Furnace
Community is at the heart of what we do. We want you to come and make theatre with us.
Furnace was The REP's pioneering community engagement programme working with communities across Birmingham to engage and create theatre together.
Furnace Hubs
Our Furnace Hubs offered communities the opportunity to make a brand new piece of theatre that told their story, reflected their experiences and celebrates their community.
Theatre makers from The REP worked in five different Furnace Hubs around Birmingham. Working closely with communities, listening to local stories and learning about the people and places there, they created a brand new piece of theatre with, for and about that community.
The Furnace Hub Performances were:
Our Feast
by Rachael Mainwaring
Rachael worked with women's groups at The Dolphin Women's Centre, Washwood Heath and Birchfield Big Local.
Blog: The latest on Rachael's project
Find out more about the project:
Fred Jeffs: The Sweetshop Murder
by Graeme Rose
Graeme worked with communities in Quinton, Smethwick and Oldbury to investigate an unsolved murder from 1957.
Blog: The latest from the case
The Sense Of You
by Sarah Hamilton Baker
Sarah worked with Focus, Birmingham, a charity supporting people with visual impairment.
Blog: Read more from Sarah here
Hear more about the project:
Run The World
by Manjeet Mann
Manjeet worked with Ashiana Community Project in Sparkbrook.
Blog: Read more about Manjeet's project
Find out more about the project:
Echoes Of The Estate
by Jay Crutchley
Jay worked on the estate of Welsh House Farm with The Big Local.
Blog: Read the latest from Jay on our blog
Watch the project unfold:
Use the map on the right of this page to see the locations of our Hub performances!
Woyzeck
Woyzeck was a vibrant celebration of fighting for a better life. It was a celebration of standing up to those who try to keep us down. Most of all, it was a celebration of the West Midlands spirit as a stellar professional cast was joined by a community chorus of 100 performers and dancers.
Furnace Friends
Furnace Friends is a membership set up for Furnace participants, to continue to stay in touch. Furnace Friends are entitled to:
- 2x complimentary tickets to Blue / Orange
- 2x complimentary tickets to We've Got Each Other
- 1 Backstage Tour
- 1 Furnace Friends reception invite
- Regular email news bulletins
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.
