Birmingham Rep, the city’s only producing-house theatre, has unveiled an ambitious new programme that will entertain audiences throughout 2026 and into 2027. This marks the debut season from newly appointed Artistic Director Joe Murphy, promising bold takes on classics, adaptations of best-sellers, and brand-new commissions – all made in Birmingham.

On launching his first season, Joe Murphy said:

“This season offers a big, bold and daring programme that galvanises a diverse audience. It’s unashamedly popular, but created with integrity, connection and a deep commitment to our city. Most importantly, it’s designed to give people a really great night out. Whether it’s the festive magic of Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas, the anarchy and wonder of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or the gothic beauty of Sweeney Todd, these experiences are tailor-made to make audiences laugh, cry, and feel alive.”

Opening the season is a powerful new adaptation of Small Island, adapted by Helen Edmundson and directed by Matthew Xia, running 1–18 April in a co-production with Leeds Playhouse and Nottingham Playhouse. Joe Murphy and Deputy Artistic Director Madeleine Kludje then co-direct a vibrant, rave-inspired A Midsummer Night’s Dream (25 April – 24 May), followed by Sondheim’s masterpiece Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (4 July – 9 August).

Later in the year, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time returns in a major new production, co-produced with Melting Pot, before embarking on a UK tour. Audiences can also expect Sweet Henry Von (23–24 January), John Niven’s The Battle starring Mathew Horne (11 February – 7 March), and a spectacular festive season with Peter Pan (18 November 2026 – 17 January 2027) and The Ugly Duckling (3 December 2026 – 10 January 2027).

Looking ahead to 2027, highlights include the return of A Thousand Splendid Suns and Casey Bailey’s GrimeBoy, alongside new commissions celebrating Birmingham stories, including adaptations of Q & A by Ayub Khan Din, Jane Eyre by Rachel De-lahay, and Kit de Waal’s My Name is Leon.

The Rep’s extensive season also features touring theatre, dance, comedy, family entertainment, artist development programmes, and opportunities for local communities to get involved – including open auditions for A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2026.

Tickets and full details available at: www.birmingham-rep.co.uk