Birmingham Rep reveals £2.87m new look

Photo credit: Graeme Braidwood

Birmingham Rep have officially unveiled a £2.87m new look to their historic home on Birmingham’s Centenary Square, 50 years on from the theatre first opening its doors.

Brand-new elements of the design include a fully accessible front entrance and terrace which connects directly to the popular city-centre square, the first time The Rep has been able to welcome visitors and audiences through the heart of the building.

Other features include beautiful new cafe, bar and restaurant spaces which complement the original striking RiBA award-winning 1971 building design and brand-new 10 foot signage that welcomes visitors from across the square.

Artistic Director of The Rep, Sean Foley said: “First founded in 1913 by Barry Jackson, Birmingham Rep is the longest-established of Britain's building-based theatre companies - it is simply one of Birmingham’s crown jewels. Now, 50 years since The Rep moved to its iconic ‘new’ home on Centenary Square, we are thrilled once again to re-new the Company by re-modelling this beautiful building. The theatre will, for the first time, have a front door and the new bars and foyers will ensure we can give audiences and all of our visitors a great night out from the moment they first step into the building.”

Executive Director of The Rep, Rachael Thomas added; “With thanks to Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, and all our generous funders, we have been able to lay the foundations for a fantastic future at The Rep past our 50th anniversary on the square. We are now able to welcome visitors direct from the recently reimagined Centenary Square and ensure an accessible, high-quality theatre-going experience for all who visit Birmingham’s only premiere producing theatre.”

The investment promises The Rep a resilient future with more means of self-sustainment by increasing vital income streams to support the various stands of its work that reaches both local and national audiences and communities.

The Rep cafe bar is open to the public throughout the day serving a selection of pastries, cakes, tea and coffees as well as sandwiches and savoury snacks.

For more information and to see what’s on at The Rep, please click here.