Theatre group to take over running historic venue

The Old Rep Theatre will be run by the Crescent Theatre from August

A theatre company in Birmingham has confirmed it is taking over the operation of another historic venue in the city.

Bosses at the Crescent Theatre said it would see the city’s creative sector go from strength to strength, as it takes on the running of the 111-year-old Old Rep on Station Street.

The Old Rep is the country’s oldest purpose-built repertory theatre, according to bosses, and has seen performances from the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier.

Chair of the Crescent Theatre Kevin Middleton said he was overjoyed at the announcement.

“Both the Crescent and The Old Rep have been part of Birmingham’s cultural landscape for over a century each and being able to unite two of the oldest theatre names in Birmingham is a huge milestone,” he said.

“It’s incredibly exciting and satisfying to be part of ensuring The Old Rep continues as a working theatre for the people of Birmingham, while also continuing to offer modern production facilities at our existing building in Brindleyplace.”

The Grade II listed theatre opened in 1913 with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and has been operated by the BOA Group since 2014.

It was the original home of the Birmingham Repertory Company led by Sir Barry Jackson.

The Crescent Theatre, which is celebrating its centenary this year, will take over the operation of the Old Rep from August.

BOA Group chief executive Kate Tague said: “The Old Rep Theatre is a crucial part of the arts landscape in Birmingham, and has given young performers and new talent a home in the city for over 100 years.

“BOA Group has been honoured to operate the theatre since 2014, but the time is now right for new management to take the Old Rep to even greater heights.”

In March, more than 18,000 people signed a petition to save a series of historic hotspots on Station Street, including the Old Rep.

The nearby Electric Cinema, which first opened in 1909 in a converted taxi rank - closed on 29 February, prompting a public outcry to save it.