Royal Exchange Theatre celebrates 50th anniversary as His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh opens major new costume exhibition.
By Steve Cooke with Hilary Dawes
I have been attending Royal Exchange Theatre productions since its opening and am delighted to see the 50th anniversary celebrations underway. .
It is a privilege to have the opportunity to keep people informed of the theatre’s productions and events though our All across the Arts columns.
The next production Lear has been extensively previewed and will be reviewed in early October.
Hilary Dawes our theatre and costume writer contributes her take on the costume exhibition further on in this article.
Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations included a visit by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh who opened the theatre’s new major costume exhibition, MYTHIC REINVENTION: AN EXHIBITION CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF COSTUME AND CRAFT.
The visit was followed by a Gala night which featured speeches from Artistic Director and Co-CEO Selina Cartmell, Chief Executive and Co-CEO Sheena Wrigley and actor and choreographer Shobna Gulati.
Curated by international award-winning designer Leslie Travers, MYTHIC REINVENTION forms a central part of the Royal Exchange Theatre’s 50th anniversary programme, A Homecoming. Inspired by the unique architecture of the venue’s Victorian Great Hall, the free public exhibition features pieces from past productions and provides an exclusive insight into the inner workings of the theatre’s costume department from the artists who created some of the Exchange’s most iconic shows. Audiences are able to discover pieces from the theatre’s extraordinary archives, including costumes worn by Dame Helen Mirren, Don Warrington, Andrew Garfield, Sir Tom Courtenay, Maxine Peake and Suranne Jones.
In anticipation of the anniversary, the theatre hosted EXCHANGING STORIES over the weekend, a series of live industry conversations which looked back on the venue’s exceptional history across design and craft, exploring the origins of the venue’s unique space and the theatre’s commitment to championing new work and its key role in shaping the UK’s theatre ecosystem.
Artistic Director and Co-CEO, Selina Cartmell said: “For 50 years, the Royal Exchange Theatre has been a place where bold ideas, powerful stories and creative ambition have flourished. At the heart of Manchester, our unique in-the-round theatre brings people together, creating a space where artists and audiences can connect, challenge perspectives and experience something truly transformative.
It is a privilege to celebrate this remarkable milestone as Artistic Director of such an iconic institution. As we honour the theatre’s extraordinary legacy with the opening of our major costume exhibition MYTHIC REINVENTION, we are also looking to the future. My hope is that in 50 years from now the Royal Exchange will continue to inspire generations through world-class theatre, champion urgent and thought-provoking stories, and demonstrate the enduring power of empathy, community and human connection.”
Hilary Dawes
“As the Royal Exchange Theatre turns fifty this year, Mythic Reinvention is a costume exhibition celebrating five decades of world class theatre, where traces of past productions come together in a fascinating world of fabric, character, craft and imagination. Curated by international set and costume designer Leslie Travers, from the extensive costume archive of over 25,000 items, the 62 costumes on display feature pieces from past productions and provide an exclusive insight into the inner workings of the theatre’s costume department from the artists who created some of the Exchange’s most iconic shows. Included in the exhibition are costumes worn by Dame Helen Mirren, Don Warrington, Andrew Garfield, Sir Tom Courtenay, Maxine Peake and Suranne Jones,
Set within the Victorian Great Hall of the Royal Exchange, the exhibition takes us through a breathtaking array of stunning costumes, many bespoke, made for a specific actor and each accompanied by details of the relevant play, the actor, the designer and their vision for the character, along with the materials used and the creative process. The contrasts between costumes developed for different productions of the same play reflect the incredible talent and versatility of the designers and makers. Viewing these beautiful items at close quarters gives us the opportunity to appreciate the quality and meticulous attention to detail which goes into every garment, with the use of often unusual materials, from rich velvets, lace and fine wool, to leather, metal, even chunky wood and twigs!
The beautifully detailed re-creation of the design workshop offers a glimpse into the world of the designer and maker, where all manner of materials are brought together to be cut, shaped and fitted to the body of the performer. The fabulous dressing room re-creation encapsulates fifty years of storytelling and demonstrates how, at the last stage of its journey, the costume finally comes to life.”
Alongside the exhibition, the theatre’s 50th anniversary programme A Homecoming will continue with the upcoming production of KING LEAR, adapted and directed by Matthew Dunster, starring David Threlfall and running 2 October – 15 November 2026.
ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE
St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH
Box Office: 0161 833 9833 / royalexchange.co.uk
A HOMECOMING
2026 - 2027
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A Royal Exchange Theatre Production
MYTHIC REINVENTION: AN EXHIBITION CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF COSTUME AND CRAFT
16th September – 15th November 2026
Please note that opening hours will vary throughout the exhibition due to other performances and events taking place in the theatre, so please check this page before planning your visit.
From 16th September to 20th September
Wednesday: 12pm–8pm
Thursday & Friday: 12pm–5pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am–5pm
From 21st September - 27th September
As the Royal Exchange Theatre prepares its stage for KING LEAR, some areas of the exhibition will be temporarily closed during this week. The venue will still be open as usual, Tuesday to Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm. Audiences can explore the sections of the exhibition that remain open, relax with food and drinks at The Rivals, and enjoy the atmosphere as the theatre gets ready for its next production.
From 28th September - 15th November
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12pm–6pm
Wednesday: 12pm–5pm*
Thursday: 12pm–6pm
Friday: 12pm–6pm
Saturday: 11am–6pm
Sunday: 11am–5pm *
*On matinee days the exhibition will be open at the following times:
Wednesday 14th October 28th October 4th November 11th November: 12pm onwards (KING LEAR ticket holders only); 5.30pm–8pm (open to all)
Sunday 18th October/25th October/1st November/8th November/15th November: 11am–2pm (open to all); 2pm–5pm (KING LEAR ticket holders only)
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