS

SPY SCHOOL

MON 29 JUL - FRI 2 AUG

10AM - 3PM

A week-long immersive theatre adventure where young people take on the role of spies to complete training, discover clues and uncover mysteries.

For the first time ever, we will be running two schools at the same time with one for 7-9 year olds and another for 10-12 year olds. The two groups will work separately but on the same mission, putting their spy skills to the test in a race against time.

Ages: 7-9 and 10-12

Cost: £80

PLAY IN A WEEK

MON 5 - FRI 9 AUG

10AM - 3PM

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

Join us for an exciting week at Birmingham Rep where you will get the chance to work creatively with theatre directors to create a brand-new play.

Ages: 7-13

Cost: £80

ADVANCED PLAY IN A WEEK

MON 5 - FRI 9 AUG

10.30AM - 5PM

Have you ever wondered how the professional world differs from youth theatre? Do you want to get a taste of what an intensive rehearsal process can be like?

We are looking for people who are interested in acting to join us MondayFriday to work on a play text as if they were working towards a professional production. Expect to learn some new skills, techniques and also, to have a lot of fun!

Ages: 14-19

Cost: £80

EARLY YEARS SUMMER SCHOOL

MON 12 - FRI 16 AUG

10AM - 1PM

For the first time, we are bringing a summer school experience to Early Years children and their families.

Through puppetry, music and movement we will bring well known tales to life, as well as encouraging children to create their own characters and new stories, to help develop children’s imagination and creativity.

Each day will have a different theme and craft with snacks provided.

Adults will also be offered hot beverages during the sessions.

Ages: 3-5, grown-ups are welcome too!

Cost: £12.50 per day or £50 for the week

Photo by Kris Askey

TAKE PART!

YOUNG REP EARLY YEARS

Meeting weekly on Saturday mornings, join our newest and youngest youth theatre groups! Through theatre games, puppetry, and storytelling, joining Young Rep will help young people to develop their communication skills, confidence, and self-expression.

Our two groups include:

Young Rep Play Time

Ages: 3-5

Young Rep Beginners

Ages: 5-7

Term fees: £80

YOUTH THEATRE

Aged between 7-25? Join one of our youth theatre companies for a range of weekly workshops directed by professional theatre-makers including opportunities to perform on The Rep’s stages.

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

Term fees: £80

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.

OPEN DAY

Join us on Sat 22 Jun for a day of free activities for theatre lovers of all ages, and go behind the scenes of Birmingham’s only producing theatre.

From 10am-4pm, you can enjoy backstage tours, workshops, performances, technical demonstrations, heritage talks and the chance to purchase incredible garments in The Rep’s costume sale! More information will be available on our website soon...

BURSARIES AVAILABLE

We want all of our workshops at The Rep to be open and accessible to all people who want to take part. We actively seek to remove any barriers, including financial, that might prevent you feeling like you can access our work.

To enquire about bursaries, please email learning@birmingham-rep.co.uk

Photo by Graeme Braidwood

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

SCRIPTWRITING

Feedback Fridays is The Rep’s bi-monthly initiative for West Midlands based scriptwriters. Whether you’re an emerging or more established writer, if you’d like feedback and support from Directors at The Rep on a script you’re working on, you can apply. Five scripts are chosen monthly, and you’ll receive a detailed script report, recommendations and advice to help you develop and progress your work. Apply on our website

DIRECTOR’S LINK UP

Director’s Link Up is a bi-monthly meet up for Theatre Directors at any stage of their career. If you’re interested in linking up with other creative minds in an informal and valuable space for shared insights, networking and learning, this is for you. You must be living, working or learning in the West Midlands to take part. A short registration form is available to download from our website.

WORKSHOPS AND MASTERCLASSES

The Rep hosts a series of masterclasses and workshops throughout the year to support learning and development across the sector. We invite industry leaders and in-house professionals to deliver sessions.

FOUNDRY

Foundry is The Rep’s flagship artist development programme. Six artists will be training with us from April - December 2024; taking part in paid, in-depth training, coaching and facilitation practice in community settings across the West Midlands. For more information about this year’s Foundry cohort, and updates on future Foundry activity, visit our website.

R&DS (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT)

Artists or companies can apply for a 5 day R&D opportunity throughout the year. You will have exclusive use of The Door to develop a project, play or performance in an established and supportive setting

For more information visit our website, or e-mail the team on talent.development@ birmingham-rep.co.uk

Photo by Graeme Braidwood

Photo by Graeme Braidwood

REP VOLUNTEERS

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.

We also run Family Tours during the school holidays. Children get to experience what it may 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 held at The Rep.

Tickets: Adults: £8 Children: £6

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

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

MAKE A DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE

As a charity, The Rep fundraises to support inspiring and much needed initiatives across the city.

Through our outreach, education and talent development programmes we support children, vulnerable adults and emerging artists from Birmingham’s diverse communities.

NAME A SEAT

Sponsor your very own seat in The 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 Rep Friend – see page 1 for further information.

MAKE A DONATION

Scan below 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 birmingham-rep.co.uk/support-us

The Rep’s Creative Learning programme is one of the largest in the UK, delivering work in schools every day of the academic year.

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

The experience was outstanding. I cannot say how much of an impact the sessions have had on our children.

– TEACHER FROM PAGET PRIMARY SCHOOL, ERDINGTON

Photo by Tyriq Baker

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR GENEROUS DONORS, SPONSORS AND FUNDERS

To find out more about the benefits enjoyed by our individual supporters and corporate sponsors email development@birmingham-rep.co.uk

Photo by Kris Askey

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 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 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.

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 discounted tickets for all performances, including a free companion ticket (subject to availability).

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

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

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

Our next session is planned for July 2024.

Email access@birmingham-rep.co.uk for further information.

Please check our website for the full performance schedule.

All details correct April 2024 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).

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 Saturday from 12 noon to 6pm.

BOOK IN PERSON

On performance days, counter services will open 90 minutes before the start of the first scheduled performance.

On Sundays and Bank Holidays when a performance is scheduled, counter services open 60 minutes before the start of the first scheduled performance.

On non-performance days, the Box Office counter service is closed.

DISCOUNTS AND CONCESSIONS

Discounts are available for most productions for schools, groups and

children

Under 16s receive £5 off the advertised ticket price for most shows.*

Aged 16 to 25? Join our Rep Beginners membership for just £5 and access an allocation of discounted tickets for productions.

Schools can access discounted ticket rates and dedicated schools performances.*

Group bookers can benefit from 10% off tickets for groups of 10+ 15% off tickets for groups of 20+ and 20% off tickets for groups of 50+*

AGE GUIDELINES

Please check the age guideline for specific productions before booking.

We ask that you do not bring children under the age of 5 into the auditorium, unless you are attending a Family Production or a specified Relaxed or Chilled performance.

Please see our diary on page 39 & 40 for a full performance schedule.

UNDER 5S AND BABES IN ARMS

We welcome children under 5 to our family productions or specified relaxed and chilled performances.

Everyone admitted to the theatre needs a ticket and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Babes in Arms tickets are available for children 2 years and under when booked directly with the Box Office. A nominal rate of £2 will be charged.

Photo by Graeme Braidwood

TRANSACTION FEE

All orders are subject to a £3.50 transaction fee. This covers administration costs and enables us to provide a dedicated booking service.

Exclusions include Access Register members, Groups of 10+, School Groups and Rep Friends. Transaction fees are not applicable for free events.

See page 2 for further information.

For full terms and conditions, please visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/ terms-conditions

HOW TO FIND US

Birmingham Rep, 6 Centenary Square Birmingham, B1 2EP

ticketservices@birmingham-rep.co.uk

Company number 00295910

Registered Charity number 223660

*Some exceptions apply.

TICKET PROTECTION

The Rep offers optional Ticket Protection to protect your booking through provider Ticket Plan.

For a fraction of the cost of your tickets, Ticket Protection allows you to re-coup 100% of the paid ticket price (including the associated transaction fee) if you are unable to make it to your event.

Terms & Conditions apply.

Find out more by visiting birmingham-rep.co.uk/bookinginfo

A visual spectacle and a constant feast for the eyes that’s as imaginative and creative as the story it’s telling

BIRMINGHAM MAIL ON THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

I left the theatre beaming from ear-to-ear

BIRMINGHAM MAIL ON BHANGRA NATION

Off the scale

BROMSGROVE STANDARD ON SINATRA THE MUSICAL

A whirlwind of positivity, joy and genuine spirit

THE TIMES ON BHANGRA NATION

In recent years, the theatre has developed strong relations with producers, at home and abroad, that enable it to present a richlyvaried audience-engaging programme

THE OBSERVER

The Rep is leading the way in delivering powerful, impactful performances with community at the heart.

AUDIENCE COMMENT

I have always loved The Rep. The quality of the productions are outstanding and this one was better than anything you would see in the west end!

AUDIENCE COMMENT ON THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

The best children’s theatre show we have taken our children to.

AUDIENCE COMMENT ON LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

Loved the opportunity to see a diverse theatre production representing my cultural heritage and the cultural heritage of thousands of people in Birmingham.

AUDIENCE COMMENT ON BHANGRA NATION