Drama at Birmingham Fuller's pub

v

October 5, 2006: The Birmingham acting fraternity has a new place to perform with the unveiling today of an 80-seat theatre in the Old Joint Stock, Temple Row West - a Fuller's Ale & Pie House.

The new addition to the pub will host serious dramas, comedy nights and a range of plays, from classics to locally-written productions.

The theatre is the brainchild of pub manager Alison Turner and sits on the second floor of the building. It includes full dressing and green room facilities, a box office, cloakroom and lounge area for interval drinks, as well as a demountable stage which can be moved to allow each production to change the way the venue is laid out.

Alison Turner said: “We used to run some plays in our function room and I could see that there was potential to expand the concept. Now, with a £350,000 investment and the support of various customers - especially BBC producer Beverley Dartnell and scriptwriter Claire Bennett - my plan has finally come to fruition.

“This is like a dream come true for me. I am very excited about the venture and can’t wait to get the first plays up and running.

“The Old Joint Stock theatre will offer Birmingham’s culture vultures the chance to see some great productions in an intimate setting. I have hired a full-time theatre manager, Ian Craddock, and we will be offering plays, comedy nights, cabarets and all sorts. I’m particularly looking forward to showing a Christmas Panto. I might even audition for a part!”

l The first production will be a comedy night on October 6. Customers wishing to book tickets should contact the Old Joint Stock on 0121 200 0946. Acting companies wishing to use the theatre should contact Ian Craddock on 0121 200 0946.