Home / Arts and Entertainment / Royal Exchange: 50 Years of Stage Magic & Couture
Royal Exchange: 50 Years of Stage Magic & Couture
18 Sep
Summary
- The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester celebrated its 50th anniversary.
- Famous actors like Hugh Grant and Helen Mirren have performed there.
- An exhibition showcases 50 years of the theatre's renowned costume collection.
Opened in September 1976, the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Its distinctive, seven-sided, in-the-round design was initially described as resembling a spaceship within a Victorian hall, creating an intimate arena for actor-audience connection.
Over five decades, the theatre has been graced by many famous performers. Notable names include Hugh Grant, Bob Hoskins, Helen Mirren, and Andrew Garfield. More recently, Maxine Peake and Don Warrington have also performed on its celebrated stage.
To commemorate this milestone, the "Mythic Reinvention" exhibition is on display until November 15th. It features a selection of costumes from the theatre's extensive archive, which holds over 25,000 items. The exhibition shines a light on the in-house costume department and the world-class craft involved in creating the theatre's iconic looks, often compared to haute couture.
