The Rep have announced details of additional new shows for its already sparkling 2024/25 season providing audiences with a rich variety of comedy, new drama, thrills and world class performances.

Direct from the RSC and London’s West End and exploding onto The Rep’s stage from 1 - 5 April is the acclaimed production The Merchant of Venice 1936. Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman (Eastenders, Doctor Who) as Shylock, Shakespeare’s classic is transported to 1930s Britain in this “striking and impactful” (Guardian) new production that “makes theatre history” (The Telegraph), from acclaimed director Brigid Larmour.

Tensions in London’s East End are rising and Shylock, a resilient single mother and hard-working businesswoman, is desperate to protect her daughter’s future. When the charismatic merchant Antonio comes to her for a loan, a high-stakes deal is struck. Will Shylock take her revenge, and who will pay the ultimate price?

To celebrate Black History month The Rep hosts COBO : Comedy Shutdown on 19 October a special evening brought to the stage by the multi- award-winning LuvEntertainment. COBO : Comedy Shutdown features some of the best comedians on the circuit including Kat B (BBC, MTV) Michelle de Swarte (BBC, ITV), Nabil Abdulrashid (BBC Live At The Apollo, ITV Stand Up Sketch Show) and Limahl Germain(Comedy Central Live).

Hitchcock meets Lord of the Flies on 15 and 16 November in the exciting brand-new comedy-thriller Rotten by the emerging writer, actor and producer Josie White. Three young, regional actresses are struggling to survive in London. Their shared dream is dwindling away quicker than their bank balances. But who needs electricity? Or Netflix? Every night through their grotty living room window the antiheroes have a front row seat into the life of: Instagram ‘Celebrity’ The Honourable Iris Montague-Willis. When the girls spot Iris in a compromising position, they see their chance to cash in. But their truly rotten plan to get rich quick soon backfires spectacularly!

Rotten is written by Josie White, directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair and produced by Emmerson & Ward Productions (Gypsy Queen; Riot Act; The MP, Aunty Mandy & Me). Running from 27 January - 1 February is Birdsong, starring the award-winning actor Max Bowden, best known for the role of Ben Mitchell in EastEnders.

This new stage production of Sebastian Faulks’s epic story of love marks the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel. Set in pre-war France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their world upside down. As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground. Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes around him.

Direct from its triumph in the West End, The Rep is excited to welcome back David Pugh’s hugely acclaimed Pride and Prejudice* (sort of) for just one week only from 3 - 8 February. This unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy and the Evening Standard Award.

Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate adaptation where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance.  This multi award-winning production features a string of pop classes including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain.

Finally, families can look forward to The Worst Princess, a delightful dragontastic show for pop princesses and naughty knights which flies into The Rep on 23 April. Presented by Full House Theatre and based on the bestselling book by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie The Worst Princess is a delightful new stage production for the whole family.

Feisty Sue is not your everyday fairy tale superstar, in fact she’s The Worst Princess. After being rescued by her twit of a prince she’s ready to start her happy end. But first she’ll have to make friends with a dragon, escape from a tower and set the Prince’s pants on fire with her new fire-breathing bestie. Will Sue find her happily ever after?

Enjoy laugh-out-loud comedy, cool puppets, sing along pop anthems and a dazzling larger-than-life dragon as this bestselling picture book is brought to life on stage.  Suitable for ages 3+.

Tickets are on sale now, to book tickets visit birmingham-rep.co.uk