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 300+ seat main house, 100+ 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 and hosted the Little Theatre Guild Conference and AGM on March 20th - 22nd 2009. Further details are on the LTG Conference pages.
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 to a traverse style. With a full height
fly tower, traps provision, generous
wing
space, an orchestra pit with accommodation for 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. On street parking is limited with restrictions now in force until 7.30pm. See Location map for more information.
Coach parties can be dropped off opposite the Crescent Theatre in the bus/coach bays provided. These provide a 30min stay for drop off and pick up. A brand new coach parking facility is located in Brewery St. (Post code: B6 4HT). For enquiries contact the Parking Team on 0121 675 5119.
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.
The Crescent Theatre Bar
The Theatre Bar and Coffee Bar, overlooking the canal, offers a wide selection of refreshments in a spacious, relaxed atmosphere.
At the end of a performance, members will often sit and discuss the play, gossip or simply put the world to rights.
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.
Group organisers are advised to book well in advance, please contact the Box Office for programme information on 0121 643 5858.