What's On at The Rep - Spring 2023

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WELCOME TO 2023

WORLD CLASS THEATRE … …FOR EVERYONE

Since re-opening September 2022…

Our 25th Anniversary production of East is East transferred to the National Theatre to great acclaim; our 20th Anniversary production of The Play What I Wrote, guest starring Tom Hiddleston, has been broadcast by the BBC at Christmas; Dame Arlene Phillips choreographed our wonderful new musical, What’s New Pussycat? ; Dame Floella Benjamin joined us as Patron of Youth and Education, and also saw her autobiography, Coming To England, adapted by The Rep.

Dame Julie Walters became the Patron of Sky Comedy Rep; Casey Bailey ’s debut play, GrimeBoy, was brilliantly directed by our Associate Director, Madeleine Kludje; the sensational family epic drama from Australia, Counting and Cracking, played only here and at the Edinburgh International Festival; Molière’s classic comedy Tartuffe, re-set in Birmingham, and directed by our Associate Director Iqbal Khan, (who even had time off to direct the thrilling opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games!); and

most recently, the wonderful Nativity! The Musical!, by our Artistic Associate Debbie Isitt - someone who grew up being sneaked in to The Rep to see shows by her auntie, an usher - is packing them in. The inspiration Debbie got as a child from our theatre has turned in to an amazing career!

But The Rep is much more than our professional work and formal talent development opportunities: we platform local artists of all types, and share our superb RIBA award-winning building with communities and partners from all across The City, including Wassifa Sound System, The History of Reggae, and a Bollywood evening of Shakespeare with Desi Blitz. Our thriving Young Rep Youth Theatre delivered the extraordinary Uncommon Riches Festival in Summer ’22: 38 performances involving an amazing 725 young people and 45 community members.

We are especially proud to have produced Little Amal ’s first walk in the City Centre: this giant puppet of a Syrian refugee girl

SEE MORE … …FOR LESS

Our new season is packed full of fantastic shows so we’ve introduced some 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 persons’ 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 all productions excluding workshops. T&Cs apply.

GENERAL DISCOUNTS: Discounts are available for most productions for schools, groups and children. Please see page 31.

REP ACCESS REGISTER: Join The Rep’s free Access Register and receive priority booking and access rate tickets, including a free companion tickets. Please see page 31.

has become a living art piece and a global symbol of human rights - she interacted with many of the refugee and migrant groups that we work with, as well as delighting passers-by.

We are proud that so many people came to The Rep for the very first time this year –not just visiting here for the first time, but literally their first ever visit to any theatre.

We hope you will find something to inspire, challenge, or entertain in this upcoming programme, which includes Sean’s first World Premiere as Artistic Director of The Rep. Spitting Image Live will be a theatrical extravaganza, with the greatest cast the City has ever seen - and hopefully the funniest as well… because in such tough times as these, that’s the other great thing a theatre can provide – a place to all laugh together.

SEAN FOLEY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR RACHAEL THOMAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Photo © Kris Askey Front cover image: Spitting Image Live
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WRITTEN BY AL MURRAY, MATT FORDE AND SEAN FOLEY

DIRECTED BY SEAN FOLEY DESIGNED BY ALICE POWER

FROM £16.50 AGE 16+ W

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REP ORIGINAL

COMEDY IDIOTS ASSEMBLE SPITTING IMAGE SAVES THE WORLD

LIVE ON STAGE

WED 1 FEB – SAT 11 MAR

With a plot more improbable than the last year of British politics! Join the iconic Spitting Image puppets in this world premiere as they grace the stage for the very first time.

World famous celebrities are thrown together as Tom Cruise is tasked by King Charles with saving Great Britain. Greta Thunberg duets with Stormzy as Putin and Xi watch on from their premium seats in the stalls.

Have they just come out for a night on the town?

Or will they wipe out all of civilisation?

A show simultaneously inspired and appalled by real events…

40 years after Spitting Image was first filmed here in Birmingham, the iconic puppets return to the city for this world premiere, directed by The Rep’s own Artistic Director, double Olivier Award winner, Sean Foley. With a creative team that includes original Spitting Image co-creator, Roger Law, alongside a comedy tour-de-force writing team of Al Murray, Matt Forde and Sean Foley, Spitting Image Live promises to be the unmissable, laugh-out-loud show to kick-start your 2023!

Trigger warning: contains jokes, some of which are really naughty!

OR L D • P R E IM E R E • WICKEDLY FUNNY DAILY MAIL ON SPITTING IMAGE NO ONE IS SAFE FROM A SATIRICAL ROASTING THE I ON SPITTING IMAGE THE QUALITY OF THE PUPPETS AND IMPRESSIONS WAS OUTSTANDING THE TIMES ON SPITTING IMAGE STARRING TOM CRUISE, GRE TA THUNBERG, IDRIS ELBA , T YSON FURY, HARRY & MEGHAN, RISHI SUNAK, TAYLOR SWIFT, ELON MUSK, DONALD TRUMP, VL ADIMIR PUTIN, XI JINPING, KEIR STARMER, ANT & DEC, ADELE, RuPAUL, BEYONCÉ, ANGEL A R AYNER, IAN MCKELLEN, JÜRGEN KLOPP, MARK ZUCKERBERG, KING CHARLES AND MANY MORE BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK 03 02 WHAT’S ON AT THE REP

In the late 1980s, two Birmingham school friends tentatively come out: one as gay, the other - more shockingly - as an ABBA fan. Thirty years later, they reunite to form the world’s first ABBA tribute band – in drag. Can their friendship survive the tribulations of a life on the road; one full of platform boots, fake beards and a distractingly attractive stranger?

Simultaneously tender and laugh-out loud funny, this heartfelt story will appeal to anyone who understands how it feels to be a fan: of ABBA or of anyone.

Written by and starring Ian Hallard (The Boys In The Band ), this world premiere is directed by Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Dracula, Doctor Who, The League of Gentlemen) whose production of The Unfriend has just transferred to the West End.

The cast includes Donna Berlin (Doctors) James Bradshaw (Endeavour), Sara Crowe (Olivier Award-winner for Private Lives), Andrew Horton ( Jupiter’s Legacy) and Rose Shalloo (Malory Towers).

Featuring the voices of Miriam Margolyes and Paul O’Grady.

Birmingham Rep and James Seabright in association with Jason Haigh-Ellery and Park Theatre.

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A REP ORIGINAL COMEDY THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO FRI 17 FEB – SAT 4 MARCH W OR L D • P R E IM E R E •

George and Lennie are migrants with a dream; a dream of a better life, a place where they can belong, where Lennie feels safe and George can be somebody. But this is the Great Depression; not many dreams come true in a time where a few have plenty but most have nothing. When the friends take a job on Curley’s farm, tragedy unfolds leading to a heart-breaking decision.

John Steinbeck ’s classic novel is more than 80 years old, but with themes of economic migration, racism and prejudice it remains a parable for our times.

A story of enduring friendship, this new production from Rep Associate Director and Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony Director, Iqbal Khan, puts a 2023 lens on Steinbeck ’s affecting tale of the crumbling American dream. His recent Rep productions include Tartuffe and East is East

A Birmingham Rep, Leeds Playhouse and Fiery Angel co-production.

“I got you, and we got each other”
£15
12+
SHOW
THU 30 MAR @ 11AM FRI 31 MAR A REP ORIGINAL DRAMA OF MICE AND MEN SAT 18 MAR – SAT 8 APR AN EXCELLENT REWORKING OF A CLASSIC BEHIND THE ARRAS ON TARTUFFE MAGNIFICENT REVIVAL OF CULTURE-CLASH CLASSIC THE GUARDIAN ON EAST IS EAST PRAISE FOR IQBAL KHAN’S PRODUCTIONS… BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK 07 06 WHAT’S ON AT THE REP
SET DESIGNED BY
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TALKS

BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE

THU 9 – SAT 11 FEB

Back at The Rep by popular demand, this sell-out show is inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and features many of her most iconic songs performed live.

Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

ANOTHER LOVER’S DISCOURSE

TUE 28 FEB & WED

1 MAR

3 years ago, Riham embarked on a journey to explore what it means to love; what ideas do we have about it and what is holding her back from it?

Another Lover’s Discourse is Riham’s first solo performance. She mashes up interviews with friends, family and strangers, combining video, music, performance, and original film to explore the complexity of love and relationships.

This inventive performance, from one of Palestine’s most exciting contemporary artists, invites you to think differently about love; to shake off stereotypes, free yourself from old traditions and think about what you actually want.

FROM £17.50

AGE 12+

GOOD GRIEF

THU 2 – SAT 4 MAR

A dying man’s last wish: for his friends to create a show about death.

Will it be subtle? Will it be sophisticated? Probably not, but it is his funeral. Literally.

Multi award-winning physical comedy company Ugly Bucket process the death of a friend in the only way they know how – through a kinetic maelstrom of outrageous clowning, personal testimony and a thumping techno soundtrack.

SHAZIA MIRZA, COCONUT

SAT 11 MAR

Strap in for a hilarious and uplifting joyride into the art of survival in a world of crocodiles, coconuts, solitary confinement and alpha males in this award-winning, critically acclaimed show.

What’s going on? Why is everyone fighting? Why does everyone hate each other? Who the hell is Alexa? And why are there no women left with real eyebrows? Women are in fashion now but the eyebrows come and go? And why do all the right-wing papers keep calling Shazia for answers every time there is a paedophile with the same skin colour as her? Can we really educate people? Can we drag anyone forward against their will?

FROM

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FROM £18 AGE 14+

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£12 AGE 14+ NOTHING SHORT OF SENSATIONAL BROADWAY BABY IT’S FAST, IT’S FUNNY AND IT PLUMBS THE EMOTIONAL DEPTHS EXQUISITELY… EXCITING, INNOVATIVE WORK. THE

TALES TILL RAMADAN: SEEKING SINCERITY

SAT 18 MAR

Like the Ramadan crescent, sincerity can be elusive.

In this one woman show, Eleanor Martin goes in search of sincerity through a mesmerising collection of Muslim heritage stories from Rumi, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Sa’adi and the Uyghur.

Join Khayaal Theatre for this cultural odyssey and spiritual quest in preparation for Ramadan.

SAP

THU 23 & FRI 24 MAR

A contemporary thriller with ancient roots.

When a woman tells a lie to her girlfriend, a seed is planted that starts to grow in the darkness. Now roots are cracking up through the pavement and branches are coming in at the windows, and - as she starts to see things that no one else canshe becomes the focus of some seriously unwanted attention.

The award-winning Atticist and Ellie Keel Productions present a new play about passion, power, and photosynthesis.

YIPPEE KI YAY FRI 31 MAR

Acclaimed retelling of classic film Die Hard from Richard Marsh - Fringe First-winner, London poetry slam champion winner and New York cop (one of these is untrue). 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.

TOO MUCH WORLD AT ONCE

THU 6 – SAT 8 APR

“We should’ve seen this coming. We did. We did see this coming. The world will not be kind to us because we haven’t given it a reason to be.”

The world turns. Dark clouds gather. Chaos is on the horizon.

On his 15th birthday, Noble transforms into a bird. Thousands of miles away, his sister Cleo is stationed on a remote island with the British Antarctic Survey. The birds have disappeared. Noble needs to reach her.

A lyrical, theatrical journey that spans continents and lives, Too Much World at Once by Billie Collins, is an urgent coming-of-age story for our times.

Presented by Box of Tricks.

A SHOW TO SAVOUR BROADWAY BABY

AUDIENCE MEMBER

FROM £12 AGE 8+

FROM £12 AGE 16+

Contains distressing themes, scenes of sexual violence, strong language/swearing

WHETHER YOU’RE A DIE HARD FAN OR NOT, IT GUARANTEES HAPPY TRAILS THE GUARDIAN

FROM £12 AGES 14+

FROM £12

was brilliant and captivating! I want to see it all over again this
It
instant. An incredible experience.
BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK 11 10 WHAT’S ON AT THE REP

PRIDE & PREJUDICE*

(*SORT OF)

MON 17 – SAT 22 APR

Following its triumph in the West End where it won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) returns to Birmingham. Originally co-produced by The Rep, this raucous comedy is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story.

Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance.

This “smart, laugh out loud funny” (Daily Telegraph) show features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain. It’s the 1800s. It’s party time. Let the ruthless matchmaking begin.

COMPLETELY FAITHFUL TO THE BOOK, IT’S ALSO A RAUCOUSLY IRREVERENT ROMP DAILY MAIL

JANE AUSTEN FROM £15 AGE 12+

RIOTOUSLY FUNNY… GLORIOUSLY ENTERTAINING… FRANKLY SENSATIONAL VARIETY

RUSH – A JOYOUS JAMAICAN JOURNEY

WED 26 – SAT 29 APR

FROM £23 AGE 10+

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

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.

This is a fantastic show, informative, hugely entertaining & the music - WOW!!! … the two vocalists were outstanding and gave me chills with their amazing voices.

AUDIENCE MEMBER

This is unmissable. STAGE TALK MAGAZINE

W OR L D • P R E IM E R E •

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Autumn 2022 cast photo by Mihaela Bodlovic

TORTOISE & THE HARE

THU 23 – SAT 25 FEB

The Tortoise & The Hare absolutely love games. They play board games, sporty games, guessing games and they even invent games. They are the best of friends and they have lots of fun playing together…. but only if The Hare is winning!

The Hare is a terrible loser and after losing yet another game to The Tortoise, The Hare hatches a plan to play a game that The Tortoise has no chance of winning… A charming retelling of the classic children’s fable – join us this February half term for this magical production, brought to life by Hull Truck Theatre.

Created by Luke Pearson & Tom Saunders.

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?

SAT 25 MAR

Inspired by verbatim theatre, What Happened To You? weaves together scenarios inspired by real-life stories, promoting the social model of disability, and underlining the importance of access and inclusion.

Young audiences and their families can expect to have fun, play, and to leave with greater awareness and understanding. Challenging the fundamental laws of traditional puppetry, and drawing on day-to-day experiences, artist Nikki Charlesworth has created three awardwinning puppets that embody her own disability.

MOG THE FORGETFUL CAT

THU 13 - SAT 15 APR

Mog is a very forgetful cat. She forgets that she has a cat flap, she forgets that she’s already eaten her supper, and she forgets that cats don’t have eggs for breakfast every day. Bother that cat!

But Mog’s forgetfulness can come in handy

Join Mog and the Thomas family, on a journey through one year in the life of a really remarkable cat, as she catches a burglar, gatecrashes a cat show, goes to the V.E.T. and gets to eat lots and lots of eggs. Everyone’s favourite cat might be forgetful, but she certainly has a lot of adventures, and she loves her family very much.

A Wardrobe Ensemble, The Old Vic and Royal & Derngate, Northampton co-production.

THE SINGING MERMAID

SAT 27 & SUN 28 MAY

Did you ever go to Silversands on a sunny day? Then perhaps you saw the mermaid who sang in the deep blue bay...

The singing mermaid is tempted away to join a travelling circus, with the promise of a life of excitement (and her own swimming pool!). The circus audiences love her singing but she soon finds she’s been tricked by the dastardly circus master. Will she ever escape?

With three skilled performers, beautiful puppets and delightful songs by Barb Jungr, Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ much-loved story is a perfect family treat.

Watershed Productions present a Little Angel Theatre and Royal & Derngate, Northampton production.

A FUN, WARM-HEARTED ADVENTURE THE GUARDIAN

ADULTS £10

CHILDREN £8

AGE 4+

FROM £14.50

AGE 4+

Based on the bestselling Mog picture book series by Judith Kerr, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books

FROM £14.50

AGE 4+

This play is based on the original book The Singing Mermaid. Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks. Text © Julia Donaldson 2013. Illustrations © Lydia Monks 2013. Published by Macmillan Children’s Books

ADULTS £10 CHILDREN £8 AGE 7+ A BEAUTIFUL BIT OF VISUAL STORYTELLING THE STAGE
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BRING THE LAUGHTER

SAT 29 APR

Bring The Laughter returns with another hilarious line up. So round up your friends and family and join us for an uplifting night of laughter!

Bring The Laughter puts together the comedy circuit’s top acts under one roof. It’s guaranteed to be a night of no holds barred comedy you won’t want to miss.

Acts performing are Tommy Sandhu (BBC, Brownload), Raj Poojara (New Comedian of the Year finalist, So You Think You’re Funny semi-finalist), Tej Dhutia (BBC Asian Network) and Kat B (BBC, MTV).

Presented by LuvEntertainment.

MADE IN INDIA BRITAIN

FRI 2 & SAT 3 JUN

Roo is a deaf Punjabi boy from Birmingham, living in a world that wasn’t made for him. Through pain and laughter Roo narrates the impact of ableism and racism throughout his childhood and adult life, leading him to confront one key question: “Where do I belong?”

All performances will be in BSL, Spoken English and Closed Captions.

Confident and charismatic THE STAGE

FROM £15.50 AGE 7+

WED 3 & THU 4 MAY

Now in their 21st year, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black is excited to present awardwinning choreographers, Will Tuckett and Mthuthuzeli November in a double bill of new and original work in Ballet Black: Pioneers.

Will Tuckett ’s Then Or Now, blends classical ballet, music and the poetry of Adrienne Rich to ask the question: in times like these, where do we belong?

FROM £12 AGE 14+

FROM £18 AGE 18+

...the piece feels above all like a call for respect across any and all divides.” Daily Telegraph.

Mthuthuzeli November makes his third mainstage commission for the Company, Nina: By Whatever Means, a love letter to musician, performer and activist, Nina Simone, that combines ballet, jazz and the blues in a moving and inspiring piece of dance theatre.

BALLET BLACK: PIONEERS
THIS IS INDEED THE FUTURE OF DANCE INEWS PLEASE INVITE BALLET BLACK TO DO MORE PERFORMANCES, THEY WERE AMAZING AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THEM AGAIN! AUDIENCE MEMBER
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Photo © Bill Cooper

£15.50

In 1994 hundreds of coal miners hung up their pit boots as Grimethorpe Colliery was destroyed, along with the tight-knit working-class community that surrounded it. Created to mark the 25th anniversary since the demolition and 30 years since the rise of UK rave culture, Wasteland is the highly anticipated new dance theatre show from acclaimed British choreographer Gary Clarke and the sequel to his multi award-winning production Coal.

This thrilling yet deeply touching production takes a close look at how two generations coped in this era of radical upheaval. A fractured relationship between a father and son is at the heart of the story, and as we see one generation grind exhaustedly to a halt, we follow the next into the 90s illegal rave scene, where derelict warehouses and abandoned work spaces became home for a new-found community of music and dance.

Bringing together Clarke’s vivid physical dance language performed by a company of exceptional dancers, a community cast of singers, brass musicians, archive film footage, a powerful rave soundtrack and unique artwork by Jimmy Cauty (co-founder of The KLF), Wasteland dives head first into a gritty story of loss, hope, escapism and survival.

The rising stars of the comedy world are showcasing never-before-seen work in Parklife, the second Festival of New Comedy Writing from Sky Comedy Rep. Discover the funniest writers from across the country as they present a series of hilarious one-act plays all set in parks!

This festival is the culmination of our comedy writing talent development scheme with Sky Studios, headed by Rep Artistic Director, Sean Foley, and Sky Creative Director of Comedy, Anil Gupta. The prompt for entries to this year’s scheme was ‘a proposal in a park’.

For full schedule of performances, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/parklife

FROM
AGES 14+ POST SHOW TALK THU 18 GARY CLARKE COMPANY WASTELAND THU 18 & FRI 19 MAY Photo ©Joe Armitage A TRULY WONDERFUL PIECE OF DANCETHEATRE: HUMANE, POLITICALLY CHARGED, BY TURNS FUNNY AND SAD. THE STAGE
FESTIVAL OF NEW
WRITING
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NEW SHORT PLAYS PERFORMED BY A FABULOUS TROUPE OF ACTORS. WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE?
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FROM £15 SKY COMEDY REP PRESENTS PARKLIFE A
COMEDY
MON 22 – SAT 27 MAY
HILARIOUS
AUDIENCE MEMBER

FROM £14 AGE 3+

DRAGONS AND MYTHICAL BEASTS

WED 31 MAY – FRI 2 JUN

Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical Olivier Award-nominated show for all the family.

Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don’t wake the Dragon…

From the creators of the international smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life, don’t miss this spell-binding adventure, live on stage!

‘I was scared of the bees at first, but now, they make me feel alive. They are like a society in complete harmony with itself’

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.

On their terrifying journey, they must face the pain of their own unbearable loss alongside incredible danger. Above all, they must journey to find each other again. This compassionate and beautiful play is a story of connection - between friends, families, and strangers.

Christy Lefteri’s best-selling and multi award-wining novel has its world premiere in a brand new adaptation by Nesrin Alrefaai, and Matthew Spangler who adapted The Kite Runner. Directed by Olivier Award-winning Miranda Cromwell (Death of a Salesman – Young Vic, Piccadilly Theatre, and Broadway).

Martin Dodd for UK Productions Ltd proudly presents the Nottingham Playhouse production.

FROM THE PRODUCERS OF THE KITE RUNNER

THE BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO

TUE 13 – SAT 17 JUN

WRITTEN

ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY NESRIN ALREFAAI & MATTHEW SPANGLER DIRECTED BY MIRANDA

A story of loss, love, resilience and hope… it’s impossible not to be moved.

THE OBSERVER ON THE NOVEL

FROM £15 AGE 14+

W OR L D • P R E IM E R E •
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MIND-BLOWING PUPPET MONSTERS! TIME OUT FANTASTICAL ADVENTURE FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES! WHATSONSTAGE COMICAL, SPELLBINDING SHOW! THE GUARDIAN

Dan is a carpenter. A Geordie through and through. 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.

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

Lord of the Flies

One Million Tiny Plays about Britain

PRESENTS: Noughts and Crosses

The Trials

Brainstorm

If I Ruled The World...

TICKETS FROM £5

Comment Is Free

Chaos

The Young Rep companies are back with a festival of unmissable politically-charged, plays. When order fails and chaos erupts, what futures can be reimagined? Plus shows from Open Theatre, Stories of Hope and Home, Loudeemy and much more to be announced!

For full details, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk.

Festival Pass 3-for-2 on all performances.

THU 13 TO SAT 22 JULY
A REP ORIGINAL DRAMA I,
TUE 13 – SAT 24 JUN
22 WHAT’S ON AT THE REP *Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2022 Poverty Report
DANIEL BLAKE
FROM £12.50 AGE 12+ ORDER AND

GET INVOLVED AT THE REP

We believe that theatre is for everyone and that all children and young people should have access to creative experiences. Each year, our Creative Learning team works with more than 25,000 young people – nurturing creativity, adding spark to school curriculums and giving young people the chance to perform on a professional stage.

Young Rep is our youth theatre for ages 7 to 25. They meet weekly during term-time developing their skills to become the theatre makers of the future and experiences fantastic opportunities to perform at the Rep! Do you know a young person who could join one our groups?

Get in touch with the team on youngrep@birmingham-rep.co.uk

Our Education programmes have developed longterm relationships with schools and colleges across the West Midlands to help teachers embed drama and performance into their classrooms.

For more information on all our work with children, young people and how your school or college could get involved, get in touch with the team on learning@birmingham-rep.co.uk

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

SOMETHING EXCITING IS COMING IN 2023…

In January 2023 The Rep will launch a brand new Talent Development programme, with access and wellbeing at its heart. Through a range of training programmes, masterclasses, workshops and open-door events we will provide opportunities for artists and creatives across and beyond the West Midlands to rise, train, learn, grow and inspire.

Whatever your practice, if you have an interest in theatre, we’ve got you.

FOUNDRY

Applications for our highly acclaimed Foundry programme will open in January, with spaces held specifically for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists. This year-long programme will focus on cocreation within community settings.

REP WRITE

If you’re a playwright at the beginning of your career, Rep Writes is for you. This 10-week introduction to playwriting course is led by a professional director and experienced writer, with the opportunity

to see your work shared at a rehearsed reading at The Rep.

SUPPORTED ARTISTS

We will be nurturing a cohort of artists with an interest in theatre to progress their careers in their field. Support for artists includes access to The Rep’s in-house resources and expertise, free or discounted masterclasses, funding guidance and developing behind-thescenes insight.

For more information about these opportunities, further Talent Development updates and announcements, keep an eye on our website.

INTRODUCING

The Rep has a new Talent Development team and they can’t wait to meet you.

Joanna

Lateesha

If you have any queries about Talent Development at The Rep, you can contact Jo on Joanna.freeman@birmingham-rep. co.uk or Lateesha on lateesha.johnson@ birmingham-rep.co.uk

Madeleine Kludje – Associate Director Freeman – Talent Development Producer Johnson – Assistant Talent Development Producer Photo © Graeme Braidwood
LEARNING
CREATIVE
Working with the Rep has given our students some fantastic experience within the industry. It has been exciting to see the students work as professionals.
MITCH MILLER CADBURY COLLEGE
Bringing stories alive with drama has always been a passion of the schools’.
BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK 25 24 WHAT’S ON AT THE REP
BASEEMA HUGHES, ROBIN HOOD ACADEMY

YOU CAN PLAY A VITAL ROLE

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. Scan the QR code or visit birmingham-rep.co.uk/support-us to find out more. Thank you.

A HUGE STANDING OVATION FOR

CURRENT DONORS AND SUPPORTERS…

(Find out how your business can benefit from sponsorship with The Rep, email rachel.cranny@birmingham-rep.co.uk)

OUR
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.
BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK 27 26 WHAT’S ON AT THE REP
ADRIAN LESTER, CBE

ACCESS FACILITIES

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

BOOKING INFORMATION

Spaces for Wheelchair users are available for every performance in all of our theatre spaces.

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.

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’.

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.

SEE MORE SPEND LESS

Don’t forget you can get 3-for-2 and save 33% when you buy 3 productions at the same time. Terms & Conditions apply.

TRANSACTION FEE

We charge a fee of £2.50 on all transactions except for The Rep, Access Register, Groups 10+ and School Groups. This covers administration costs, postage and enables us to provide a dedicated booking service. Transaction fees do not apply to groups of 50+, schools bookings and Rep Friends.

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

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.

BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK 29 28 WHAT’S ON AT THE REP
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