Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre has revealed its upcoming 2027-28 season, marking a significant milestone under the leadership of artistic director Selina Cartmell. The announcement arrives two years after a severe leadership crisis and cancellation controversy that deeply impacted the prominent regional venue.
Navigating Past Challenges and Leadership Shifts
Cartmell assumed leadership of the theatre two years ago during a tumultuous period that marked one of the most difficult stretches in the 50-year history of the institution. The venue faced intense public scrutiny and accusations of censorship after a scheduled production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was abruptly cancelled amid a dispute over a song referencing transgender rights and featuring the phrase “free Palestine.”
An independent review subsequently concluded that formal censorship did not occur, though it did identify significant leadership failures within the organization. Reflecting on the period, Cartmell acknowledged the complex and challenging nature of the time, noting that the former board took full responsibility. With all recommendations from the independent review now fully implemented, Cartmell emphasized that artists have been firmly reinstated at the center of the theatre as it moves into its next chapter.
Ambitious 2027-28 Lineup and Productions
Looking ahead, the artistic director has promised a program rooted in the pioneering spirit of Manchester, combining bold storytelling with both regional and international reach. Among the major highlights for the 2027 season is the world premiere of The First Blue Thing, a new play by Olivier and Tony award-winning playwright Simon Stephens. Directed by Cartmell, the production serves as a reimagining of the Greek myth of Phaedra and is set in Stephens's home town of Stockport.
The upcoming calendar also features a new production of Guys and Dolls, as well as a staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream featuring soul singer and West End star Beverley Knight. Furthermore, the 2028 lineup will mark the 70th anniversary of the Munich air disaster by staging the world premiere of an adaptation of David Peace’s novel Munichs, adapted for the stage by Ben Power to explore the lasting impact of the crash on the football club, community, and country.
Studio Space Reopening and Facility Upgrades
In tandem with its mainstage schedule, the theatre plans to reopen its 100-seat studio space next year. Having remained closed since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the closure was described as a real loss to Manchester's cultural landscape. The reopening of the studio—slated to host Talking to Boys by Abbi Greenland as its first show since 2020—will allow the institution to nurture local talent and stage urgent contemporary stories.
This reopening will coincide with a weeks-long closure of the main 750-seat in-the-round auditorium for vital refurbishments. The updates will include replacing the audience seating, which has been in place for thirty years. Through these physical upgrades and a daring artistic agenda, the Royal Exchange aims to solidify its position as an edgy, independent cultural hub.