Birmingham Repertory Theatre (commonly called Birmingham Rep or just The Rep) is a theatre and theatre company based on Centenary Square in Birmingham, England. It is one of the most influential companies in the history of the English Stage.

The Rep was founded by Barry Jackson in 1913 when the earlier touring 'Pilgrim Players' company opened a permanent home on Station Street (now the Old Rep). The stated aim was to "serve an art instead of making that art serve a commercial purpose." and under Jackson the company quickly revolutionised English Theatre, promoting experimental productions and pioneering innovations such as performing Shakespeare in modern dress.

The Rep's radical reputation attracted young talent. Actors who first rose to prominence at the pre-war Rep included Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft, Edith Evans, Stewart Granger and Ralph Richardson. The director Peter Brook launched his explosive career at the Rep in 1945.

Although Jackson retired in 1948 the Rep retained its national and international reputation, discovering actors such as Paul Scofield, Julie Christie and Derek Jacobi.

In 1971 the company moved from Station Street to a new 900 seat theatre designed by Graham Winteringham on Broad Street, in the area that would later be developed as Centenary Square. In 1998 the company opened The Door as a second auditorium specialising in new writing.

In 2004 the company controversially cancelled as series of performances of Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti's play Behzti after protests from Birmingham's large Sikh community.

External links

• Birmingham Rep Official Website
• BBC News report of the Behtzi controversy

Culture in Birmingham, England | Buildings and structures in Birmingham, England | Theatre companies | Theatres in England