royal exchange theatre autumn winter 2012

WELCOME

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This Autumn/Winter we’re telling some epic stories, bursting with passionate ideas, vivid emotions and theatrical brilliance. With a new twist at Christmas and some of the country’s most exciting theatre makers coming to work with us, this is a season that we hope will take you on some amazing journeys through the world of theatre.

We’re now open seven days a week, so whichever day you come, you can choose from a range of theatre shows, live music, exhibitions and poetry readings as well as take part in workshops, discussions, community events and lots more to engage and inspire you.

We are pleased to announce that we have dropped our transaction charges. You will no longer be charged for booking online or for using a card. The only charge will be for postage - and you can choose to collect your tickets from the Box Office instead!

We have also changed our Saturday Matinee times to 3:30pm - we hope these changes will improve your visit.

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The Theatre12 September ~ 20 October

Directed by Polly Findlay

Box Office 0845 450 4808Website royalexchange.co.uk

Half Price Previews 12, 13 & 14 September

Back Stage Tour Wednesday 26 September 11am This Tour is BSL Interpreted

After Show Discussion Thursday 20 September

Audio-Described Performance Saturday 13 October 3:30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Tuesday 16 October 7:30pm

NEW Captioned Performance Thursday 11 October 7:30pm

THE COUNTRY WIFEby William Wycherley

PERFORMANCE TIMES: Monday ~ Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 8pm

MATINEE PERFORMANCE TIMES: Wednesday 2.30pm, Saturday 3.30pm

EXTRA MATINEE: Tuesday 25 September 2.30pm (no evening performance)

In the glamorous and gossip-fuelled London of the 17th Century, randy rake, Harry Horner feigns impotence to charm his way into the hearts and boudoirs of the apparently respectable wives of London society.

Newly arrived in town - with his ‘country wife’ Margery - Jack Pinchwife is jealous to the core and strains to keep his innocent spouse away from Horner’s clutches. She, however, is desperate to savour all the pleasures of the big city. And when Harry finally meets Margery, a collision course is set.

William Wycherley’s subversive comedy of sex and seduction was so scandalous that it was banned for 200 years. It is now brought to sparkling life by Olivier Award-winning director Polly Findlay, whose recent productions include GOOD at the Royal Exchange and ANTIGONE at the National Theatre.

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The Theatre24 October ~ 24 November

Directed by Sarah Frankcom


Half Price Previews 24, 25 & 26 October

Back Stage Tour Wednesday 31 October 11am

After Show Discussion Thursday 8 November

Audio-Described Performance Saturday 17 November 3:30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Friday 23 November 7:30pm

NEW Captioned Performance Thursday 15 November 7:30pm

ORPHEUS DESCENDINGby Tennessee Williams



EXTRA MATINEE: Tuesday 6 November 2.30pm (no evening performance)

In a small town in the Deep South of America nothing ever seems to change. That is, until one day, a charismatic young drifter appears with a snakeskin jacket and a guitar. Like a fox in a hen coop, this wild eyed boy tears up the prejudices and certainties of the town, igniting the passion of Lady Torrance, who for years has been trapped in a loveless marriage. But their freedom and love is too much for such a narrow-minded community…

This major revival of Tennessee Williams’ classic drama about the power of imagination and love in the face of conformity, stars Imogen Stubbs and is directed by Sarah Frankcom, whose recent award-winning successes at the Exchange include PUNK ROCK, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, BEAUTIFUL THING and MISS JULIE.

Presented by special arrangement with the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee


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RATS’ TALESby Carol Ann Duffy, dramatised by Melly Still WORLD PREMIERE

PERFORMANCE TIMES MATINEE EVENING29 Nov Thursday ---------- 7pm30 Nov Friday ---------- 7pm01 Dec Saturday 3.30pm 7.30pm02 Dec Sunday ---------- ----------03 Dec Monday ---------- 7.30pm04 Dec Tuesday 2pm ----------05 Dec Wednesday 2.30pm ----------06 Dec Thursday 2pm 7pm07 Dec Friday ---------- 7pm08 Dec Saturday 3.30pm 7.30pm09 Dec Sunday ---------- ----------10 Dec Monday ---------- ----------11 Dec Tuesday 2pm ----------12 Dec Wednesday 2.30pm 7pm13 Dec Thursday 2pm 7pm

MATINEE EVENING14 Dec Friday ---------- 7pm15 Dec Saturday 3.30pm 7.30pm16 Dec Sunday ---------- ----------17 Dec Monday ---------- ----------18 Dec Tuesday 2pm ----------19 Dec Wednesday 2.30pm 7pm20 Dec Thursday 2pm 7pm21 Dec Friday ---------- 7pm22 Dec Saturday 3.30pm 7.30pm23 Dec Sunday ---------- ----------24 Dec Monday 2.30pm ----------25 Dec Tuesday ---------- ----------26 Dec Wednesday 3.30pm 7.30pm27 Dec Thursday 3.30pm 7.30pm28 Dec Friday 3.30pm 7.30pm

MATINEE EVENING29 Dec Saturday 3.30pm 7.30pm30 Dec Sunday ---------- ----------31 Dec Monday 3.30pm 7.30pm01 Jan Tuesday ---------- ----------02 Jan Wednesday 3.30pm 7.30pm03 Jan Thursday ---------- 7.30pm04 Jan Friday ---------- 7.30pm05 Jan Saturday 3.30pm 7.30pm06 Jan Sunday ---------- ----------07 Jan Monday ---------- 7.30pm08 Jan Tuesday ---------- 7.30pm09 Jan Wednesday 2.30pm 7.30pm10 Jan Thursday ---------- 7.30pm11 Jan Friday ---------- 7.30pm12 Jan Saturday 3.30pm 7.30pm

RATS’ TALES brings together stories we know and love with folk tales from around the world, to create an unforgettable evening for everyone with an imagination aged 8~108.

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy continues her exciting collaboration with the Royal Exchange and creates an unmissable experience that will astound audiences.

The Exchange also welcomes renowned theatre-maker Melly Still (award-winning director of CORAM BOY, GRIMM’S TALES, BEASTS AND BEAUTIES) as she brings the Theatre to life in ways you would never have dreamt possible, mixing live music, stunning visuals and playful storytelling. RATS’ TALES is a theatrical delight for the festive season.

The Theatre29 November ~ 12 January

Directed by Melly Still


Half Price Previews 29 & 30 November

Back Stage Tour Wednesday 5 December 11am

After Show Discussion Thursday 13 December (eve)

Audio-Described Performance Saturday 5 January 3:30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Tuesday 8 January 7:30pm

NEW Captioned Performance Thursday 3 January 7:30pm


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The Theatre17 January ~ 16 February

Directed by James Dacre


Back Stage Tour Wednesday 23 January 11am

After Show Discussion Thursday 31 January 3:30pm

Audio-Described Performance Saturday 9 February 3:30pm

BSL Interpreted Performance Friday 15 February 7:30pm

NEW Captioned Performance Thursday 7 February 7:30pm

THE ACCRINGTON PALSby Peter Whelan



EXTRA MATINEE: Tuesday 29 January 2.30pm (no evening performance)

On the eve of the First World War the young men of Accrington hear Kitchener’s call for a New Army and become the smallest town in England to raise a Pals Volunteer Brigade. When they arrive in France, the brutal reality of the trenches is beyond anything they were prepared for. And back home amongst the women they leave behind - their mothers, wives, daughters, lovers - nothing can ever be the same again.

Peter Whelan’s epic and deeply humane play, dramatises the lives of ordinary people caught up in historical events. By turns funny, intimate and moving, it charts the fortunes of a close-knit community on the brink of change.

Exciting young director James Dacre makes his Royal Exchange debut with this production. His recent successes include Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT at The Globe and Katori Hall’s Olivier Award-winning play THE MOUNTAINTOP at The Trafalgar Studios.


BLACK ROSES: THE KILLING OF SOPHIE LANCASTERWords by Sylvia Lancaster Poetry by Simon Armitage

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The Studio19 ~ 29 September

Co-directed by Sarah Frankcom & Susan Roberts


On August 21st, 2007 Sophie Lancaster was beaten unconscious in Stubbeylee Park, Bacup and later died from her injuries in hospital. She was 20 years old, had just passed her A-Levels and was working out what to do with her life. She was killed because she dressed differently.

BLACK ROSES is an elegy for Sophie in which she tells her own story through a series of poems by the award-winning poet Simon Armitage, alongside the words of her mother, Sylvia Lancaster, remembering her daughter’s shortened life.

The piece provoked an unprecedented response when it premiered on Radio Four last year, winning the BBC Audio and Music Best Speech Programme of the Year Award. Now re-imagined for the theatre with Rachel Austin and Julie Hesmondhalgh (CORONATION STREET), BLACK ROSES is co-directed by Royal Exchange Artistic Director Sarah Frankcom and award-winning BBC radio drama producer Susan Roberts.

The production supports the ongoing work of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which promotes respect and understanding of subcultures in our communities.

The Studio Season is Supported by Manchester Airports Group


The Studio 19 ~ 20 OctoberArticulate Elbow present

MOTHER F With Susan Swanton and Isabel Ford Directed by Ben Keaton Choreography by Sian Williams

MOTHER F is a celebratory, raucous and touching comedy about mothers. A mother dies and two daughters rummage through her letters and photos in the attic where they discover a rather alarming secret from beyond the grave that unites them, changing their relationship forever.

MOTHER F is about the most ordinary, extraordinary, wonderful, awful and beautiful mother in the world. Directed by Ben Keaton (Perrier, MEN Award-winner, FATHER TED) and with choreography by Sian Williams (The Kosh, Globe Theatre).

Bring your mother!

Friday 7.30pm Saturday 8pm14 | 15

The Studio 12 ~ 13 OctoberTara Arts present

UPRISINGby Alex Wheatle MBE Directed by Jatinder Verma

The Brixton uprising of 1981 was brought into sharp focus by the riots, 30 years on, across the UK in summer 2011. UPRISING is a compelling story of our time.

The award-winning author Alex Wheatle MBE presents his moving autobiographical story of how he became a writer. From the brutality of children’s homes to being on the ‘Frontline’ in riot-torn Brixton and sharing a prison cell with a fierce Rasta-man, Alex takes audiences on a journey through Britain in the 1980s. A journey punctuated by the muscular singing of lyrics that made him the famous ‘Yardman Irie’ of the Brixton club scene.

Friday 7.30pm Saturday 8pm

The Studio 3 ~ 6 OctoberJessica Walker and Opera North in association with the Royal Exchange Theatre present

PAT KIRKWOOD IS ANGRYWritten and performed by Jessica Walker Directed by Lee Blakely Music Director Jim Holmes

After a sell-out tour of THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME, Jessica Walker presents her latest one-woman show – PAT KIRKWOOD IS ANGRY, about the legendary Manchester-born singer and actress.

The turbulent life and beautiful songs of Pat Kirkwood are brought to life in a funny and heart-breaking new piece. Named Britain’s first wartime star in 1939, with a show written for her by Noël Coward, Kirkwood is now mostly remembered for the scandal surrounding an alleged affair with HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, the repercussions of which were to haunt her for the rest of her life.

Wed ~ Fri 7.30pm Saturday 8pm

The Studio 31 October ~ 3 November New Art Club present

QUIET ACT OF DESTRUCTIONFollowing last year’s award-winning 5 star show BIG BAG OF BOOM, New Art Club are back with a brand new critically acclaimed comedy experience.

Against an exhilarating soundtrack, Pete and Tom take us on a whirlwind rampage through the English countryside. Chaos bubbles in the church tearooms and revolution leaks from under the post office door in a hilarious tale of rural conflict over the renaming of a train station. QUIET ACT OF DESTRUCTION is a comedy experience pitched somewhere between a game show, stand-up and a church garden party.

‘Undoubtedly the funniest comedy act I have seen in the last five years.*****’ Three Weeks

Wed ~ Fri 7.30pm Saturday 8pm


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The Studio 14 ~ 17 NovemberHorse + Bamboo present

THE NIGHTINGALEDirected by Alison Duddle Designed by Bob Frith Music by Chris Davies

A selfish King replaces his melodic songbird with an all mod-cons mechanical gizmo - then wonders if something is missing from his life. With vivid performance, puppetry and animation, Hans Christian Andersen’s story is brimming with amazing characters and great storytelling.

For ages 4+

Wed ~ Fri 10.30am & 1.30pm Saturday 11am & 2pm

The Studio 20 ~ 24 November A Paines Plough, Live Newcastle and Salisbury Playhouse Production

LONDONby Simon Stephens

You get back to London and the noise of the place and the dirt and the colour and the roar of it. In a city full of the push and pull, incessant chatter and endless hum you can barely find the time to breathe. You want to get away. You deserve to get away. There is a choice - you can take everything you love with you or leave it all behind.

LONDON tells two heart rending stories of family and the choices they make for the precious things they love.

Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens’ previous plays include PUNK ROCK and HARPER REGAN.

Tues ~ Fri 7.3pm Thurs matinee 2.30pm Sat 3.30pm & 8pm

The Studio 6 ~ 8 December Metta Theatre present

ARAB NIGHTSby writers including Hassan Abdulrazzak, Ghalia Kabbani, Raja Shehadeh and anonymous Directed by Poppy Burton-Morgan

Shahrazad needs to survive for just one more night. Can her stories save her? An Arabian Nights for a modern age, responding to events of the Arab Revolutions in this potent and compelling collection of short plays by writers from around the world.

Riding the waves of change currently breaking across the Middle-East, this extraordinary new production explodes with vivid story-telling, live music and puppetry.

Thurs & Fri 7.30pm Sat 3.30pm & 8pm

The Studio 6 ~ 10 NovemberCoal in association with the Royal Exchange Theatre present

JOHNNY COME LATELYConceived by Annie Fitzmaurice Developed and directed by John Wright (Told By An Idiot)

A mother and her adult daughter are living in reduced circumstances, when a mysterious stranger appears on their doorstep, unsettling their already chaotic lives.

Award-winning Manchester theatre company Coal return to The Studio with a provocative tale of outsiders.

‘Walks a fine line between comedy and a far darker place’. The Scotsman (THE FRAGILITY OF X)

Tues ~ Fri 7.30pm Saturday 3.30pm & 8pm


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Little Angel Theatre in association with the Royal Exchange Theatre present

THE TEAR THIEFBased on the original story by Carol Ann Duffy

The Studio 11 ~ 29 DecemberDirected by Peter Glanville Music composed by James Hesford Designed by Simon Plumridge Puppets designed and made by Jan Zalud

Each night, in the hours between supper and bedtime the Tear Thief soundlessly steals the tears of every child who cries. But what does she do with all those tears?

Find out in this beautiful adaptation of Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy’s book THE TEAR THIEF, brought to life by the magical puppetry of the Little Angel Theatre – with live music. Suitable for over 3s.

PERFORMANCES: 11.00am and 1.30pm every day (excluding Sundays, and 25 December)

EXTRA PERFORMANCE: 3.30pm Saturday 15 December and Thursday 27 December No 11am performance Wednesday 26 December

This play is based on the original story THE TEAR THIEF text copyright © 2007 by Carol Ann Duffy First published in the United Kingdom in 2005 by Barefoot Books. All rights reserved

In the run up to The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2013, we will be hitting the road this autumn with a series of workshops to help you put pen to paper, create stories on stage and bring your ideas and imagination to life.

BRUNTWOOD ROADSHOW Workshops and masterclasses will take place in cities around the country including, Manchester, Liverpool, Belfast, London, Sheffield and Leeds.

Our New Writing Associate, Suzanne Bell, will be joined by previous Bruntwood winning playwrights including:

Vivienne Franzmann ~ MOGADISHU (2008 Bruntwood Prize winner and George Devine Award)

Duncan Macmillan ~ MONSTER (2005 Bruntwood Prize winner)

Andrew Sheridan ~ WINTERLONG (2008 Bruntwood Prize winner)

The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2013 will be open for submissions in January 2013. Come to one of our workshops and get a head start on writing your play.

Keep an eye out for more information on writeaplay.co.uk from 25 September 2012.

BACK FOR A FOURTH TIME… Show us the World inside YOUR Head

Media Partner


Announcing a third year of our major partnership with the Co-operative Foundation, exploring, challenging and changing negative perceptions of young people in the UK.

Contact us to find out how you can get involved.royalexchange.co.uk/truthaboutyouth

DISCOVERThe behind-the-scenes world of theatre

TRUTH ABOUT YOUTH

WORD is an exciting range of bespoke events and opportunities for writers to engage with the theatre throughout their careers and for everyone interested in writing to gain a unique insight into the process of creating new work.

From first timers to experienced playwrights who wish to explore new directions, the Royal Exchange engages, challenges, supports and provokes audiences and artists to embrace the possibilities of the dramatic word.

Find out more at royalexchange.co.uk/word

WORD IN PROGRESS A chance for audiences to be the first to experience new work in development and for writers to share new ideas.

WRITE BACK An exciting opportunity for writers to respond to the work on our stages, enabling them to experience their writing performed in the Theatre and to interrogate some of the themes and issues raised in our productions.

SKYLINES A collaboration with Theatre Centre to focus on the development of new writer-led work for 8-13 year olds. A group of playwrights will explore the imaginative possibilities and theatrical challenges of creating work for this age-group.

IN THE LOUNGE A series of discussions with playwrights to open up the process of writing, giving anyone interested in new writing a unique insight into the varied role of the writer and range of work we do.

SCRIPT WINDOWS We believe that the opportunity for writers to send us their work is a vital way for writers to engage with us. Through a series of focused “Script Windows” throughout the year, each script is given the dedicated time and attention it deserves.

PLAYREADING WORKSHOPS A daytime programme for everyone aged 18+ reading and discussing plays new and old, exploring the world of the play and unpicking some of the processes of writing.

YOUNG WRITERS’ PROGRAMME Introducing anyone aged 16 to 19 to playwriting as a unique, imaginative and invaluable way to express yourself. If you have a story to tell, this could be a way to bring it to life.

CAROL ANN DUFFY Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy returns for a fourth season of the overwhelmingly successful CAROL ANN DUFFY AND FRIENDS evenings in The Studio. Joining her are new writers from Manchester Metropolitan University and a variety of leading professional poets, offering a medley of poetry, jazz, book signings and lively conversation.

WORDA combination of special events, playwright support and a regular opportunity to take a peek at new work in development.

Create your own new work with professional theatre-makers and artists

Learn new skills, and revisit old ones

Engage with our three year partnerships with The Booth Centre, Manchester and New Charter Housing Trust, Tameside

This season’s highlights include:

AFTER BLACK ROSES: a project for young people aged 16+

POETRY QUEST: primary schools partnership

YOUNG LEADERS: mentoring programme

THE RATS’ TALES KIT: a major online resource

OUR PALS: intergenerational project with THE ACCRINGTON PALS

Plus our core programme of

• COMMUNITYLINKSandSCHOOLSLINKSintroducingtheatretofirsttimevisitors

• INTRODUCINGandINSIGHTSlivelypubliceventsheldintheTheatreto accompany productions

• BEHINDTHESCENESworkweeksforschoolandcollegestudents

• SONGLINESworkingwithyoungpeoplewithASD

•WORLDWIDEWORKSHOPinternationaltheatregroupforadultsfrommarginalisedand under-represented communities

• INSIGHTSRESOURCESonlineforeveryRoyalExchangeproduction

Find out more and keep in touch at royalexchange.co.uk/discover

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COME AND JOIN US

FRIENDS Friends are active supporters of the Royal Exchange Theatre and have opportunities to take part in regularly organised events.

Friends get really involved and help the Theatre in many ways.

Whatever your age, if you are interested in theatre, Friends is for you.

To join, call Janet Aslan on 0161 615 6786, email [email protected] or ask at the Information Point.

THEATRE TOURS Backstage Tours run for every show taking you all around the hidden Theatre spaces, backstage and dressing rooms. Book at the Box Office on 0845 450 4808. Tickets £5 including refreshments.

ROOM HIRE You can hire the Exchange for weddings, civil partnerships, parties and launches. Bring drama to your special event by hiring one of our function rooms – we even provide the catering, costumes and accessories. Call Paul Lloyd on 0161 615 6793 or email [email protected]

TAKE A SUPPORTING ROLE You can play a vital role by supporting us to deliver our exceptional artistic work and our inspirational programmes with diverse communities and young people.

Individual Giving As an individual there are so many ways to support our work both on and off the stage. Become a member from £5 per month, buy a floor or seat plaque, leave a legacy or make a one-off donation.

Corporate Entertaining With a range of packages to suit you, clients and staff can enjoy all the benefits of membership at the Royal Exchange including tickets, hospitality, meet the cast events and exclusive discounts - all while supporting the Theatre.

Special Project Funding As a busy producing theatre based in a historic building we always have rewarding projects and need help to realise them - from refurbishing our facilities, to innovative projects with young people and adults. We partner with individuals, businesses and trusts & foundations to make these projects happen.

We’d love to talk to you about getting involved. Call 0161 615 6790 or email [email protected]

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Come and celebrate Christmas at the Royal Exchange Theatre. We have something for everyone!

EAT… Enjoy a fabulous festive meal for all the family in the Round Restaurant throughout December or head to the Great Hall Café where mulled wine, mince pies and other seasonal treats await.

DRINK… Drop into the Theatre’s Bar Exchange for a great selection of soft drinks, beers, wines, spirits and special Christmas drinks.

SHOP... Visit the DAZZLE exhibition and buy a piece of handmade jewellery for yourself or someone special. Wow your friends and family and bring drama to the festivities by hiring one of our exquisite theatre costumes.

AND BE MERRY In the Theatre, the World Premiere of Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy’s brand new production RATS’ TALES will captivate the imaginations of all the family. In The Studio, her book THE TEAR THIEF is brought to life by the magic of puppetry.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY

Starletta DuPois and Ray Fearon in A RAISIN IN THE SUN


SOUVENIRS AND UNIQUE GIFTS Treasure the memory of your visit to the Exchange forever with one of our unique gifts. We have limited edition posters, specially designed mugs, umbrellas and pencils, all available to buy from the Information Point. You can also find Manchester postcards, theatre programmes and scripts.

A Royal Exchange Gift Voucher is always a welcome surprise. They can be used to buy tickets, gifts, food and drink, even Costume Hire.

A Place In History

For the person that has everything, surprise them with a Royal Exchange Theatre Season Ticket. Make an impression with a Floor Plaque or Seat Plaque personalised with an inscription of your choice. Details available from the Information Point.

Information Point Open Monday ~ Saturday 9.30am until the show starts, re-opening for the interval.

Sunday 11am ~ 5pm

18 November ~ 31 December

The remarkable Dazzle Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition returns to the Royal Exchange for the second year. Top international designers will present unique and original pieces in an incredible variety of materials from gold and platinum to paper and wood.

For more information visit dazzle-exhibitions.co.uk or email [email protected] for exclusive private view party invitations.

CRAFT SHOP We have Christmas all wrapped up at the Exchange. The Craft Shop is the place to find handmade original gifts and inspirational exhibitions. Come along and be tempted by our lace and crochet themed exhibition this Autumn or our gorgeous new jewellery exhibition this Christmas.

Open 7 days a week

royalexchange.co.uk/craftshop twitter.com/rxcraftshop facebook.com/rxcraftshop

COSTUME HIRE Turn an occasion into an event and hire one of the 5000 handmade costumes as seen on the stage at the Royal Exchange. Simply call 0161 819 6660 for a fitting and some inspiration.

facebook.com/royalexchangecostumehire royalexchange.co.uk/costumehire [email protected]

SHOPPING AT THE EXCHANGE DAZZLE

Bangles by Lesley StricklandHire this outfit as worn by

Helen Atkinson Wood in THE MISEROyster Bag by Clare Webster Costume Hire, the choice is endless

Charm necklace by Clara Breen

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PURCHASE A SEASON TICKET NOW AND START SAVING!We accept Visa and Mastercard Debit and Credit cards

5 PART SEASON TICKET - 25% off total ticket price (includes a ticket for one visiting show in The Studio. Please note: Studio tickets must be booked by 20 October 2012) THE COUNTRY WIFE, ORPHEUS DESCENDING, RATS’ TALES and THE ACCRINGTON PALS in the Theatre.Seating Area Mon ~ Thu & Sat Mat Fri & Sat Eve Tue & Wed MatRow A 1st Gallery, Row D Stage Level £102.00 tickets £114.00 tickets £76.50 ticketsRow B 1st Gallery Rows B, C, E, F, G Stage Level £88.50 tickets £99.00 tickets £67.50 ticketsRow A 2nd Gallery £69.00 tickets £78.00 tickets £61.50 ticketsRow B 2nd Gallery £51.80 tickets £55.50 tickets £52.50 tickets

4 PART (THEATRE ONLY) SEASON TICKET - 20% off total ticket priceTHE COUNTRY WIFE, ORPHEUS DESCENDING, RATS’ TALES and THE ACCRINGTON PALS in the Theatre.Seating Area Mon ~ Thu & Sat Mat Fri & Sat Eve Tue & Wed MatRow A 1st Gallery, Row D Stage Level £99.20 tickets £112.00 tickets £72.00 ticketsRow B 1st Gallery Rows B, C, E, F, G Stage Level £84.80 tickets £96.00 tickets £62.40 ticketsRow A 2nd Gallery £64.00 tickets £73.60 tickets £56.00 ticketsRow B 2nd Gallery £44.80 tickets £49.60 tickets £46.40 ticketsI would also like to reserve extra tickets for RATS’ TALES for my friends and family children’s tickets at half price and full price tickets for the matinee/evening (delete as appropriate) performance on _ _ /_ _ . Book now and pay later!

I would like to make a donation to the Royal Exchange Theatre Development Fund of £ I would like to

Grand Total (season ticket plus donation payment if applicable)

Payment I wish to pay £ by: Mastercard Visa Card No. _ _ _ _ /_ _ _ _ /_ _ _ _ /_ _ _ _ Expiry Date: _ _ /_ _

Total number of tickets requested When you have completed your form and signed at the top, return to: Season Ticket Booking, Royal Exchange Theatre Company, FREEPOST (M2 9GN) St Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 9GN.

Name Account No. (if known)

Address

Postcode Telephone Signature

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✃

MAKE HUGE SAVINGS WITH A SEASON TICKETIf you come regularly to the Exchange, get a Season Ticket and enjoy up to 25% off full price tickets, book early and get the best seats in the House. Enjoy more for less

SAVE UP TO £28 Did you know, if you bought top price seats to the four Theatre shows, you would pay £140. With a Season Ticket, you will only pay £112 – that’s ONE SHOW FOR FREE!

With a 5-part Season Ticket, which includes a ticket to a Studio visiting show of your choice (see pages 14 ~ 18), you’ll save a massive 25% - up to £38 on full prices.

*This year, we are offering a limited number of Season Tickets in 2nd Gallery 2nd Row, with prices from only £44.80 – you will pay only £11.20 each for all four Theatre shows.

Please note: Your Season Ticket discount will not apply for performances from 22 ~ 31 December inclusive.

AS A SEASON TICKET HOLDER YOU’LL ALSO GET Priority booking for any seat in the house, no charge if you change your date or seat booking, an exclusive Loyalty Card offering discounts around the Theatre including the Bars, Restaurant, Craft Shop and Costume Hire.

THE IDEAL GIFT A Royal Exchange Theatre Season Ticket makes an ideal gift for someone who enjoys theatre but may not get here as often as they like! You buy the Season Ticket and they can choose their own dates and performance times.


DISCOUNTS ACCESS

Discounts are available for all performances in the Theatre except Saturday evenings, Half Price Previews and performances of RATS’ TALES between 22 and 31 December inclusive. Discounts not available on banquettes. Discounts may be restricted for busy performances. Proof of ID required. Only one discount per ticket.

THE STUDIO Availability of concessions may vary. Call for details.

UNDER 16s, REGISTERED UNEMPLOYED AND DISABLED PATRONS HALF PRICE. Wheelchair spaces available on request. Price available for a companion if appropriate.

UNDER 26s AND STUDENTS Discounts on Mondays (£5) and Fridays (£0 ~ £5). Student Standbys on day of purchase (£10). Visit royalexchange.co.uk/cheep for details.

OVER 60s £2 off top three ticket prices on Saturday Matinees. Our Tuesday and Wednesday Matinees are heavily discounted to attract an OVER 60s audience.

GROUPS (10+) Buy 10 ~ 40 seats save £2.50 per ticket Buy 40+ seats save £3.50 per ticket + one free ticket per 20 paid seats

SCHOOLS Call 0161 833 0483 £10 tickets available Monday ~ Friday performances (limited availability). Special Schools performances for RATS’ TALES. Call for details.

We aim to ensure that all our patrons have an enjoyable experience. Both our Theatre and Studio have wheelchair spaces and convenient lift access.

Each Theatre production has an Audio-Described Performance with a free Touch Tour one hour before the show. Assistance dogs are welcome and large print programmes are available free of charge.

We have infra-red assisted hearing facilities and each Theatre production has a BSL-Interpreted Performance. Captioned performances are now available in the Theatre.

This Brochure is available in large print, Braille, CD and email formats.

If you have a particular access requirement and would like to speak to a member of staff before your visit, contact the Box Office on 0845 450 4808 or [email protected]

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TICKET PRICESAll prices are guaranteed until opening night. We reserve the right to change prices after that time, dependent on demand.

THE THEATRESecond Gallery Row ARow B

First Gallery Row ARow B

Stage Level Row DRows B, C, E, F, GA (Banquettes)

STANDARD PRICESMon ~ Thu & Sat Mat Fri & Sat Eve *Midweek Mat £31 £35 £22.50 £26.50 £30 £19.50 £20 £23 £17.50 £14 £15.50 £14.50

BANQUETTES available on day of performance only, from 9.30am £10 £10 £10

*Except for matinees from 22 ~ 31 December which are all at Saturday matinee prices,

THE STUDIO All seats £12; concessions £10; under 13s £5 Unreserved seating which changes for each show. Concessions often available for young people, students and older people.

HOW TO BOOK: Box Office is open Monday ~ Saturday 9.30am ~ 7.30pm (8pm on Saturdays) Sunday 11am ~ 5pm

BOOK ONLINE at royalexchange.co.uk/bookonline NEW Book for this Season and no longer pay a transaction fee

BOOK BY PHONE Call 0845 450 4808 Monday ~ Saturday 9.30am ~ 6.15pm Sunday 11am ~ 5pm

SCHOOL BOOKING LINE 0161 833 0483 Monday ~ Friday 9.30am ~ 5.30pm

All prices, times and performance details are correct at time of going to print. We reserve the right to change details if necessary.

Under the SMOKE FREE law, performers on stage are exempt. There may be smoking in some of our productions.


RELAX & ENJOY THE EXCHANGE

The Royal Exchange is more than a theatre. Open seven days a week, there is lots to do for you and your family. Come in, relax and soak up the atmosphere!

Free Wi-fi: just use the password ‘internet’.

The Great Hall Café: Open daily, serving great coffee, specialty teas, homemade panini, cakes, sandwiches, soups and pies.

The Round Restaurant: Open daily for lunch and pre-theatre from 5pm serving seasonal modern British cooking at its best. Book online royalexchange.co.uk or call 0161 615 6666.

Look out for our Christmas menu and Festive Family Packages!

Theatre Explorer Bags: FREE from the Information Point, they’ve got lighting gels, fabrics, objects and activity cards in, to encourage younger people (up to age 7) to start exploring the building.

Self-Guided Theatre Trails & Activity Sheets: FREE activity sheets and Theatre trails for young people, families and schools.

Free entertainment in the Great Hall: Fridays from 6pm and most Sundays from 2pm ~ 3pm. Bring the family for music, comedy, dance or a workshop for young people. Visit royalexchange.co.uk/specialfx to see what’s on.

Exhibitions: Check out our brand new Timeline Exhibition that takes you on a journey through the Royal Exchange’s history; browse the changing exhibitions in the Craft Shop Cabinets and the Mezzanine Gallery; or settle down in the Education Lounge to find out more about the Theatre.

Hard Hat Sundays: On the Sunday after the last performance of a show from 11am ~ 5pm, a chance for you and the family to sneak a peek behind the scenes as we change the set for the next show.

FREE Wi-Fi in the Great Hall, powered by MDDA (part of Manchester City Council).

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royal exchange theatre autumn winter 2012

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