Furnace
Community is at the heart of what we do. We want you to come and make theatre with us.
Furnace is The REP's pioneering community engagement programme working with communities across Birmingham to engage and create theatre together.
Furnace Hubs
Our Furnace Hubs offer communities the opportunity to make a brand new piece of theatre that tells their story, reflects their experiences and celebrates their community.
Theatre makers from The REP are currently working in five different Furnace Hubs around Birmingham. Working closely with communities, listening to local stories and learning about the people and places there, they will create a brand new piece of theatre with, for and about your community.
The Furnace Hub Performances are:
3 & 20 July
Our Feast
by Rachael Mainwaring
Rachael has been working with women's groups at The Dolphin Women's Centre, Washwood Heath and Birchfield Big Local.
Click Here for Ticket Information
Blog: The latest on Rachael's project
11, 12 & 13 July
Fred Jeffs: The Sweetshop Murder
by Graeme Rose
Graeme has been working with communities in Quinton, Smethwick and Oldbury to investigate an unsolved murder from 1957.
Click Here for Ticket Information
Blog: The latest from the case
17 & 18 July
The Sense Of You
by Sarah Hamilton Baker
Sarah has been working with Focus, Birmingham, a charity supporting people with visual impairment.
Click Here for Ticket Information
Blog: Read more from Sarah here
25 July
Run The World
by Manjeet Mann
Manjeet has been working with Ashiana Community Project in Sparkbrook.
Click Here for Ticket Information
Blog: Read more about Manjeet's project
4 August
Echoes Of The Estate
by Jay Crutchley
Jay has been working on the estate of Welsh House Farm with The Big Local.
Click Here for Ticket Information
Blog: Read the latest from Jay on our blog
Use the map on the right of this page to see the locations of our Hub performances!
Woyzeck
Woyzeck is a vibrant celebration of fighting for a better life. It is a celebration of standing up to those who try to keep us down. Most of all, it's a celebration of the West Midlands spirit as a stellar professional cast is joined by a community chorus of 100 performers and dancers.
Find out more and book tickets here.
We Come and Pave the Streets with Gold Exhibition
21 April – 22 May
Oikos Café, Erdington
Photographs taken by Birmingham based photographer, Sanjit Bhamra
Frames designed by Laura Stone
Stemming from a Furnace project by acclaimed theatre maker Selina Thompson, this new exhibition features and celebrates the unique people and places that make up Erdington High Street. It is a joyful celebration of the remarkable stories of Erdington. This touring exhibition will be open at Oikos Café in Erdington from 21 April and is free to enter.
Other ways to get involved:
- Unleash your inner artist with our weekly art classes which cost just £5 - email stage.door@birmingham-rep.co.uk if you would like to attend.
- Stay for a free Post-Show Discussion.
- Find out more about us at a REP Discovery Day
- Play the piano in our foyer (ask at the Box Office counter for access).
- Discover a range of playwrights, styles and periods with our fun, informal Play-Reading Group.
If you have a story to share, please contact The REP's Community Engagement Producer, Rosalyn Lesurf-Olner by emailing rosalyn.lesurf-olner@birmingham-rep.co.uk.
