The Royal Exchange Theatre has announced plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a series of events, including a major costume exhibition, industry conversations, and a gala night, highlighting the venue's commitment to storytelling and new talent.
Mythic Reinvention Exhibition
Launching on September 16, 2026, and running until November 15, 2026, Mythic Reinvention: an Exhibition Celebrating 50 years of Costume and Craft will bring the theatre's costume archive to life through a free public exhibition, curated by international award-winning designer Leslie Travers. The exhibition will feature pieces from past productions and provide an exclusive insight into the inner workings of the theatre's costume department.
Audiences will be able to discover costumes worn by Dame Helen Mirren, Don Warrington, Andrew Garfield, Sir Tom Courtenay, Maxine Peake, and Suranne Jones during the exhibition period.
Exchanging Stories Conversations
Leading up to the exhibition, the theatre will host Exchanging Stories, a series of live industry conversations looking back at the venue's history across design and craft. These conversations will explore the origins of the venue's unique space and its role in shaping the UK's theatre ecosystem.
Notable participants include actor David Threllfall in conversation with director Matthew Dunster ahead of King Lear in October 2026; playwrights Rory Mullarkey, Simon Stephens, Daisy Miles, and Tolu Okanlawon discussing the theatre's legacy of new writing; Victoria Turner from Levitt Bernstein, the original architects, and artistic director Selina Cartmell looking back at the venue's design; and Leslie Travers with Head of Costume Tracy Dunk discussing the exhibition.
Gala Night and Anniversary
The theatre will hold a gala night on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the exact date of its 50th birthday, gathering friends of the theatre and industry figures to celebrate the milestone and look ahead to the future.
Artistic director and co-CEO Selina Cartmell said: "Nearly 50 years ago the Royal Exchange Theatre set out to become a beacon of world class artistic excellence rooted in Manchester. As we celebrate this milestone in our history, we are beyond proud to be offering an anniversary in the image of this extraordinary space: bold, radical and new."
She added: "The costume exhibition hosted in our unique space and the accompanying series of conversations on the Royal Exchange's storytelling mission and remarkable history will give audiences a never seen before look into what makes the Royal Exchange such a special place and will be a chance to celebrate every individual who has helped create and shape this beloved theatre as we look to our future."
The Royal Exchange Theatre is located at St Ann's Square, Manchester. Box office: 0161 833 9833 or royalexchange.co.uk.
