Birmingham Repertory Theatre goes on the road

The REP Theatre has been home to the company since 1971

Birmingham REP closed its doors on Saturday, 8 January 2011 for two years and begins its first ever offsite season.

The theatre is being renovated as part of the new Library of Birmingham development.

While the work takes place, the company will perform at different venues across the city.

The theatre is set to reopen in 2013, which will be just in time for its 100th birthday.

Final Curtain

To mark the temporary closure of The REP in Centenary Square, a special one off show took place, hosted by BBC WM mid-morning presenter Joanne Malin.

Birmingham born writer Steven Camden, known as Polarbear, was on stage with The REP's youth theatre, performing a piece of poetry he'd penned celebrating the theatre, that was inspired by customers' memories.

Theatre goers were also given the chance to feature in a short film about The REP and to go backstage for a final time.

Moving on

Founded in 1913, Birmingham Repertory Theatre has been a leading national theatre company. It has introduced a range of new and foreign plays to the British theatre repertoire, and has been a springboard for many internationally acclaimed actors, designers and directors.

The building in Centenary Square has been home to the theatre company since 1971, after a move from the original building in Station Street, now known as The Old Rep.

On the road

The REP will reopen in 2013 as part of the new library development

The company will spend two years performing at other theatres and more unusual venues such as converted warehouses.

The REP's General Manager Trina Jones said: "The Final Curtain marks a special moment in our history as we say goodbye to our old building.

"We're beginning an exciting new journey across the city and there's a lot to look forward to, but we have so many happy memories of our time here and we wanted to celebrate what we've achieved."

The Box

The REP's box office has relocated to the lobby of the Central Library in Chamberlain Square. This will be operational until the company returns to the integrated REP/Library of Birmingham building in 2013, when a single box office will be located in the foyer of the new building.

The ticket office will be known as The Box and will sell tickets for The REP's off-site programme as well as The Old REP, Adrian Boult Hall, the Library Theatre and a range of other city events and venues.

The REP's web address stays the same: birmingham-rep.co.uk