Old Rep

• Theatre ID
  496
• Built / Converted
  1913
• Dates of use
  • 1913: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  Station Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DY, England

Details

Historically important as first purpose-built repertory theatre in Britain. Design influenced by Munich Kunstlertheater of 1908. Built on narrow site with steeply raked stalls, one straight-fronted balcony (Barry Jackson would have chosen a bigger single tier had it not been for the small site) and plain panelled side walls. Flat coffered ceiling. Simple, corniced proscenium with chaste classical details. 6.7m (22ft) pros opening. Convertible orchestra pit. Good 3 1/2 storey neo-Georgian brick and stone façe in three bays, the outer bays narrow and rising to square attics, the centre bay window with giant Ionic pilasters supporting a full entablature, parapet and balustrade above. Ground floor ashlar faced with cantilever canopy extending the full width.

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• Other names
  Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Old Repertory Theatre
• Events
  • 1913 Use: continuing
  • 1913 Design/Construction:
    • S N Cooke - Architect
  • 1914 Alteration: adjacent building incorporated
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1946 Owner/Management: Birmingham Repertory Theatre Ltd
  • 1971 - 1993 Owner/Management: Birmingham City Council, owners
• Capacities
  • Original: 464 (including 200 in gallery)
  • Later: 1946: 468
  • Current: 378
• Listings
  • Grade II
• Stage type
  • Raked 1:42
• Dimensions
  • Building dimensions: frontage 43ft
  • Stage dimensions: Depth SL: 26ft SR: 29ft Width SL: 19ft 9in SR: 22ft 6in
  • Proscenium width: 22ft (6.71m)
  • Height to grid: 50ft
  • Inside proscenium: 37ft 3in
  • Orchestra pit: 15 (original is hidden)