Alexandra Theatre

The Alexandra Theatre stands on Suffolk Queensway in Birmingham. Built in 1901 by Owen & Ward, it opened as the Lyceum Theatre before becoming the Alexandra in 1902. The Salberg family ran it for 66 years, turning it into a pantomime landmark with famous shows like Mother Goose. In 1935 Roland Satchwell redesigned the interior in Art Deco style, and Leon Salberg’s ghost is said to linger in the building. The theatre’s entrance later moved to Suffolk Street, connected by a bridge to the original John Bright Street frontage. It has hosted major productions and stars, from West End transfers like Grease to world premieres such as Scrooge: The Musical. Comedians Stewart Lee, Micky Flanagan and Joe Lycett have performed there, and Derren Brown regularly tours with his illusions. The D’Oyly Carte Opera Company played seasons between 1990 and 1997, and Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver! and Les Misérables premiered at the venue. In 2024 it presented the Steps jukebox musical Here & Now with the group in attendance. Inside, the refurbished auditorium seats 1,371 and mixes modern comfort with historic charm. The stage area was upgraded to support large-scale productions, and front-of-house spaces now welcome audiences smoothly. Ghostly sightings add to the theatre’s atmosphere, while its programme ranges from musicals and comedy to opera and concerts. The building remains a lively part of Birmingham’s cultural life, drawing crowds to performances across many genres.