Conceived in 1924 by Bertie English, the theatre originally started life as a simple play reading group, under the name, The Erdington ILP Play-reading Circle.

Members learnt new skills on site first hand, to build brick walls, plastering, joinery, electrics, metalwork and much more, pulling together to create a theatre of their own.

It was through dedication and without financial aid or patronage; that the theatre was constructed, along with its traditions which helped to lay the foundations of what it eventually became.

Highbury Little Theatre officially opened on 22 May 1942[5] with George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man and has since then continually produced a season of plays for the last 7 decades.

In January 1949, Highbury hosted its first Guild National Conference with an increased number of 14 member theatres.

English consequently went on to co-found The Midlands Arts Centre[7][8] and the Arena Theatre Company[9] along with his wife Mollie Randle.

The theatre's resident company remains, The Highbury Players who during the course of a 10-month season; put on 7 Main Stage productions and 3 Studio plays.

[13] The theatre is a registered charity[14] and is run entirely by a 160+ team of dedicated volunteers who are involved in many aspects from acting, directing, set design, costume, front of house amongst numerous other opportunities.

The theatre is a valuable asset to the local and wider community; with various events and art exhibitions[16] taking place there throughout the year.

Members are given the opportunity to work towards LAMDA examinations should they wish and have access to the National Association of Youth Theatres' workshops.

It is by having such facilities that the theatre and its equipment is available for hire by external companies who are without places to rehearse and stage their own productions.