At the Dorothy Parkes Centre, we believe in the power of theatre to inspire, connect, and transform communities. Our Community Theatre programme brings high-quality, accessible performances to Smethwick, offering residents of all ages the chance to experience the magic of live theatre right on their doorstep.

Our Theatre Partnerships

We are proud to collaborate with two outstanding organisations:

Birmingham Rep

As one of the UK’s leading producing theatres, Birmingham Rep has brought several touring productions to our venue, including Jack and the Magic Beanstalk and GrimeBoy. These performances have captivated local audiences and brought professional theatre into our community space. Our staff and volunteers have also had the opportunity to attend shows at the Rep, such as Of Mice and Men and Nativity, helping us stay connected with the wider theatre scene.

Black Country Touring

Our partnership with Black Country Touring (BCT) has been instrumental in expanding our theatre and cinema offerings. From online Zoom performances during lockdown to family-friendly shows and musical events, BCT has helped us bring diverse and engaging productions to the centre. They’ve also provided equipment for our community cinema, allowing us to screen popular films like Encanto, Hop, and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Smethwick Arts Project: The 15 Minute Arts Centre

As part of the Smethwick Arts Project, funded by the Inclusive Communities Fund, we’re redefining what an arts centre can be. This initiative decentralises arts and culture, embedding creative experiences into everyday community spaces. Through this project, we’ve hosted immersive and interactive performances such as:

• Sleeping Seeds – A musical gardening adventure for families.
• BOSA BOSA – An immersive audio experience exploring journeys and memory.
• Confetti – A glittery, one-man queer rom-com.
• Wild – A powerful show exploring our relationship with nature and ourselves.

Most performances are offered on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis, ensuring accessibility for all.

Get Involved

Whether you're a theatre lover, a curious newcomer, or someone looking for a fun family outing, our Community Theatre programme has something for you. Keep an eye on our Events Page for upcoming shows and booking details.