Belgrade Theatre Coventry has unveiled a wide-ranging summer programme celebrating community, creativity and talent development across June and July.
At the heart of the season is Refugee Week 2026, marked by a special Family Day on Saturday 20 June featuring new work from Midlands artists with lived experience of displacement.
The free event, delivered in partnership with Coventry Refugee and Migrant Network, will include temporary installations across the theatre sharing stories, perspectives and experiences inspired by Refugee Week.
Visitors can also enjoy performances, talks, stalls from local organisations and a range of family-friendly activities throughout the day.
Adel Al-Salloum, Director of Producing and Co Creation, said: “Every year the Belgrade works extensively with young people, new talent and emerging artists across Coventry and the region, finding ways to harness the incredible talent that exists in our local area. Many of those we have engaged with at a young age have stayed with us for years; we have also seen many go on to enjoy successful careers in the sector. But the impact goes well beyond the arts, the boost to well-being and confidence these programmes create is of huge benefit to society as a whole.”
The summer programme also includes the Hubs Summer Sharing on 3 and 4 July, featuring Marooned, a series of original short productions created and performed by young people aged 11 to 19.
Inspired by the story of Jamaican freedom fighter Queen Nanny, the performances explore themes of leadership, resistance and imagination, offering a powerful insight into the lives of young people today.
On 10 and 11 July, the Belgrade Ensemble 25/26 will present Mr Burns, a post-electric play, the culmination of the theatre’s flagship early-career development programme.
Set after the collapse of civilisation, the play follows survivors attempting to reconstruct an episode of The Simpsons, examining how stories evolve into myth and performance over time.
The Belgrade’s annual See It First festival returns from 18 to 25 July, showcasing new work in development alongside workshops and artist-audience conversations in The Jag.
Meanwhile, the theatre continues its Big School programme, touring Coventry primary schools until 26 June to support Year 6 pupils transitioning to secondary education through theatre and participatory activities.
A Deputy Head Teacher said: “The Big School programme speaks directly to the challenges our Year 6 pupils face as they prepare for secondary school, and to see them engage so openly and thoughtfully is truly inspiring”.
Together, the programme highlights the Belgrade’s commitment to community connection, creative opportunity and nurturing talent across Coventry and the wider region.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
