The Ghost Light is the first to be brought to life onstage at The Old Rep. A BOA production, supported by the Heritage Fund, The Ghost Light has been developed entirely by a team of current BOA students, and a former BOA student in writer-supervisor Sam Simkin. Inspired by the stories and the lives of those living in Birmingham’s infamous Back-to-Back houses, The Ghost Light is a fictional tale of a young man returning from the war, and living in the Back-to-Backs until they were put out of use in 1966.

Our Old Rep, a Youth initiative funded by the Heritage Fund and the Sir Barry Jackson Trust, is also being brought to the stage in the form of The Old Rep Youth Theatre Showcase. Two Youth groups, between ages 8-19, have spent 6 months creating a brand new musical-inspired performance, based on the history of The Old Rep.

A whistle-stop tour through the theatre’s history, from its first performance, to the role of its workers in the World Wars, to its most recent, exciting, youth-focused productions, The Youth Theatre Showcase will bring the history of The Old Rep to life through the work of young and exciting talent today.

Michael Penn, Executive Director of The Old Rep Theatre & Vice Principal of BOA said, “It is always fantastic to showcase the talent of young people at both The Old Rep and BOA, but this is unique; two young groups have had the chance to investigate key parts of Birmingham’s history, and tell stories that represent our city and its heritage”.