The Royal Exchange Theatre Company has revealed its 2027-28 season, marking the next phase in its history following its recent 50th anniversary celebrations.
Artistic Director and Co-CEO Selina Cartmell has announced a programme of eight productions featuring four world premieres, a UK premiere, a new Shakespeare production, a contemporary classic and a major musical, while also confirming the reopening of the theatre’s Studio space for the first time since March 2020.
The announcement also sees the organisation return to its original name, Royal Exchange Theatre Company, reflecting a renewed artistic vision centred on collaboration, bold storytelling and Northern voices.
The season opens with Brian Friel’s Faith Healer, directed by Emma Baggott, running from 20 March to 18 April 2027.
The newly reopened Studio will then host the world premiere of Abbi Greenland’s Talking to Boys, directed by Sam Pritchard, followed by the world premiere of Daisy Miles’ R Lady’s, winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting North West Original New Voice Award 2025, directed by Elin Schofield.
The summer programme includes the UK premiere of Riot from acclaimed Irish company THISISPOPBABY. After a decade of international success, the production brings together theatre, circus, dance and live performance in a high-energy theatrical event.
As part of Manchester International Festival 2027, the Royal Exchange will present the world premiere of Simon Stephens’ The First Blue Thing. Directed by Selina Cartmell, the play reimagines the Greek myth of Phaedra and relocates it to contemporary Stockport.
A major co-production with Talawa Theatre Company follows in autumn with Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Michael Buffong and starring Beverley Knight as Beatrice. The production transports the action to Trinidad in the years following the Second World War.
The festive season will bring a new production of Guys and Dolls, directed by Natalie Abrahami, before the programme concludes in early 2028 with the world premiere of Munichs, adapted by Ben Power from David Peace’s acclaimed book about the Munich Air Disaster and its aftermath.
Alongside the season announcement, the Royal Exchange confirmed the launch of the Bruntwood Prize for North West Playwriting. The reimagined prize will focus exclusively on writers born in or living in the North West, offering development opportunities and support through the newly reopened Studio.
Selina Cartmell said: “The Royal Exchange was built on the limitless possibilities of exchange and on the bold and ambitious spirit that defines our home city. As the world’s eyes turn to Manchester, I’m thrilled to announce a season that captures the imagination, shifting perspectives, energy and originality of the North while declaring our international ambition.
“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. It is a space designed to hold whatever courage makes possible. I am thrilled that four world premieres, a UK premiere, reimagined classics and a beloved musical will fill our unique and democratic stages to create electrifying moments for our audiences.”
The Studio’s reopening forms a key part of the theatre’s future strategy, providing a dedicated home for emerging artists and new writing while enabling refurbishment work to begin in the main auditorium.
Priority booking for the 2027-28 season is now open, with general sale beginning on 22 October 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
