Royal Exchange marks 50th anniversary with new costume exhibition – first look

The Royal Exchange Theatre has released first-look photos ahead of its 50th anniversary celebrations, which begin this week in Manchester.

The programme includes Mythic Reinvention: An Exhibition Celebrating 50 Years of Costume and Craft, a free exhibition curated by designer Leslie Travers and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Opening on 16 September and running until 15 November, the exhibition features costumes and objects from the Royal Exchange’s archive, including pieces worn by Helen Mirren, Don Warrington, Andrew Garfield, Tom Courtenay, Maxine Peake and Suranne Jones.

The exhibition explores the work of the theatre’s costume department and the role of costume and craft across five decades of productions. The Royal Exchange Theatre will also hold a gala on 15 September, marking the date of its 50th anniversary.

The venue was founded in 1976 and operates from the former Manchester Royal Exchange in St Ann’s Square. Its current theatre opened in 1976 following the building’s conversion by architects Levitt Bernstein.

Mythic Reinvention is open from 16 September to 15 November, with opening hours varying according to performances and events.