SPOTLIGHT ON… The Old Joint Stock Theatre Birmingham
Welcome, Besties, to the first in our new series of articles spotlighting the most unique theatres in the UK! From some of the smallest venues in the country that you may not have even heard of to some larger ones that you may have visited yourself, we’ll be bringing you the only guide you need. And we’re starting with Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock Theatre!
Name: The Old Joint Stock
Location: Temple Row, Birmingham City Centre
Number of seats: 80
Year opened: 2006
Built by Julius Alfred Chatwin in 1862, the building was originally designed as a library for St. Philip’s Church across the road. It became the Joint Stock Bank when Lloyd’s Banks took ownership in 1889. The Grade II listed building with its glass dome roof has been home to a pub and theatre since 2006.
Walking into the pub side of the building, you can choose food and drinks, such as their famous handcrafted pies and triple-cooked chips, and enjoy the beautiful décor. Or head upstairs to the bar and soak up the theatrical atmosphere. It’s a really nice space to sit in pre- and post-show.
The black box studio is situated on the second floor and seats up to 80 people. It’s a cosy, intimate venue that is adapted uniquely to each production. It has full dressing room and green room facilities, a box office and a theatre bar for interval drinks. The space is available for hire for productions, corporate events, comedy, casino nights and even wedding receptions.
The theatre’s programme of shows comprises new writing, drama, musical theatre, cabaret, improv comedy, open mic nights and comedy bingo.
Current programming includes Normal (a one-act LGBT comedy), Trade (a contemporary play that takes us inside the European sex-trafficking industry through the eyes of a young woman), Shell Suit Cher: Believe in Bingo (sing-a-long with a chain-smoking, shell-suit-wearing bingo host) and Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope (a one-man performance of an extraordinary life story).
To check out the venue further or to book tickets, please click here.