Artistic director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Sean Foley, has today announced the programme for the 50th anniversary season in its current home on Centenary Square, with tickets on sale now.

Smash hit comedy-drama East is East will open the season for the 25th anniversary of the first time it was performed at the venue, running from 3-25 September. What’s New Pussycat, a brand-new musical that invites you to experience London in the swinging Sixties with the music of Tom Jones, directed by Luke Sheppard and choreographed by Arlene Phillips CBE, will play from 8 October to 14 November. 

Sean Foley will then present his hit play The Play What I Wrote from 27 November to 1 January 2022, with every performance featuring a special guest star. Previous mystery guest stars have included Ralph Fiennes, Ewan McGregor, Joanna Lumley, Daniel Radcliffe, Kylie Minogue, Nigel Havers, Jerry Hall, Sir Ian McKellen, Dawn French and Sting. 

Coming to England by Floella Benjamin will then play at the venue from 19 February to 6 March, telling the story of her own experiences in coming to the UK. 

Sean Foley said: I’m thrilled to be able to announce what has become, in effect, my first season of work at this iconic and beloved theatre. All theatres have undergone tremendous challenges over the past year, and very many tough decisions have had to be made to get us to this point. We are tremendously excited by the shows and proud of the amazing array of creative talent from our freelance community that will be at The REP for this very special 50th Anniversary season of the company on Centenary Square. The programme is testament to the whole company’s determination and desire to share the amazing event of live theatre with our audiences again, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back – back to entertainment, to debate, to laughter, and to the sheer joy of experiencing the excitement that being part of a great night out brings.”

All tickets are now on sale here.