Fifty years of imagination and courage. Today, a bigger, bolder and braver chapter begins.
Today, we unveil our new brand, reclaim our original name, Royal Exchange Theatre Company, and announce our 2027/28 season: eight ambitious productions, alongside the reopening of our Studio.
Rooted in the spirit of invention that has shaped us for half a century, this next chapter celebrates the tapestry of voices that shape our theatre. Our renewed mission is to Act with Courage: to take creative risks, nurture local talent, welcome visionary artists and exchange urgent stories with our audiences and communities.
Read our artistic statement.
A season ready to make you feel it all
Four world premieres. One UK premiere. Reimagined classics and a beloved musical. Our 2027/28 season champions bold Northern storytelling while welcoming internationally renowned artists to Manchester.
Season 2027-29
Brian Friel’s 20th-century masterpiece FAITH HEALER, directed by Emma Baggott, opens the season. In our Studio, two world premieres follow: Abbi Greenland’s TALKING TO BOYS, directed by Sam Pritchard, and Daisy Miles’ R LADY’s, directed by Elin Schofield.
THISISPOPBABY brings the UK premiere of RIOT, a night of wild theatre, sizzling circus, comedic acrobatics and radical dancing. Simon Stephens’ THE FIRST BLUE THING reimagines Phaedra in modern-day Stockport, directed by Selina Cartmell and presented as part of Manchester International Festival 2027, in association with Factory International.
Beverley Knight stars as Beatrice in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, directed by Michael Buffong in a co-production with Talawa Theatre Company. Natalie Abrahami directs the iconic musical GUYS AND DOLLS, before Selina Cartmell’s world premiere of MUNICHS, adapted by Ben Power from David Peace’s novel, marks 70 years since the Munich Air Disaster.
Exchange Pass Holder can book tickets for season 2027-28 today, with general sale opening at 12pm on Thursday 22 October 2026.
The Studio: the home of creative courage
Reopening from Spring 2027 for the first time since March 2020, our intimate 100-seat Studio will once again be a home for emerging voices, experienced artists and radical new theatre.
Alongside its return, we’re launching The Bruntwood Prize for North West Playwriting, dedicated to amplifying Northern voices on a global stage. Full entry criteria and details will be announced in Autumn 2027.
Artistic Director and Co-CEO Selina Cartmell said:
“As we begin this new chapter, we are reclaiming our original name, Royal Exchange Theatre Company, to reflect our renewed commitment to collaboration both with the North and beyond. Reopening the Studio and launching the Bruntwood Prize for North West Playwriting are central to that vision, reestablishing a vital home where emerging and established artists can experiment, collaborate, belong and make bold new work.”
Join the living Exchange
Explore the full 2027/28 season and find your next night at the theatre. Priority booking opens today for Members and Exchange Pass holders, with general booking from Thursday 22 October at 12pm.
Become an Exchange Pass Holder.