New shows in 2022-23
We’re adding even more shows to our 2022-23 season!
From Nina Simone to Tartuffe, and from Ballet Black to Nativity The Musical, the Autumn Season represents a true diversity of theatrical. I’m delighted to be starting the new year in ‘23 with two world premiere comedies, and am thrilled that Tom Cruise has agreed to follow in the footsteps of Sir Laurence Olivier, and make his theatrical debut at The Rep – Sean Foley, Artistic Director
Spitting Image Live: Featuring The Liar King
Wed 1 Feb–Sat 11 Mar 2023
See the world-famous puppets live on stage for the first time ever as Spitting Image Live treads the boards of The Rep from Wed 1 Feb – Sat 11 Mar 2023. Undeterred by the eternal chaos and anarchy in the UK, and Lizz Truss getting Britain moving backwards to the abyss, Spitting Image has prepared a new cast of misfits for a theatrical extravaganza like no other. Witness a monstrous cast of stars including the newly un-elected King Charles, everyone’s favourite tyrants Vladimir Putin & Xi Jinping, plus Tyson Fury, Greta Thunberg, RuPaul, Tom Cruise, Stormzy, Beyoncé, and many more. Written by Al Murray, Matt Forde and Sean Foley. Directed by Birmingham Rep’s Artistic Director, double Olivier Award winner, Sean Foley, this is sure to be the must-see theatrical spectacular of 2023.
The Way Old Friends Do
17 Feb-4 Mar 23
The Way Old Friends Do will receive its world premiere at The Rep ahead of a UK tour. In 1988, two Birmingham school friends tentatively come out to one another: one as gay, the other – more shockingly – as an ABBA fan. Nearly thirty years later, a chance meeting sets them on a brand-new path and they decide to form the world’s first ABBA tribute band – in drag! But can their friendship survive the tribulations of a life on the road which includes platform boots, fake beards and a distractingly attractive stranger?
Ballet Black
28 Sep 22
Celebrating twenty years, Ballet Black is delighted to present two new works in 2022. Black Sun by acclaimed South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma (Vuyani Dance Theatre) featuring an original score by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante (Boy Blue) is a work that draws energy from the sun and the moon giving rise to descendants of ancestors. These forces only meet to blacken, allowing us to draw from their powers as we prepare for life after life.
Black is the Colour of My Voice
9-11 Feb 23
Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.
The Influence of Shakespeare on Bollywood
20 October 22
The Birmingham Shakespeare Library contains works in over 90 languages. Among these are nearly 100 South Asian translations, adaptations, and modernisations of Shakespeare. In a special new film, DESIblitz explore how Shakespeare influenced Bollywood filmmaking through time
Desi Central Comedy Show
15 Oct 22
Get ready folks, Desi Central returns with another hilarious line up… so round up your friends and family and join us for an uplifting night of laughter with this infamous tour!
Guaranteed to be a night full of hilarity with some kick ass comics. So leave your worries at the door and enter the world of Desi Central for a night you won’t forget. They pride themselves on championing comedians who appeal to comedy lovers of all backgrounds – so book up now because we want you to always be kushi and never gham!
COBO COMEDY SHUTDOWN
22 Oct 22
COBO: Comedy Shutdown brings a Black History Month Special to Birmingham Rep. Round up your friends and family and join us for an uplifting night of laughter!
Featuring Richard Blackwood (EastEnders, Hollyoaks), Trixx (Stand Up Comedian & Web Star From Toronto), Shabz Kariem (energetic and hard hitting) and Lovell Smith (Best New Act 2019).
If you’ve never been to one of these nights before then get ready for an evening of rip-roaring, back slapping belly laughs!
Tickets for this new season are now on priority sale, with tickets going on sale to the public from 12pm, Thu 30 June.