Situated in the heart of St Pauls Square in The Jewellery Quarter, The Actress & Bishop opened in 2003 and has since become one of the city’s most established live music venues.
We take a brief look at the recent refit and catch up with Louise Woodley, the ‘L dogg of the Actress’ who helps keep things ticking over at this creative pub and music venue.
Louise Woodley Q&A
Hello Louise, for those who are not familiar with the Actress & Bishop, please could you describe it in a few words.
Every city needs an Actress & Bishop, great atmosphere, great music, great night out. A charming and welcoming bar, newly modernised having had a recent renovation yet still provides warm traditional pub ambiance by day which turns into a lively, fun pub/club of a night, with live music and late night DJ by night.
Please can you describe the layout of the venue.
Based over two floors, the downstairs holds a DJ booth and full length bar with comfortable seating and a small stage/dance floor. The large room upstairs comprises of a stage for bands, ample seating and an additional bar.
The outside seating/terrace offers a perfect location to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of St Pauls Square, busy on weekends and more chilled during the week.
What kind of music policy do you have at the Actress, and how often do bands play?
We have live music 4-6 times a week,all the best in local talent and touring bands. Everything from Rockabilly, Ska, Indie, Aternative, Acoustic, Rock…
Are there any big events coming up in 2016 which you can tell us about?
Our biggest event of year is an indoor festival called Lifest, we turf out the whole pub with real grass, we have live music, bbq, stalls, facepainting etc and raise money for Charity.
This year we also have Maximo Park joining us for a guest DJ set in June, We have silent disco’s every Bank Holiday Sunday night, Live Forever- Birminghams newest and exciting indie night, launching in May and Electric Swing Circus in September.
What are the Actress’ strengths, do you feel it offers anything different to other bars in the city.
The Actress & Bishop is very much like a home from home, with a friendly atmosphere in the pub and relaxed safe vibe. The music and clientele is so broad and we welcome many regulars each week along with new people arriving to enjoy the music. We’re a friendly bunch, and look forward to seeing you soon.
Article and interview by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham.