When it comes to theatrical history, there are few places as decorated as Birmingham. The first permanent theatre in Birmingham opened all the way back in the 1740s and since then, there’s been no shortage of extraordinary performances. While the pandemic may have brought a halt to productions, that doesn’t mean we’re not getting excited about visiting them.
With a constantly evolving arts scene, Birmingham is undoubtedly the go-to destination for culture in the West Midlands. An example of this heritage is the Alexandra Theatre, which has been the beating heart of Birmingham’s cultural development for more than a century. After construction began in 1901, a modern renovation in 2018 has seen the Theatre go from strength to strength, hosting everything from pantos to musicals. Make sure you keep an eye out for ‘Heathers: The Musical’ this September!
As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham has got its fair share of remarkable actors. The beautiful Birmingham Repertory Theatre has a star-studded list of actors that began their careers on the hallowed stage, including Ralph Richardson, Edith Evans and Laurence Olivier. Located in the heart of the city, the BRT boasts a clean, modern design with a huge stage and seating area. The theatre is also proud to offer a wide variety of shows, from youth projects to contemporary productions, such as ‘Constructed’, confronting 21st century problems face to face.
If your tastes are more traditional, the Birmingham area doesn’t disappoint. The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre will suit those who like watching their theatre in grand surroundings. Established in 1895 around 15 miles from Birmingham, the Grand Theatre has been at the heart of West Midlands theatre for generations. You can tell too – the stunning architecture is the perfect frame for one of their exciting upcoming productions. With Come What May and Footloose on the horizon, musical fans won’t want to miss out on this incredible theatre experience.
As you can see, Birmingham is one of the leading cities in modern British theatre. While it might seem all doom and gloom, it’s important to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the theatre industry. When you step inside these beautiful venues for the first time, theatre will do what theatre does best – take you to a whole new world.