The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester has today unveiled full details of its Spring/Summer 2018 season, which will celebrate great plays and stories that have stood the test of time, some of which will be vividly reimagined for the 21st Century.
The season will feature work that wrestles with questions of identity, family, gender, hope and resilience and what it takes to be heard in an increasingly complex world.
THE THEATRE
A Royal Exchange Theatre production
FRANKENSTEIN
By Mary Shelley
Adapted by April de Angelis
Directed by Matthew Xia
9 March – 7 April
Mary Shelley’s celebrated FRANKENSTEIN reverberates with a new-found sense of purpose 200 years after the novel was originally published, in this brand-new adaption by acclaimed writer April de Angelis.
A disturbing story of otherness and alienation, Director Matthew Xia creates chilling parallels between the need to conquer the unknown in 1818 and our modern-day desires to always be in control.
This evocative reimagining of FRANKENSTEIN will be led by Shane Zaza.
For more information, and to book tickets, please Click Here.
A Royal Exchange Theatre and Bristol Old Vic co-production
THE CHERRY ORCHARD
By Anton Chekhov
Translated by Rory Mullarkey
Directed by Michael Boyd
19 April – 19 May
Michael Boyd was a trainee director in Moscow at the start of his career and only now directs his first Chekhov THE CHERRY ORCHARD in an original, fresh and funny translation by award-winning writer Rory Mullarkey.
A startlingly relevant portrait of changing times, THE CHERRY ORCHARD maps the building tensions between the desperate longing to hold onto the familiar and the restless lure of the new.
Kirsty Bushell and Jude Owusu will lead the ensemble in a vivid new co-production with Bristol Old Vic which opens at the Royal Exchange following its run in Bristol.
For more information, and to book tickets, please Click Here.
A Royal Exchange Theatre production
HAPPY DAYS
By Samuel Beckett
Directed by Sarah Frankcom
25 May – 23 June
Maxine Peake returns to the Exchange to play Beckett’s enigmatic heroine, Winnie, in his lyrical masterpiece HAPPY DAYS.
Winnie is static, but the ordinary rituals of the comb, the medicine bottle, and the toothbrush punctuate her day and elevate her existence. She is resilient and hopeful, brandishing her lipstick…and a gun.
The life-affirming twentieth century classic is directed by Royal Exchange Artistic Director Sarah Frankcom, reuniting the creative partnership behind the critically acclaimed A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, HAMLET and THE SKRIKER.
For more information, and to book tickets, please Click Here.
A Royal Exchange Theatre and New Vic Theatre co-production
QUEENS OF THE COAL AGE
By Maxine Peake
Directed by Bryony Shanahan
28 June – 21 July
QUEENS OF THE COAL AGE is Associate Artist Maxine Peake’s first play for the Exchange.
A passionate and witty dramatisation of the true story of the 1993 occupation of Parkside colliery by four incredible women who demanded to be heard. Anne, Lesley, Elaine and Dot head 80 meters underground, their bras stuffed with wet wipes and nicotine patches, to make a stand for Women Against Pit Closures.
Funny and extraordinary, QUEENS OF THE COAL AGE is directed by Bryony Shanahan, this co-production with the New Vic Theatre runs from 28 June – 21 July.
For more information, and to book tickets, please Click Here.
THE STUDIO
A Royal Exchange Theatre, Yellow Earth and Black Theatre Live co-production
MOUNTAINS: THE DREAMS OF LILY KWOK
An Adaptation of Sweet Mandarin by Helen Tse
By In-Sook Chappell
Directed by Jennifer Tang
22 March – 7 April
Based on Helen Tse’s bestselling family memoir In-Sook Chappell’s new play MOUNTAINS: THE DREAMS OF LILY KWOK tells the remarkable story of the family behind the famous Manchester restaurant Sweet Mandarin. From the streets of Manchester and Hong Kong, we step back though time to uncover the powerful determination of these women in a story that crosses continents and generations.
Directed by Jennifer Tang and co-produced by Yellow Earth and Black Theatre Live, the production runs in The Studio from 22 March – 7 April.
For more information, and to book tickets, please Click Here.
A RashDash Production
THREE SISTERS By RashDash
After Chekhov
A brand-new perspective on Anton Chekhov’s classic THREE SISTERS from performers, musicians, theatre makers and Royal Exchange Associate Artists RashDash.
As they reimagine this classic they ask – what if RashDash were the three sisters, Olga, Masha and Irena?
A drawing room. We are going to philosophise our heads off! How should I make the most of being alive in this moment? How should I try to enjoy life whilst also being a good person who makes space for a better future? What is love and where do I find it? What work needs to be done? Why do the men in this play have all the lines? Chekhov. Dead, white man. A classic play. A period drama with surprises.
For more information, and to book tickets, please Click Here.
