Stars return to celebrate theatre's 50th

A special season to mark the Royal Exchange's half-century will feature stars including, from left, Johnny Vegas, Shobna Gulati and Sir Tom Courtenay

- By JENNA CAMPBELL [e-mail] @MENnewsdesk

IT’S one of Manchester's most well-known cultural institutions and as it prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Royal Exchange has revealed one of its most celebratory programmes to date.

Selina Cartmell, artistic director of the Royal Exchange Theatre, has welcomed Sir Tom Courtenay back to the theatre after 24 years to celebrate its history.

Alongside a group of other artists connected to the Exchange, Monday night was the launch of A Homecoming - a season that "celebrates the theatres past and redefines its future".

The 50th anniversary season launches the next chapter of the Royal Exchange, inviting artistic alumni to return 'home'.

Its anniversary programme will include two world premieres, two musicals and three classics.

As well as Sir Tom Courtenay, other returning artists include Jim Cartwright, Shobna Gulati, Matthew Dunster and David Threlfall.

New creative collaborators will include Johnny Vegas and debut writer Tolu Okanlawon.

Selina Cartmell said: "There is no theatre like the Royal Exchange anywhere in the world.

"Its pioneering architecture and visceral relationship between artist and audience has shaped 50 exceptional years of this northern theatrical powerhouse and underpins my vision for the future.