The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking its debut in September 1976 with a production of The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Renowned for its unique design, the theatre features a distinctive seven-sided structure made from tubular steel, nestled within a grand Victorian hall. Creative director Selina Cartmell reflects on the venue’s timeless appeal, emphasizing its intimate connection between performers and the audience.
Throughout its five decades, the theatre has hosted numerous iconic actors, including Hugh Grant and Helen Mirren, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of performances. To commemorate this milestone, an exhibition titled “Mythic Reinvention” highlights some of the costumes worn by various esteemed actors over the years.
Curated by designer Leslie Travers, the exhibition offers insights into the theatre’s celebrated costume department, which boasts over 25,000 archived pieces—each meticulously crafted in-house. Travers praised the extraordinary maintenance of many costumes, which remain in pristine condition despite their age.
The exhibition runs until November 15 and promises a unique glimpse into what has made the Royal Exchange a cherished cultural hub. Cartmell invites audiences to celebrate not only the theatre’s storied past but also its future in the realm of performance art.
