The Old Rep has announced they have begun a partnership with TCU – The Creative Universe and they will now be the first resident theatre company to be based at the theatre.

The Creative Universe (TCU) was established in 2014 by Kieron ‘Konez’ Burke and Tennexa Freeman along with other supporting diverse artists. They are a grassroot Black-led company that specialise in street-based theatre.

The Creative Universe will be based at The Old Rep Theatre and will work alongside staff to showcase professional productions, theatre workshops and training opportunities for young people to work within the creative arts.

The resident company will stage their Summer pantomime Zendaya at the venue on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 July. Zendaya is an exciting children’s adventure and immersive performance. A child born new to mankind uses her superhero powers to save the natives of the tropical Jungle Mongabay. Action-packed filled with music, laughter and dance.

Guided by Anansi the Spider can Zendaya outwit Queen Oolori and her soldiers? Find out in the ultimate magical pantomime adventure!

Zendaya is directed by Kieron ‘Konez’ Burke and written by Tennexa Freeman. The cast will star Remmi Jade, Josh Naraldo, Kate Chapman, Gemma Adnan and former Channel 4’s Gogglebox star Sandra Martin. A relaxed performance will take place on Thursday 28 July.

The event is a Creative City Project generously funded by Birmingham City Council and will be part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Theatre Manager of The Old Rep Theatre, Darren Knapton, said “As one of Birmingham’s most historic theatres, The Old Rep Theatre is very excited to welcome Zendaya to our iconic stage and immerse the city in British Caribbean heritage through this newly devised pantomime.”

“To be able to welcome some of Birmingham’s ultra-talented performers to the theatre is always a real blessing. We are thrilled to be working in partnership with The Creative Universe and look forward to what will be the first of many projects together”.

Tickets are now on sale. To book, visit: oldreptheatre.co.uk