The Royal Exchange in Manchester has announced plans for a new artistic direction under a newly restructured leadership team, and unveiled a bold and dynamic programme for their early 2013 season.
Artistic director Sarah Frankcom, will take the lead in driving the new vision, which will champion new ways of theatre making.
She will be opening the theatre to bold new artistic energy and imagination, nationally and internationally, to create work across all the theatre’s platforms.
She comments: “I am excited about presenting original work, telling new stories and exploring new ideas inspired by the city and communities of which The Exchange sits at the heart.”
The spring / summer 2013 season launches the new vision. Inspiring new writing and collaborations sit alongside classic plays, presented by some of the best new talent in British theatre. The season includes three world premières, the Royal Exchange debut of four of the UK’s most exciting young directors and the launch of the 2013 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting.
The announcement follows the retirement of Braham Murray in July, the last of the theatre’s founding directors.
Sarah is part of the artistic leadership team which also includes Greg Hersov, artistic director, who will lead on delivery of the theatre’s artistic programmes, including supporting and mentoring new talent and ensuring the theatre continues to deliver outstanding work, and Fiona Gasper, executive director, who leads on strategic direction and management of the company.
The spring / summer season begins on February 20 with To Kill A Mockingbird, directed by rising star Max Webster, a trainee of the 2011 regional theatre Young Directors’ Scheme at the Exchange.