What is the Crescent Theatre?

The Crescent is one of Birmingham's oldest theatre companies, operating from a purpose built theatre in the Brindleyplace development.  We have a membership in excess of 250 actors, technicians, set designers, etc. and stage upwards of fifteen productions a year. Our theatre has a 340+ seat main house, 120 seat studio theatre, rehearsal rooms and spacious bar.

This is our third home in the City of Birmingham - see the history page for a detailed account of our development over the last sixty years.

We stage about 15 productions a year ourselves and host numerous other companies, small and large, offering a wide variety of productions.

The Crescent is a founder member of The Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain.

Click on any of the photographs for a larger image.

The Crescent Theatre offers something special to all visitors. Whether you are attending a performance, organising a corporate event, performing at the venue or hiring costumes our staff and members will do all they can to meet your particular needs and make you feel at home.  If you would like to join us and take part in productions, visit our membership page for details.

Theatre is a dynamic, creative art-form and the Crescent Theatre reflects this.

THE AUDITORIA

The MAIN HOUSE can be converted from a traditional proscenium format (capacity 342) to a traverse style (capacity 360). With a full height fly tower, traps provision, generous wing space, an orchestra pit with accommodation for up to 35 musicians and easily accessible get-in, it is an ideal venue to stage large scale work in an intimate atmosphere.

 

The STUDIO has no fixed seating and so is a completely flexible space, suitable for staging everything from Shakespeare to a children's clown workshop or dinner dance.

 

Both auditoria are available for hire.  Click here for details.

PARKING

A 903 space multi-storey car park is situated next door to the theatre. Designed to be the best car park in the country, it is safe, clean and bright.

Coaches can drop parties at the front door and whilst there is no coach parking availability on Brindleyplace, there is ample on street parking availability along Sheepcote Street.

ACCESS

The Crescent Theatre particularly welcomes visitors, members and performers with disabilities. The adjacent car park has 12 designated parking spaces or alternatively people can be dropped at the front entrance (on Sheepcote Street). There is an adapted toilet on the ground floor and lift access to all levels. The Main House can accommodate up to six wheelchair users at any time and the Studio up to two. Large parties may be accommodated with advance notice.

Both auditoria are equipped with an infra red sound transmission system and headsets are available from the Duty Manager. Plot synopses for Crescent Theatre productions are available from one week prior to the first performance of each production.

All staircases have continuous handrails, with tactile surfaces at each landing. The Crescent Theatre offers audio described performances for all its main house productions. Season leaflets and production souvenir programmes are available in standard, large-print and audio formats.

Staff are always happy to assist if required. A detailed ACCESS GUIDE to the building is available. For further information please contact the Administration team on 0121 643 5859.

CATERING

The Theatre Bar and Coffee Bar, overlooking the canal, offers a wide selection of refreshments in a spacious, relaxed atmosphere.

The Bar also hosts exhibitions by local artists, adding to overall enjoyment of the evening out.   You can even purchase most exhibits!

At the end of a performance, members will often sit and discuss the play, gossip or simply put the world to rights.

Catering can be arranged for parties of 10 or more for before or after the performance. Alternatively you can buy a Theatre/Dinner ticket and enjoy a two course pre-show meal in The City Inn, just a minute's walk from the Theatre.

EDUCATION

The Crescent Theatre Company runs a thriving Youth Theatre Group which meets every Saturday during term time. The Company also provides occasional workshops and 'Theatre Days' when school children are given the opportunity to learn about all that goes into staging a play. Further details can be obtained from the Administration team on 0121 643 5859.

CORPORATE EVENTS

The Theatre is the perfect setting for a company event, conference or product launch.

The two Auditoria, Meeting Rooms, Rehearsal Room and Bar are all available for private functions, with a wide range of catering available. Contact the Administration team for further information on 0121 643 5859.

GROUPS

Organising a group visit to the Crescent Theatre could not be simpler. Parties of ten or more are eligible for these extra benefits:

• 1 FREE ticket in 10 for all Crescent Theatre Company productions

• FREE refreshment voucher for the Coach Driver

• Private room available FREE OF CHARGE for pre and after show buffets.

All benefits are subject to availability and providing that the group booking is fully paid in advance of the visit.

Group organisers are advised to book well in advance, please contact the Box Office for programme information on 0121 643 5858.