Old Rep, Grade II listed theatre in Birmingham, England
The Old Rep is a traditional brick building in Birmingham with multiple performance spaces including The Hub, The Door, The Studio, and The House. Each room serves different types of shows, from large productions to smaller experimental work.
The building was constructed in 1913 by architect S. N. Cooke as the first purpose-built repertory theatre in the United Kingdom. This early creation of a dedicated theatre space made it a pioneer for how performance venues were designed.
The theatre hosts a range of performances from classic plays to modern works, created by students and artists alongside literature festivals. Visitors notice how the different spaces welcome both experimental and traditional forms of theatre.
The theatre is located on Station Street and offers regular backstage tours where visitors can see the technical systems and historical details. The tours let you understand how a working theatre operates day to day.
Several famous actors including Laurence Olivier, Paul Scofield, and Michael Gambon launched their careers here. The theatre also employed the first female stage manager in the country back in 1917.
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