Birmingham Repertory Theatre is located in Centenary Square, Birmingham. The theatre forms part of the International Convention Centre (ICC), which is one of the UK’s main conference venues. The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company itself (commonly known as the Rep) has been one of the longest-established building-based theatre companies in the UK.

The Rep was originally established in 1907 by theatre director Barry Jackson, and founded its first home on Station Street in 1913. The construction of the building took just four months, operating both day and night, and became the first purpose-built repertory theatre in the world. Despite experiencing financial losses in its early decades, the theatre’s reputation attracted serious talent, including Laurence Olivier, Cedric Hardwicke and Edith Evans.

The Rep transferred over to their Broad Street venue in 1971 and enjoyed many years of success there. The construction of The Studio the following year saw some of Britain’s greatest artistic talent make use of it, including Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench and Derek Jacobi. The current building was expanded and refurbished and now forms part of the ICC which is located on the same site.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre presents a diverse programme of works, and is especially well known for its musicals. Some of the biggest world premieres have started there, recently including The Snowman (which has had international acclaim), and Nativity! The Musical.