March sees a refreshing mix of new and classic theatre – the hilarious Edmond de Bergerac makes its English-language debut at The Rep, while The Old Rep take on the tragic Shakespeare classic Romeo & Juliet.

Good Dog

Coming to The REP this March, Tiata Fahodzi and Tara Finney Productions, in association with Watford Palace Theatre, present good dog by Arinzé Kene. The play tells the story of ‘growing up in a multi-cultural community’ and explores the kinds of prejudices faced in these communities every day which force people to take back control of their own lives. Following its premiere in Spring 2017, the play has received much critical acclaim – described by WhatsOnStage as “a finely-observed new play”, and Kene who was praised by The Times for his “thrilling flair for language”.

Wed 06 Mar – Sat 09 Mar, The REP (Birmingham Repertory Theatre), Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP, times and prices vary, www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Bound by Justice in Motion

‘How far would you go for a better life?’ asks physical theatre company Justice in Motion, as they present Bound at the MAC this March. Inspired by true accounts of human trafficking, this show fuses dance, circus, music, poetry, parkour and projection to tell a ‘thought-provoking tale of dreams and broken promises, of hope, optimism and resilience in the face of harrowing circumstances.’ Creative and captivating in equal measure, Justice in Motion offer a gripping and unforgettable story of strength in the face of adversity.

Thu 14 Mar, Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH, £10, www.macbirmingham.co.uk

Edmond de Bergerac

Starring Freddie Fox, Henry Goodman, Josie Lawrence and Chizzy Akudolu, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Adam Blanshay Productions present Edmond de Bergerac. After great success in France, this laugh-out-loud comedy makes its English-language premiere at The REP and is set to tour across the UK. Set in Paris in 1985, the play uncovers the story behind Cyrano de Bergerac, following the title figure Edmond, a struggling playwright with writer’s block trying to recover his creative mojo with help from a few friends.

Fri 15 Mar – Sat 30 Mar, The REP (Birmingham Repertory Theatre), Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP, times and prices vary, www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

It’s Not A Sprint

As part of a series of events in celebration of International Women’s Day on Friday 8th March, Birmingham Hippodrome invites NOVAE Theatre to present their recent piece of theatre debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe – It’s Not A Sprint. The sister company of internationally renowned Idle Motion offers a female led new work that follows Maddy, a typical millennial, celebrating her 30th birthday by running a marathon – tied to a balloon.

Fri 8 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB, FREE, www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Romeo & Juliet

One of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Romeo & Juliet, takes to the stage at The Old Rep Theatre this March. The timeless, tragic love story is brought to life by the National Production Company, following their sell out production of Macbeth and the hugely successful production of Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful.

Wed 13 Mar – Sat 16 Mar, The Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DY, times and prices vary, www.oldreptheatre.co.uk

Image: The REP, www.birmingham-rep.co.uk