History of the Old Rep Theatre
The Old Rep Theatre was built in 1913 by Sir Barry Jackson, one of the most important (and most over-looked) figures in British theatre history.
His new building was the original home of the Birmingham Rep Company and was Britain's first venue to be designed specifically as a repertory theatre. Notable landmarks in its history include Bernard Shaw's premiere of "Back to Methusalah" in 1923, the world's first modern dress productions of Shakespeare and the directing debut of Peter Brook in 1945.
Since its foundation some of Britian's best known actors have performed at the theatre including Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson, Noel Coward, Peggy Ashcroft, Edith Evans and more recently Paul Scofield, Brian Cox, Michael Gambon, Paul Eddington, Julie Christie, Timothy Dalton and Derek Jacobi.
From 1971 the theatre housed amateur theatre but for most of the year remained dark. In 1991 Neal Foster approached The Birmingham City Council with the proposal of setting up a new Jacksonresident company at The Old Rep. A year of negotiation followed and in 1992 the Lord Mayor of Birmingham re-opened The Old Rep Theatre with the newly named Birmingham Stage Company in residence.
Since then the BSC has staged over fifty plays, breaking box office records year after year. Sir Derek Jacobi (who made his professional debut at the theatre) is the company's patron, joined until his death by Paul Scofield. John Harrison, who was Artistic Director of the theatre in the 1960's, has returned to The Old Rep to direct some of the BSC's most successful productions.
The theatre was recently refurbsihed with new disabled access and a brand new foyer and bar. The Old Rep is happily enjoying it's 97th birthday!
HOW TO GET THERE
The Old Rep Theatre is in Station Street, right next to New Street Station. There are three NCP car parks around the theatre.
Coming by car, if you drive to the Holloway Circus roundabout with the Alexandra Theatre on your left, turn left at the roundabout and the first left turn at the traffic lights (Hill Street). Station Street is the first turning right.
Click here for a map »