Oldbury Repertory Players present their 66th season of productions for 2005/06.
In Two Minds
Divorced bookseller David and his new partner, Anne, are moving into a Victorian house. But strange events cast a dark shadow and cause David's negative thoughts and suspicions to surface. Their sinister neighbour keeps popping round uninvited. He is married but where is his wife? And why does the house seem larger on the outside than it does on the inside? Find out the truth in this gripping psychological thriller by the author of Outside Edge and Stepping Out.
17 - 24 September
Absurd Person Singular
We visit three couples in their three kitchens on the Christmas Eve of three successive years. We witness the behind-the-scenes disasters that occur at Christmas parties as each couple try to outdo each other, as their fortunes advance or decline in this wild comedy by the ever popular Alan Ackbourn. Essential preparation for the Festive Season.
12 - 19 November
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack sets forth to save his mother from the wicked bailiffs by selling the family cow. But all he gets is a handful of beans and a cartload of trouble in this giant of a traditional pantomime, full of fun for all the family.
11 - 21 January
Time and the Conways
In Celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Barlow Theatre we present a classic drama of the Twentieth century. It is 1919 and the shadows of war still hang over the nation, but the Conway family look forward to better times. Ten years later and the family's dreams are shattered. Finally we return to the optimism of 1919 knowing that their future will be very different from the one which they dream of.
11 - 18 March
The Beauty Queen of Leenane
In a dingy cottage in Leenane, a remote part of Galway, spinster Maureen lives with her self-pitying, ruthless, hateful mother, Meg. Escape from this nightmare comes in the form of Palo Dooley who is about to go to Boston. But will Maureen take her chance to break free? And what will Meg do to stop her? A gripping drama from an acclaimed playwright.
6 - 13 May
Brassed Off
Grimley Colliery is about to close. There is more money in it shut than open. It means 1200 job losses, a dying town and the loss of its brass band. But under the leadership of Danny, coughing with coal dusted lungs, the band is transformed into British champions, becoming a symbol of the fighting spirit of the workers and townsfolk of Grimley. We are proud to present this grand finale to our anniversary season in conjunction with the award winning Langley band. A not to be missed production featuring two of Langley's finest.
3 - 15 July
Studio Productions - Shakers
A Wickedly funny glimpse of the world as seen through the eyes of four long suffering waitresses in a trendy local wine bar, playing themselves and a cross section of their colourful customers. First seen on the main stage in March '92 we now present the 're-stirred' version, recently updated from the original
Dates: 28th March - 1st April
Barlow Theatre 1956-2006
1999 saw the 60th anniversary of the start of Oldbury Repertory Players. This season is another landmark for the company. The 50th anniversary of the opening of the Barlow Theatre, the home of Oldbury Rep. A converted chapel it was opened by the then president of O.R.P. Mrs Jessie Barlow in the presence of Sir Barry Jackson, the founder of B'ham rep, in January 1956. In 1972 disaster struck when a fire, started by an arsonist, left the stage area roofless and the auditorium blackened by smoke. The company then embarked on an ambitious plan of refurbishment and enlargement. Over the decades the theatre has continued to improve facilities and in our 66th season we continue to be Sandwell's only purpose built theatre firmly established at the heart of the local community. Read more ORP History.
Whilst every effort is made to present the productions as listed, there are occasional circumstances beyond our control which may necessitate a change to the published programme.
Performances begin at 7:30pm unless otherwise stated. To avoid disappointment patrons are reminded that latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable point in the performance. Patrons are also requested to switch off all mobile phones, pagers and silence alarm watches when in the auditorium.
We would like to also remind patrons that we have extended out NO SMOKING policy to include all areas of the theatre including the bar and foyer. We appreciate the support of all out members and audiences and hope for your help and co-operation for maintaining this policy.
Oldbury Rep. is a registered charity and a member of the Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain.
1939-1949 : 1950-1959 : 1960-1969 : 1970-1979 : 1980-1989 : 1990-1999 : 2000/01 : 2001/02 : 2002/03 : 2004/05 : 2005/06 : 2006/07 : 2007/08 : App