The Blue Orange Theatre

If you check my check ins, you’ll note that i’m here quite a lot, however, I’ve held off reviewing Blue Orange as I feel bad that I’m not a regular theatre goer! I’ve only seen a few plays here!
But then I decided that didn’t matter as I’m here most weeks for a course, so, here comes the review!
The Blue Orange is a small theatre space just on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter. It’s a community theatre which puts on a wide range of plays, well suited to it’s small, intimate performance area.
I’ve seen several plays here and always enjoyed them. The cost is never expensive and, as a community theatre, there is often a «pay what you can» night if you’re running a bit short! I believe they also still host a comedy club. The bar is small, but stocked with everything you would need for a night at the theatre, and very reasonably priced.
They also have space for community theatre groups to rehearse in, and for people to teach drama based courses. I attend a stage combat course, they run various courses, depending on what is on at the time.
We’re really lucky to have this gem of a theatre and community resource in our area. Next time you fancy some theatre, check to see what’s on here!

The Blue Orange Theatre is truly a treasure in the JQ. It’s a small community led theatre that puts on top productions, comedy nights and workshops showcasing new and classic texts.
I might have missed it, if it wasn’t for a good friend noticing they had Misery on in 2011. I bought a ticket with trepidation, not knowing at all what to expect. What I got (for the paltry price of £10) was a spellbinding treat of mindblowing proportions. The actual theatre itself is very small and lends itself to productions where the audience are put in the thick of the action. Since attending Misery, I have been to see Dracula and Jekyll and Hyde (both fantastic).
There is a bar with offerings of real ale (£3 a bottle), spirit and mixers and wine. The small seating area is bijoux with artwork adorning the walls and warm, welcoming staff guiding you into the venue.
It’s clean and fresh and doesn’t feel at all corporate. The way the shows use the space is very clever indeed, with it not lending itself to complicated set changes and fancy effects.
My best advice is to keep an eye on the listings. Many of their big plays have a «pay what you can» night. Tickets for these nights cannot be pre-​booked, but you turn up and literally pay what you can afford to get in. If you’re a bit skint, it’s the perfect way to get a slice of culture and not break the bank. Also check out many of their free nights which are a great way to experience the venue.

I’ve been lucky enough to catch three wonderful performances so far at the Blue Orange. Misery (which was chilling as the book and film starring Kathy Bates), Dracula and most recently Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde on Halloween.
All three have been of a massively high standard and much more than I expected from a small theatre that you could easily walk past if you didn’t know about it.
The bar is well stocked and reasonably priced, I’m always delighted by the stock of real ale — there’s usually something I haven’t tried before.
It’s not just theatre though, the Blue Orange plays host to acting classes for all ages, comedy improv workshops and stage fighting courses — and much, much more. If you might be the next Brando or Bailey more than likely there’s something there for you.
The only downside, for me, is the chairs aren’t the most comfortable and I’m always glad when the interval comes round so I can stand up and stop shifting in my seat (more than likely to the annoyance of the people around me). Other than that one, incredibly minor, flaw this place is a fantastic addition to the live performance venues of Birmingham.

Small theatre, has excellent plays and performances for all ages, small bar, also has training courses in acting, directing and writing.

The first time I went along to the Blue Orange Theatre, it was a cold November night in 2011, and I have to confess, for £10, I didn’t expect the level of performance that I witness, no, experienced, that night.
My first of many plays there, was Misery. So gripping, that at one point, I had to remind myself that it wasn’t real, and that, whilst it may add some extra spice to the viewing pleasure of my fellow theatre goers, it wasn’t my job to rescue Paul. It was intense, intimate, powerful, moving and gripping. I loved it!
Since then, I’ve been a regular, experience a wide variety of genres, from Shakespeare plays to Dracula, Treasure Island, A Christmal Carol, Arabian Nights and local created productions too.
I have never once been disappointed, and always leave, planning my next visit.
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, and there’s a lovely little bar area providing a selection of hot and cold drinks and light snacks at very reasonable prices.
Blue Orange Theatre is a must visit for those who appreciate live theatre, and don’t mind, on occasion, being a part of the show…

I’ve always been of opinion that the smaller the theatre, the rawer the talent and that’s never been more true than at the Blue Orange Theatre.
We went for the first time to watch Treasure Island which was a play by Richard Louise Stevenson.
The script was informative and the acting enjoyable. Although it’s only a small theatre, there was a warm and friendly atmosphere which I believe came from the sheer passion from the actors clearly doing something that they loved.
I picked up a leaflet on the way out that was promoting a number of their evening acting classes and regular workshops; something I wasn’t aware was available in the Jewellery Quarter.
I may give it a try and become a big star! If so, you heard it here first, darling.

Independent theatres are something really interesting to my eyes. The idea of supporting local artists and watching popular plays versions of classic plays is something really appealing for me. The Blue Orange Theatre is venue with seats up to 110 placed in the Jewellery Quarter.
They work with local actors and directors and they have at least 9 plays produced this year. I am planed a trip to this cosy theatre to watch Frozen and it was really nice experience.
Even there is plenty of buses options to get there I would recommend going by car because the location is quite empty and dark at night. The it’s free to park on the streets after 6pm. There are plenty of other plays until October and I may schedule another visit to The Blue Orange Theatre soon.