The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an exciting line-up for its upcoming season. Acclaimed actor David Threlfall is making a much-anticipated return after 27 years, featuring in a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” Additionally, legendary actor Sir Tom Courtenay will be part of a production of Jim Cartwright’s “Road,” which will also include performances by Johnny Vegas, Lucy Benjamin, and Shobna Gulati.
This celebrated anniversary season will be the inaugural one under the direction of Selina Cartmell, the new artistic director. Cartmell emphasized the unique architecture and intimate artist-audience connection at the Royal Exchange, describing the theatre as a northern theatrical powerhouse. She expressed her enthusiasm for the diverse and ambitious season, which includes works from Shakespeare, Sondheim, contemporary classics, and two world premieres.
Cartmell announced plans to reopen the theatre’s Studio space, which has been closed since 2020, to present new work. Central to the vision for the anniversary program is to engage both existing and new audiences in collaborative experiences. The season aims to reaffirm the Royal Exchange’s commitment to being a world-class theatre and fostering talent development in the North.
Kicking off the season in February is “Road” by Jim Cartwright, which will be followed by a revival of Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” in March. May will see the first world premiere, “Even These Things” by Rory Mullarkey, capturing key moments in Manchester’s history, including the IRA bombing. In July, the venue will host the regional premiere of “Fun Home,” directed by former artistic director Sarah Frankcom, marking the 20th anniversary of Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel.
The theatre’s anniversary season will see the return of David Threlfall in “King Lear,” directed by Matthew Dunster, in October. For the Christmas production, the theatre will present Steven Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music.” The season concludes in February 2027 with the world premiere of “Shooters,” penned by Tolu Okanlawon, who won the 2025 Bruntwood Prize.
For more information on this dynamic 50th anniversary season, visit the Royal Exchange Theatre’s website.