Birmingham Repertory Theatre

BirminghamUnited Kingdom 52° N · 1° W Verified Oct 2026

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Birmingham, United Kingdom, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre—colloquially known as The Rep—is a cornerstone of the city’s rich…

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Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Birmingham Repertory Theatre building in Centenary Square Birmingham
A clear daytime photograph of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre located in Centenary Square, Birmingham, showcasing the modern architectural style of the building.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, affectionately known as The Rep, is a theatre and cultural venue on Centenary Square in Birmingham, United Kingdom. It grew from the Old Rep, the UK’s first purpose-built repertory theatre, into a modern venue known for its performances, community engagement and architecture. The Rep presents classic and contemporary plays, experimental work and family shows, and offers accessible facilities and guided tours. (Birmingham Repertory Theatre Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History; Birmingham Repertory Theatre: A Cultural Landmark and Visitor’s Guide; Birmingham Repertory Theatre Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Facilities Guide; Birmingham Repertory Theatre: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Upcoming Events)

History

Sir Barry Jackson founded The Rep in 1907 as the Pilgrim Players, with a vision of changing British theatre by prioritising new writing and poetic drama. In 1913, the Old Rep opened on Station Street as the UK’s first purpose-built repertory theatre. It premiered new works and British debuts of international plays, and helped launch the careers of stars including Laurence Olivier.

The Rep moved to its current Centenary Square home in 1971. The building has three auditoria and one of Europe’s largest stages, enabling broader and more innovative programming. The Old Rep continues as a cultural venue and training ground for young talent. The theatre has weathered challenges including the Second World War Blitz and major refurbishments while sustaining its artistic mission.

Since 2008, The Rep has commissioned and produced more than 130 new plays. It continues to support talent development and heritage activities, and hosts national and international tours.

What to see and do

Building and facilities

The modernist Centenary Square building brings together heritage and innovation, from the original Old Rep to the current theatre (theatreprojects.com). The main auditorium seats 825; the two smaller venues are The Studio and The Door. The light-filled foyer has ticketing, seating and a café-bar, and often hosts informal events (building.co.uk).

The Rep has state-of-the-art technical facilities for its productions. Backstage tours can include the workshops and rehearsal spaces (manchestertheatres.com).

Performances and events

The Rep’s year-round programme includes drama, dance, comedy, music and special events (Birmingham Rep – What’s On). Productions and events listed include:

  • Main stage The Merchant of Venice 1936 (April 1–5, 2025); Prima Facie (March 10–14, 2026); Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts
  • Family and seasonal shows The Snowman (January 9–12, 2025); In The Night Garden Live; Sherlock Holmes and The 12 Days of Christmas
  • Studio and experimental work Anansi The Spider; The Vagina Monologues; backstage tours
  • Festivals and special events Home & Horizons Festival; London City Ballet: Momentum; Yeh Dosti: Celebrating 50 Years of Sholay
  • Comedy, music and one-off performances Fun! with Barbara Nice; Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty in Concert; NT Live Screenings

The theatre also offers family-friendly productions, educational workshops and group bookings (visitbirmingham.com).

Guided tours and special events

Regular guided tours cover the theatre’s history, architecture and backstage areas. Tours are also listed as available by appointment or booking. Special events and festivals take place throughout the year.

The Rep’s cultural and community role

The Rep is a cornerstone of Birmingham’s artistic scene, shaping the city’s identity and influencing education, diversity and the economy (ArtsProfessional). It supports new playwrights and performers, premieres original works and encourages creative risk-taking (Birmingham.co.uk).

Its initiatives reflect Birmingham’s multicultural community. The Young REP, for example, offers young people from all backgrounds opportunities to make theatre (Springer Link). The Birmingham Arts School (BAS) pilot extends access to arts education in underserved schools, while the S.T.A.G.E Web App distributes tickets to disadvantaged pupils (ArtsProfessional).

Collaborations with the University of Birmingham, the Royal Shakespeare Company and others produce accessible resources and co-host major events (Birmingham.ac.uk). The Rep also contributes to the local economy by attracting visitors and supporting tourism; local government investment reflects its economic importance (Birmingham Mail).

Its audience-development work includes Minicom bookings, accessible Shakespeare resources, discounted tickets, community outreach and relaxed performances (Birmingham.ac.uk). Its educational and diversity initiatives have received national recognition (ArtsProfessional). The Rep is also a communal space reflecting Birmingham’s character, with programming that often draws on the city’s history (Birmingham.co.uk). Ongoing investment and innovation support its place in the city’s cultural life (Birmingham Mail).

Practical visiting information

Opening hours and show times

The listed opening-hour schedules differ:

  • Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; performance times vary.
  • Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, extended on performance nights.
  • Monday–Saturday, 12 noon–6 pm, extended for performances.

The box office and café-bar open several hours before performances. Evening shows typically start around 7:30 pm and matinees at 2:30 pm. Check the website or box office for current show schedules: Birmingham Rep.

Tickets

Tickets can be bought online, by phone or in person at the box office. Prices range from £10 to £45. Discounts or concessions are available for students, seniors, groups and locals; special packages and season passes are also listed. A transaction fee applies.

Location, transport and contact

The Rep is at Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EP, United Kingdom. Birmingham New Street and Snow Hill stations are a short walk away. Bus stops and public car parks are nearby.

Accessibility and visitor services

Facilities include step-free access, wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating, lifts, accessible toilets and restrooms, family facilities, and hearing loops. Performances include captioned, signed, relaxed, sensory-friendly and audio-described options. Contact the box office in advance about specific needs.

The café-bar serves refreshments. A cloakroom and merchandise kiosk are available, and free Wi-Fi is provided.

Tips

Check the website for tour schedules and current performances. Photography is allowed in public spaces. Centenary Square’s modern architecture and surroundings provide photo opportunities.

The theatre’s website has photo galleries and virtual tours. Audiences can expect comfortable seating, good sightlines and a vibrant atmosphere (A View From My Seat – Tips).

Follow The Rep on social media for updates. The Audiala app is also listed for interactive tours, behind-the-scenes content, updates and exclusive content.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre Exterior
Inside The Rep Auditorium

View map and directions

Nearby places

Centenary Square is home to the Library of Birmingham and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Other nearby cultural sites include Ikon Gallery and Symphony Hall. Cafés, restaurants, hotels and other historical sites are within walking distance or nearby (manchestertheatres.com). The Rep is close to major transport hubs and can be reached by train, bus or car. More information about the venue and area is available from Birmingham Repertory Theatre Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History: A Guide to Birmingham's Historic Theatre, 2025, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham Repertory Theatre: A Cultural Landmark and Visitor’s Guide, 2024, ArtsProfessional, Birmingham Repertory Theatre Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Facilities Guide, 2025, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, and Birmingham Repertory Theatre: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Upcoming Events, 2025, Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Explore more about Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Symphony Hall Events.

FAQ

  • What are the opening hours?
    The listed schedules are Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, extended on performance nights; and Monday–Saturday, 12 noon–6 pm, extended for performances. Performance times vary.

  • How can I buy tickets?
    Online, by phone or at the box office. Discounts are available for students, seniors, groups and locals.

  • Is the theatre accessible?
    Yes. It has wheelchair access, accessible seating and toilets, hearing loops, lifts and other facilities. Accessible performances include captioned, signed, relaxed, sensory-friendly and audio-described options.

  • Are guided or backstage tours available?
    Yes. Tours are available by appointment or booking; check the website for schedules.

  • Can I bring children?
    Yes. The Rep offers family-friendly shows and facilities.

  • Is there parking nearby?
    Yes. Public car parks are nearby.

  • What nearby attractions can I visit?
    The Library of Birmingham, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Ikon Gallery and Symphony Hall.