Royal Exchange Theatre Marks 50 Years with Costume Exhibition
Manchester's iconic 'spaceship-like' theatre celebrates its golden anniversary with a display of archive costumes.
The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new exhibition showcasing a selection of its extensive costume archive. The theatre, which opened in September 1976 with a production of "The Rivals," is known for its distinctive seven-sided, in-the-round design, which was described at the time as resembling a spaceship within the grand Victorian hall of its home.
"Mythic Reinvention: An exhibition celebrating 50 Years of Costume and Craft" offers a glimpse into the theatre's history through the artistry of its costume department. The exhibition highlights how costumes are created in-house for all of the theatre's productions, providing insight into the skill and craftsmanship involved.
Over its five decades, the Royal Exchange has hosted numerous acclaimed actors, including Hugh Grant, Bob Hoskins, Helen Mirren, Andrew Garfield, Maxine Peake, and Don Warrington. The exhibition features costumes worn by actors in some of the theatre's most iconic shows, demonstrating the enduring quality of the designs.
Award-winning designer Leslie Travers curated the exhibition, emphasizing the world-renowned status of the theatre's costume-making. "It is like couture," Travers commented, noting that many costumes, some dating back 50 years, remain in pristine condition due to careful preservation. He also highlighted the intimacy of the theatre's auditorium, which requires careful consideration of material choices due to the close proximity of the audience to the stage.
The theatre's creative director, Selina Cartmell, stated that the exhibition aims to provide audiences with an unprecedented look at what makes the Royal Exchange a unique venue. She added that it serves as an opportunity to honor everyone who has contributed to shaping the theatre as it looks toward its future.
The exhibition is free to attend and runs until November 15. The theatre's archive contains over 25,000 costumes and other items, reflecting its rich theatrical history.