Jackson, Barry, 1879-1960

Sir Barry Jackson was the owner and founder of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. He had formed an amateur company called the Pilgrim Players, the success of which led to the creation of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1913. This was the first purpose built repertory theatre and was home to the Birmingham Repertory Company. Jackson's Birmingham Rep had a wide repertoire, including innovative modern dress Shakespeare, Greek drama, and modern experimental drama. Many of the plays transferred to London or abroad. Jackson had an eye for young talent, and gave valuable experience to many actors, including Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft, Edith Evans, Ralph Richardson, Julie Christie, and Derek Jacobi. He transferred to the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Company at Stratford in 1946, and though he returned to Birmingham Rep in 1948, he retired from running the company. Jackson died in 1961.

From the guide to the Barry Jackson photographic collection, 1926-1933, (V&A Department of Theatre and Performance)

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