Reading Rep Theatre is a local theatre with a national reputation. Founded by Reading born Artistic Director Paul Stacey in 2012 with just £500, Reading Rep Theatre is rapidly emerging as one of the leading producing venues in the UK. As a disabled practitioner, Paul created the company in order to break down barriers that prevent people from accessing world class theatre. 

From our state-of-the-art venue, we commission and produce bold and experimental work with many of the UK’s leading creatives: reinventing the classics, championing new writing and reinterpreting adaptations. Our productions have garnered significant critical acclaim and have subsequently toured regionally, nationally and internationally. In 2024, our production of Jekyll and Hyde by Gary McNair transferred to the Theatre Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh before embarking on a Scottish tour, continuing our mission of putting Reading on the national cultural map. Accessibility is central to Reading Rep’s work, and 10% of all our tickets are given away for free to those who can’t afford them.

The local community is at the heart of our company. ENGAGE is Reading Rep Theatre’s flagship outreach programme which exists to ensure that everyone in Reading, no matter their background, can access our work. ENGAGE enables 10,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults to access Reading Rep Theatre’s work throughout their lives. These award-winning programmes are delivered in partnership with community partners such as Reading Libraries, Reading Borough Council, Reading College, the University of Reading, and the NHS.

Junior Youth Theatre

Ready to take your child’s passion for performance to the next level? Our Youth Theatre is perfect for creative kids who love to act, sing, and dance in a supportive and energetic environment!

Over the three terms the groups will get to know each other, work learning skills through play and workshops working towards a performance on the Reading Rep stage. Book now and watch your child’s confidence and love for theatre grow!

Times: Mondays 5pm – 6.30pm  

Dates:
Term 2: 12 January 2026 – 23 March 2026
Term 3: 20 April 2026 – 29 June 2026

Intermediate Youth Theatre

For School years 7 – 8

Are you ready to take your passion for theatre to the next level? Our Youth Theatre group is the perfect space for aspiring performers to develop their skills, make new friends, and have fun!

Over the three terms groups will work together to create their own theatre projects based on Reading Reps professional shows, work on audition skills to prepare them for future opportunities and create their very own musical theatre show performed on the Reading Rep stage. 

Book your spot today and watch your skills and confidence soar! 

For more information on youth theatre or to book your space click here.