In order to put together the preceding summary of the history of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre I bought a second-hand copy of Bache Matthew’s book A History of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. I chose the cheapest edition I could find online and eagerly awaited its arrival. To my amazement, when I received and opened the book I saw 4 original photographs stuck onto the blank pages before the title. These show the rear of the Repertory Theatre and must have been taken by a previous owner of the book. From the name of the production in progress at the time (on a visible hoarding) I can date the photos to 1927.
I don’t know how much that rear view has changed, but to be able to see the Stage Door that Uncle Dennis must have used, very little changed from when he would have been using it, was a real boost and a good omen.
You can see the 4 photos in a Picasa Web Album.
One surprising thing I discovered in reading Bache Matthew’s book is the speed with which the theatre was built. The contract was signed in October, 1912, and the opening was in February 1913. The builder worked round the clock during the winter months, using flares to work by at night.
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