Royal Exchange boss unveils new plays two years after damaging censorship row
Summary
The Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester revealed its 2027-28 season with new plays including a retelling of the Munich air disaster and a modern version of the Greek myth Phaedra. This comes two years after the theatre faced a major crisis involving the cancellation of a play amid accusations of censorship.Key Facts
- Selina Cartmell is the artistic director of the Royal Exchange and has led since the censorship crisis two years ago.
- The crisis began when a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was cancelled over a song referencing transgender rights and Palestine.
- An independent review found leadership failures but no confirmed censorship.
- The theatre has implemented all review recommendations, placing artists at the center of its work again.
- The Royal Exchange plans to reopen its 100-seat studio space next year, closed since the Covid pandemic.
- Upcoming shows include a new play by Simon Stephens based on the Greek myth Phaedra and a world premiere adaptation of David Peace’s novel about the Munich air disaster.
- The theatre will refurbish its main 750-seat auditorium, including replacing seats after 30 years.
- Cartmell emphasized the theatre’s focus on northern stories with international appeal and the importance of taking creative risks.
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