Old Joint Stock Theatre

I am just rating this as a meeting venue, rather than a theatre… I have not been fortunate enough to see a production here but have attended a business meeting in the theatre space.
The space is quite large and I imagine that as a theatre it would be great to get so close to the cast. As a meeting venue they let you set it out as you wish, with flexible seating and use of the side bar room area if required and adequate power sockets etc for screens or computers (wifi is free, provided by 02).
It is a cosy and useful venue, so central and in a historic building with much character. I want to see a theatre production next time I come here :)

I went to see ‘Holmes Alone’ a production by ‘Don’t go into the cellar’ company, which was brilliant!
The theatre is at the tope of the Joint Stock pub. Whilst its isn’t very big, it is still a much bigger venue that I expected. There is a small bar/​refreshment area at the top of the stairs as you arrive and the staff and friendly and welcoming. Tickets for events can be bought for any production whilst there as shows going on (and this avoids booking fees). I would recommend a visit here:)

I’ve been lucky enough to come to the Old Joint Stock both as performer and audience. It’s a small space (and when doing Blue Remembered Hills we had to chop the set down drastically!) but it works well for very intimate performances. You certainly know when an actor’s not too confident when you’re that close! Good acoustics, and located in an excellent pub — what’s not to like?
Oh, and you can check out the photo gallery and art exhibition in the interval. Sorted!

This takes place in the room (s) upstairs from the Old Joint Stock pub, on Temple Row over looking Birmingham Cathedral.
I’ve not been a fan in recent years, having been many times as that’s where we used to hold Birmingham Entrepreneurs MeetUp. However, there’s no denying this is a beautiful building which I feel is wasted as just an ordinary pub. After all, it’s a grade 2 listed building and I learnt on a Midlands Discovery Tour that yes, situated as it is in the business district, it used to be a bank.
Anyway, the theatre upstairs does have performances and gets involved with various festivals as well as being available to hire. The only drawback is the bar is downstairs but still, a stunning place.

This is an atmospheric performance venue located above The Old Joint Stock pub. It is an intimate and snug little theatre that has played host to established performers such as Stewart Lee and Reginald D Hunter.
The programme includes a wide range of comedy, music and plays. It isn’t a grand theatre like the pub below, rather an adaptable and modern performance space. The theatre can also be hired for corporate events and meetings. There is also a small exhibition space.
They are currently hosting an «Alternative Shakespeare» season.
My main thought is that it is a shame that some of the pub’s wonderful grandeur hasn’t rubbed off on the theatre. It is a hidden gem that could perhaps do with a bit more sparkle.

I love the Old Joint Stock Theatre. Firstly, I love the randomnes of the fact that its a little theatre space in an unexpected place: squirreled away upstairs above the rather grand Old Joint Stock pub. I like the feeling that while all the lawyers and bankers of Colmore Row are downing their pints in the bar below, upstairs, love, death and madness is being played out in one of Birmingham’s smallest but most atmospheric venues.
As with all small venues, it’s got a lovely, cosy air to it, from the creaky stairs and the old-​fashioned carpet to the theatre space itself, which is small, and intimate and simple. It’s just the right size, as venues go, to host local up-​and-​coming theatrical (as well as musical — they do the occasional jazz gig) talent, and I’ve seen some great shows here. They also host comedy nights, and are generally doing their bit to promote and support smaller, more fledgling companies and individuals in their battle to find their way in the local cultural scene. And for that I salute them.