The Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The REP) - A City Gem!

The Birmingham REP, as it is commonly known, moved into its Centenary Square in 1971. Since then it has seen a number of refurbishments and extensions as the Square has developed.


Where is the Birmingham Repertory Theatre?

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre is in Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EP. 

View site map HERE

Photography by Daniel Sturley

In brief

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre was founded by Sir Barry Jackson at its first location in Station Street in 1913 (this is now home to The Old REP Theatre).

The REPSir Barry Jackson collage at The REP (September 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

The theatre moved to Broad Street in 1971. The theatre was closed between 2010 to 2013 during the period the Library of Birmingham was built. During this time the company used other theatres around Birmingham. The theatre was also closed from 2020 to 2021 due to the pandemic. The theatre will reopen in the summer of 2021, despite another planned redevelopment.

The REPThe REP in Centenary Square (July 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The REP - history

From 1913 till 1971, The Birmingham Repertory Theatre was located at The Old REP Theatre on Station Street. It was founded by Sir Barry Jackson.

In 1971 the Birmingham Repertory Theatre company moved to a new site on Broad Street. The (then) new theatre had 901 seats. It was designed by Graham Winteringham and Keith Williams Architects. Within the next 20 years, the area would become Centenary Square.

A Studio at The New REP was opened in 1972. In 1974, David Edgar was made resident playwright.

The Studio grew in popularity during the 1980s and in 1988 Kenneth Branagh temporarily relocated his Renaissance Theatre Company, which gave the REP access to plays by guest directors such as Judi Dench and Derek Jacobi.

The Birmingham Youth Theatre had a regular home here during the 1970s and 1980s.

The theatre was extended and refurbished in 1991 after the completion of the International Convention Centre. In 1998 the company opened "The Door" as a second auditorium, replacing the Studio.

The REPThe REP in Centenary Square after the 1991 redevelopment (April 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

The REPThe REP in Centenary Square before the last redevelopment (May 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown

The theatre was closed from about 2011 to 2013, as part of the building of the Library of Birmingham. During this time the company continued to perform at other local theatres, including their old home. 

The REPThe REP in Centenary Square at the beginning of the last redevelopment (January 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown

The REPThe REP in Centenary Square after the last redevelopment was completed (August 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

During the pandemic, the theatre closed in 2020. They allowed space to be used as a Nightingale Court from December 2020 until summer 2021. 

The REPNew hoardings going up at The REP in Centenary Square (July 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

The terraces at the Library of Birmingham were opened during the middle of August 2021, allowing views of The REP from the roof for the first time since the pandemic began.

The REPThe REP from the Discovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The redevelopment:

February 2022 -

The historic building remodeling saw the creation of a new public performance bar, café, lounge, foyer, kitchens, VIP bar, multi-purpose events space along with the creation of a new grand entrance facing onto Centenary Square.

The aim from the outset was to create an engaging new entrance and continue the area's involvement in the Arts and Culture sector following the successful delivery of Symphony Hall, next door.

The project also incorporates updated forecourt landscaping, an outdoor terrace area, and a ramp for easy access into the building.

The development will secure the theatre company’s long-term future as it strives to become financially sustainable.

Photography by Stephen Giles.

 

Contact details

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre

0121 236 4455

ticketservices@birmingham-box.co.uk

Twitter: @BirminghamREP

Facebook: /BirminghamREP

Instagram: @TheREPBirmingham

Contact us

Project dates

11 Sep 2020 - On-going

Passions

Art; Culture & creativity, Modern Architecture, Music & musicians

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com