Up To Scratch is a brand-new monthly development evening that has been set up to give creatives a city-centre platform to develop their work. It’s all about bringing new work to The Old Rep!

Once a month on a Thursday night, The Old Rep will be opening its doors to artists and companies to give them the opportunity to test out their material in a safe space joined by a positive and friendly audience. The way it works is simple - submit your work to us, give us time to read it, await a slot at one of our scratch nights, turn up and experience your work up on its feet, take in the audience feedback and then enjoy the other work on display.

It is free to attend and all that we ask is that you help the other artists by offering feedback.

In return, we will give you a space, rehearsal time, an audience, feedback, and support with performers and directing where requested.

If you have any work that you would like to perform yourself, or by others, email darren.knapton@oldreptheatre.co.uk.

line-up will be announced a couple of days prior to the event.

We are proud to announce that we will be participating in this year’s Birmingham Heritage Week.

To celebrate we are opening our 109-year-old doors to reveal a fascinating history with our behind the scenes tours accompanied by a traditional Afternoon Tea. As the UK’s first purpose-built repertory theatre, The Old Rep occupies a unique place in theatre history. This iconic theatre, founded by Sir Barry Jackson, played a central role in the early careers of many of the UK’s most celebrated actors and theatre makers.

The tour will last around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Afterwards you can enjoy your Afternoon Tea in a surprise location in the venue. An option to upgrade your drink for £2 extra at the checkout is also available.

Please note: due to the age of the building the tour will involve climbing numerous stairs so is not suitable for anyone with impaired mobility.

thursday 15  September: 11am (sold out!)

thursday 15 September: 2.30pm (Good availability)

Friday 16 September: 11am (Limited Availability)

Saturday 17 September: 11am (Sold out!)

Extended due to popular demand! Kerry’s back on tour after what she thought would be a little “she” time. No chance. Her bosh-like nature will never let her rest. Well, that and a needy cat, a constantly disappointing camper van, ever-raging feelings of mum guilt and bewilderment at the phasing out of thimbles. All will be explained.

As seen on Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, Taskmaster, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Cats Does Countdown, After Life, Save Me and Call The Midwife and heard on The News Quiz, The Now Show and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

"vigour, charm and plenty good gags"  The Guardian

★★★★ “Her new show finds her on exquisitely crowd-pleasing form. Some sublime culture clash material”  Evening Standard

★★★★ “Godliman, nicely foul-mouthed when she wants to be, is caustic when required”  ARTSDESK

Austentatious is saddling the horses for a Grand Tour of the United Kingdom! Before Bridgerton there was… Austentatious!

The smash-hit Regency comedy romp returns, stuffed with rakish dukes, swooning ladies, and romantic entanglements aplenty. Austentatious is an improvised comedy play starring a cast of the country’s quickest comic performers. Every single show the cast conjures up a brand new ‘lost’ Jane Austen novel based on nothing more than a title suggested by the audience.

The show comes fresh from multiple sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, a weekly residency in London’s West End and a BBC Radio 4 Christmas special. Now Austentatious will be appearing at theatres across the country to entertain and astonish audiences in equal measure. No two shows are ever the same, with previous ‘lost’ masterpieces including 'Crazy Rich Georgians', 'Double 0 Darcy' & 'Game of Scones'. Performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, this is a Regency treat guaranteed to delight the whole Ton, Austen novices and die-hard fans alike.

Part of the Birmingham Comedy Festival 2022

By invitation of Prince Charming, you are officially invited to The Royal Ball this Autumn as Adult Panto Tour return with the most magical, naughty tale of them all, Sinderella!

Will poor Cinderella make it to the ball or will her wicked Step Mother Detox (Drag Race Season 5 and All Stars Season 2) and Ugly Sisters Sophia Stardust and Tiana Biscuit stop her?

Under the guidance of our magical Fairy Drag Mother, Janey Jacke (Drag Race Holland Season 1 and UK vs The World Season 1) and the lovable Buttons Davey Hopper (Little Willy in Rapunzel 2021 and Buttons in Sinderella 2020)

Will Prince Charming and HUNdini, David Potts (Ibiza Weekender) find Cinerella and ensure the glass slipper is returned to her and true love prevails?

With Sparkling Sets and Costumes, an Utterly Filthy ‘laugh a minute script’ and all the usual cheesy anthems, fun, frolics, laughter and audience participation you would expect. get ready for a night at the theatre you won’t forget in a hurry, oh no you won’t!

This Christmas The Old Rep brings the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast to life.

This musical adventure follows Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman, as she finds herself trapped in an enchanted castle in the depths of the forest captured by the grotesque Beast. Will she learn to love him for who he truly is and break the spell.

From the creative team behind last year’s Alice in Wonderland, comes a seasonal adventure for the entire family. With spellbinding storytelling, set to an original score and a few magical surprises along the way this re-imagining of a classic fairytale will excite, entertain and leave you spellbound.

Please note: this is not a Disney^® production

Preview shows: Friday 18 & Saturday 19 November, both 1.30pm.

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performance: Saturday 10 December, 1.30pm.