The Old Rep Theatre are excited to announce HYSTERIA, a women-led theatre and arts festival celebrating the diverse and powerful voices of female-identifying playwrights, directors, actors, comedians, creatives and designers.
The festival will be taking place at The Old Rep Theatre in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre from Saturday 22nd July – Sunday 30th July 2023.
During this time the festival will showcase new works from creatives all over the UK and some even further. The line-up will include stand-up comedy, brand-new theatre works and adaptations that explore a wide range of themes and perspectives through a creative lens. The provisional line-up for the festival will be released throughout June, so keep your eye on the theatre and festivals social channels.
Through thought-provoking performances and engaging discussions, HYSTERIA aims to highlight the contributions of women to the theatre industry and to promote gender equality and inclusivity in all aspects of the arts.
Darren Knapton, Theatre Manager of The Old Rep Theatre said “Having seen so much inspirational and though-provoking women-led theatre and comedy since being in Birmingham, it is a pleasure to be involved with Hysteria Festival. For The Old Rep Theatre to be hosting a professional arts festival is a huge undertaking and we cannot wait to get started”.
The team consists of Elena Roselli (Lead Festival Producer), Alice Orlik, Prabjot Sandhu, Emma Carter (all Festival Producers), Emma Ferguson (Marketing & Sales) as well as a wider team located at The Old Rep Theatre and BOA (Birmingham Ormiston Academy) Trust. Volunteering opportunities for the festival will also be available to apply for soon. The Old Rep believe that everyone deserves the chance to speak their truth and where better than a stage with great historical significance? The theatre is looking to champion unheard voices and give them the power to inspire and create new work changing theatre as we know it.
Elena Roselli, from the University of Bologna in Italy, is currently working as an Event Management Intern at The Old Rep as well as a Lead Producer for HYSTERIA, she said “I am looking forward to experience the inner workings of an arts festival and working with many amazing performers in our soon to be announced line-up”. Likewise, Alice Orlik, Duty Manager of The Old Rep and Festival Producer for HYSTERIA added “A diverse and inclusive women-led theatre and arts Festival is what Birmingham needs to reflect the incredible culture that we have here. I’m so excited to be on Team HYSTERIA”.
Whether you are a seasoned theatregoer or a newcomer to the world of live performance, HYSTERIA Festival offers a unique and inspiring experience that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the artistry and creativity of women in theatre and the wider arts.
To raise funds for HYSTERIA festival the theatre will be hosting two Open Mic Fundraiser nights at the theatre, one taking place Thursday 8th June at 7pm. The Open Mic includes performances from up-and-coming artists, speeches and updates on the festival from our festival team, possible tasters of what the festival has to offer and an exciting raffle including some top-notch prizes. The evening promises to be jam-packed with arts, networking, drinks and lots of fun.
Tickets for the Open Mic Night are offered on a Pay As You Can scheme starting from just £2. All proceeds made through ticket sales and raffles will go directly to HYSTERIA Festival so they can continue their hard work creating a festival that celebrates the diverse and powerful voices of women in the arts industry.
The Open Mic line-ups are to be confirmed nearer the event. Want to participate in the Open Mic? Have a talent you want to show off? Or new work you want to test on an audience? Please email events@oldreptheatre.co.uk and the team will get back to you as soon as they can.
ENDS
For press and interview enquiries please contact the following:
Emma Ferguson, Marketing Assistant at The Old Rep Theatre (emma.ferguson@oldreptheatre.co.uk)
For further information, or to arrange an interview – please contact the Marketing Team on 0121 359 9440 or email marketing@oldreptheatre.co.uk.
Listing(s)
HYSTERIA Festival 2023
Saturday 22nd – Sunday 30th July (times vary)
Line Up TBC
The Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DY
Ticket office: 0121 359 9444 or email boxoffice@oldreptheatre.co.uk
Ticket link: www.oldreptheatre.co.uk/HYSTERIA-Festival-2023
HYSTERIA is a women-led theatre and arts festival celebrating the diverse and powerful voices of female identifying playwrights, directors, actors, comedians, creatives and designers.
The festival will be taking place from Saturday 22nd until Sunday 30th July at The Old Rep Theatre in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
During this time the festival will showcase new works from creatives all over the UK and some even further. The line-up will include stand-up comedy, brand-new theatre works and adaptations that explore a wide range of themes and perspectives through a creative lens.
Through thought-provoking performances and engaging discussions, HYSTERIA aims to highlight the contributions of women to the theatre industry and to promote gender equality and inclusivity in all aspects of the arts.
We believe that everyone deserves the chance to speak their truth and where better than a stage with great historical significance? At The Old Rep we are looking to champion unheard voices and give them the power to inspire and create new work changing theatre as we know it.
Whether you are a seasoned theatregoer or a newcomer to the world of live performance, HYSTERIA Festival offers a unique and inspiring experience that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the artistry and creativity of women in theatre and the wider arts.
We hope to welcome you along and enjoy the tapestry we have to offer.
HYSTERIA Festival: Open Mic & Fundraiser
Thursday 8th June (7pm) and Saturday 8th July (7pm)
The Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DY
Ticket office: 0121 359 9444 or email boxoffice@oldreptheatre.co.uk
Ticket link: www.oldreptheatre.co.uk/HYSTERIA-Festival-Open-Mic-Fundraisers
Tickets: Pay As You Can (A | £10, B | £5, C | £2)
HYSTERIA is a women-led theatre and arts festival celebrating the diverse and powerful voices of female identifying playwrights, directors, actors, comedians, creatives and designers. The festival will be taking place from Saturday 22nd until Sunday 30th July at The Old Rep Theatre.
To raise funds for the festival we will be hosting two Open Mic Fundraiser nights at the theatre on Thursday 8thJune (7pm) and Saturday 8th July (7pm). The Open Mic includes performances from up-and-coming artists, speeches and updates on the festival from our HYSTERIA team, possible tasters of what the festival has to offer and an exciting raffle* with some top-notch prizes. The evenings promise to be jam-packed with arts, networking, drinks and lots of fun.
Open Mic line-ups to be confirmed nearer the time. Want to participate in the Open Mic? Have a talent you want to show off? Or new work you want to test on an audience? Please email events@oldreptheatre.co.uk and the team will get back to you as soon as they can.
Tickets for these events are offered on a Pay As You Can scheme starting from just £2. All proceeds made through ticket sales and raffles will go directly to HYSTERIA Festival so they can continue their hard work creating a festival that celebrates the diverse and powerful voices of women in the arts industry.
*Please note: All raffle tickets must be purchased on the evening of the event from our HYSTERIA Team and the draws will be done throughout the evening. All people taking part in the raffle must purchase an event ticket.
Notes to Editors
About The Old Rep
The Old Rep is a young people driven theatre in the centre of Birmingham presenting a year-round programme of theatre, dance, comedy, musicals and creative workshops. In 2020 & 2016, The Old Rep were the proud winners of Best Small Theatre/Arts Venue, Birmingham in the What’s On Reader Awards.
The Old Rep is an iconic venue that occupies a unique place in theatre history as Britain’s first purpose-built repertory theatre. Opened in 1913, The Old Rep was the original home of the Birmingham Repertory Company led by Sir Barry Jackson, who moved to their new site on Broad Street in 1971.
Just as in the days of the repertory company where young actors would come from all over the country to learn their craft, The Old Rep strives to engage, educate and entertain the next generation of artists and theatre lovers. The Old Rep is dedicated to providing space for young people to craft a career in the arts and we offer a wide range of training opportunities within production, theatre management, marketing and technical theatre.
As of 2014, The Old Rep is operated and managed by the Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) Group.
www.oldreptheatre.co.uk
T. 0121 359 9444 | E. boxoffice@oldreptheatre.co.uk
Twitter @TheOldRep, Facebook /TheOldRepTheatre, Instagram @TheOldRepTheatre
About HYSTERIA Festival
HYSTERIA is a women-led theatre and arts festival celebrating the diverse and powerful voices of female identifying playwrights, directors, actors, comedians, creatives and designers. The festival will be taking place from Saturday 22nd until Sunday 30th July at The Old Rep Theatre.
Instagram & Facebook: @festivalhysteria
Team HYSTERIA
Elena Roselli – Lead Festival Producer & Events Management Intern (The Old Rep)
Alice Orlik – Festival Producer & Duty Manager (The Old Rep)
Prabjot Sandhu – Festival Producer & Duty Manager (The Old Rep)
Emma Carter – Festival Producer
Emma Ferguson – Marketing & Sales
Darren Knapton – Theatre Manager (The Old Rep)
Dilpesh Patel – Technical Manager (The Old Rep)
Scott McHurley – Duty Manager (The Old Rep)
Raj Dhokia – Site Team (The Old Rep)
Ann Grady – Housekeeper (The Old Rep)
Kate Tague – Chief Executive Officer (BOA Group)
Kate Wallace – Group Management Accountant (BOA Group)
Juliette Bates – Head of Estates (BOA Group)
Emma Richards – Head of HR (BOA Group)
Gill Neuenhaus – Finance Officer (BOA Group)
Ruth Morgan – Curriculum Leader – Creative Production (BOA Stage & Screen)
