Autumn/Winter at the Royal Exchange Theatre
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Stef O’Driscoll
6 September – 12 October 2024
The Palace nightclub reigns supreme in Athen’s hedonistic world. Its throne is occupied by The Duke and danger lurks in every beat. While the city prepares for a royal wedding four young ravers fight for a future they desire, each step bringing them closer to the edge of pleasure and peril. When they encounter an intoxicating forest, the lines between fantasy and reality blur as they find themselves caught in a dangerous game
with some devious fairies. All this mayhem is overlooked by the Moon, a goddess of music in the sky.
Stef O’Driscoll makes her Royal Exchange directing debut with this contemporary vision for Shakespeare's most lauded comedy. Celebrating Manchester’s synonymous links with dance, music and rave culture, this Dream takes place in a hedonistic and captivating world. Making an on-stage appearance as The Moon is Manchester-based
SALO, one of the most exciting emerging artists and musicians of today, tipped to take the music world by storm with her collaborations, new releases and appearance on Channel 4’s THE PIANO. Running from 6 September to 12 October, this fantastical comedy invites everyone to get their dancing gear on and be ready to lose themselves
to the beat.
ELDERSFEST
28 September – 2 October 2024
The Royal Exchange will host ELDERSFEST from 28 September to 2 October, to celebrate ten radical years of creative ageing with our resident Elders Company. ELDERSFEST is a creative intervention across our Studio and exhibition spaces, shining a light on the talents of the Elders.
This includes a new devised production called ACTS OF LOVE directed by the awardwinning Andy Barry, a new exhibition, performances, and screenings. Plus, there will be opportunities for older people to take part, get creative, join the conversation, and think about what the next ten years of Elders should look like.
BULLRING TECHNO MAKEOUT JAMZ
Written and performed by Nathan Queeley-Dennis
Directed by Dermot Daly
28 – 30 October 2024
Winner of the 2022 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, Nathan Queeley-Dennis’ debut play is a love letter to Birmingham, exploring Black masculinity through Beyoncé lyrics, techno raves, and the deeply intimate relationship between a man and his barber. Directed by Dermot Daly, the show was a huge hit during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023 and subsequently opened in London to rave reviews. The show now runs for four performances from 28 – 30 October at the Royal Exchange Theatre where it was awarded the Bruntwood Prize in 2022.
Nathaniel is a serious romantic who sees love as a fine art. He’s looking for the Mona Lisa to his da Vinci, and tonight is the night: his date with Destiny…’s Child.
SPEND SPEND SPEND
A Musical by Steve Brown and Justin Greene
Book and Lyrics by Steve Brown and Justin Greene
Music by Steve Brown
Inspired by the Life of Viv Nicholson
Directed by Josh Seymour
23 November 2024 – 11 January 2025
A legendary Northern story, SPEND SPEND SPEND relaunches the Exchange‘s big musical for the festive season. Inspired by the unique life of Viv Nicholson, who on winning the Football Pools in 1961 went on lavish spending-sprees, splashing out on furs, cars, champagne and parties – until it all came crashing down around her.
Addicted to excess and seduced by materialism, Viv takes us through the
kaleidoscopic and messy journey of her life. From the council flats of Castleford to the grandeur of Garforth, to new handbags and husbands, Viv faces the ultimate question: after the champagne stops flowing, can money really buy happiness? This carnivalesque musical comedy is the big-hearted experience everyone needs this festive season.
Directed by Josh Seymour and with Rachel Leskovac (nominated for an Olivier Award for her portrayal of the young Viv Nicholson in the original London production) in the leading role, this wildly funny and profoundly moving award-winning musical is an extraordinary rags-to-riches and back again story and runs in the theatre from 23 November 2024 to 11 January 2025.
Dedicated to the memory of Steve Brown.
ESCAPED ALONE/WHAT IF IF ONLY
By Caryl Churchill
Directed by Sarah Frankcom
7 February – 9 March 2025
These two incredible Caryl Churchill short plays are brought together by Director Sarah Frankcom in one evening of theatre at the Royal Exchange. ESCAPED ALONE and WHAT IF IF ONLY are beautifully intricate meditations on life. These stunningly crafted, complex and funny plays can be seen in the Theatre from 7 February to 9 March.
Escaped Alone
“I’m walking down the street and there’s a door in the fence open and inside there are three women I’ve seen before.”
Three old friends and a neighbour. A summer of afternoons in the back yard. Tea and catastrophe.
What If If Only
“Make me happen” Your partner’s died, could things have been different?
