Even These Things at the Royal Exchange Theatre is ambitious, emotionally resonant and not to be missed

Review by Steve Cooke

Even These Things at the Royal Exchange Theatre is an ambitious, emotionally resonant triptych exploring Manchester’s history, spanning 1846, 1996, and 2026, weaving together Irish migration, the 1996 IRA bombing, and contemporary questions of identity and belonging.

The show is framed as a love letter to Manchester, marking the 30th anniversary of the bombing.

Elaine Cassidy’s performance is extraordinary, the community-cast middle act is stunningly powerful, and the production’s exudes a deep sense of Mancunian pride.

Her  opening monologue as Annie Donovan (1846) is electrifying, an astonishing performance that must rank as one of the year’s best theatrical performances.   Masterclass in emotional intelligence, vocal dexterity, and ability that commands the stage with humour, ferocity, and vulnerability.

The middle act, depicting Manchester on the morning of the IRA bombing, is the production’s emotional centre and the huge community cast creates a vivid, poignant portrait of the city with an  extraordinary, brilliantly choreographed performance that is  worth the price of the ticket on its own.

Peter Carroll, Coronations Street and Thinking actors says, “I went to The Exchange Theatre last night to see, what turned out to be, one of the most memorable, perfected plays: ‘Even These Things’. A journey through Manchester’s history - from the poverty of Ancoats’ Angel Meadows, the Manchester b**b to modern day. Funny, connected and resonant. Powerful, affective cast. Do try and see this. Amazing. Special thanks to Linda Martin who gifted me a copy of the script”.

Another audience member was overheard saying “I can’t wait to see it a second time … the writing, the staging, the performance all worthy of an Award, for sure.”

On until Monday 15 June this is a definitely not to be missed theatrical experience!

Visit: https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/event/even-these-things/

Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH