Steve Cooke reviews Even These Things at the Royal Exchange Theatre, an ambitious and emotionally resonant triptych exploring Manchester's history across three eras: 1846, 1996, and 2026. The production weaves together Irish migration, the 1996 IRA bombing, and contemporary questions of identity and belonging, framed as a love letter to Manchester to mark the 30th anniversary of the bombing.
Elaine Cassidy delivers an extraordinary performance, particularly her electrifying opening monologue as Annie Donovan in 1846. Her work is a masterclass in emotional intelligence, vocal dexterity, and stage presence, commanding attention with humour, ferocity, and vulnerability. It is undoubtedly one of the year's best theatrical performances.
The middle act, set on the morning of the IRA bombing, serves as the production's emotional core. A huge community cast creates a vivid, poignant portrait of the city with brilliantly choreographed movement that alone is worth the ticket price.
Peter Carroll, known for Coronation Street and Thinking, praised the play: "I went to The Exchange Theatre last night to see what turned out to be one of the most memorable, perfected plays: 'Even These Things'. A journey through Manchester's history—from the poverty of Ancoats' Angel Meadows to the Twelfth Manchester bomb to modern day. Funny, connected, and resonant. Powerful, effective cast. Do try and see this. Amazing." He extended special thanks to Linda Martin for gifting him a script copy.
Another audience member was overheard saying, "I can't wait to see it a second time… the writing, the staging, the performance are all worthy of an award, for sure."
Performance Details
Even These Things runs until Monday, June 15. This theatrical experience is not to be missed. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Royal Exchange Theatre website.
Twelfth Night at Heywood Civic
Steve Cooke also previews HER Productions' return to Heywood Civic with Twelfth Night, part of their Unseemly Shakespeare series. Since 2017, HER has redefined Shakespeare with all-female and non-binary casts. Their 2024 Taming of the Shrew was listed in The Stage's Top 50 Shows of the Year and will transfer to London in 2026.
Performances are Thursday, July 9 and Friday, July 10 at 7.30pm. Tickets are pay-what-you-can: Standard £16.80, Lower £14.70, Higher £18.90. Age recommendation 14+ (contains sexual references). Book online at heywoodcivic.co.uk or call 0300 303 8633. Venue: Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood.
Manchester Open Exhibition 2026
The Manchester Open exhibition returns to HOME with 420 artists showcasing works from over 1,500 submissions. Running from Saturday, June 20 to Sunday, September 6, 2026, the free exhibition celebrates Greater Manchester's creative talent across all experience levels. Artists range in age from four to nearly 80, with categories including ceramics, digital art, drawing, print, painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, and more.
The judging panel includes Clarissa Corfe (HOME), Helen Wewiora (Castlefield Gallery), Adeola Adelakun and Ronke Jane Adelakun (Black Creative Trailblazers), Ebunoluwa Evelyn Adesina (HOME Volunteer), Jo Bloxham, and artists Nicola Ellis, Gabriel Kidd, and Amang Mardokhy. Awards include artist development packages and the Kate Vokes People's Choice Award (£2,000). Supported by Oglesby Charitable Trust, Brian Mercer Trust, Manchester City Council, Arts Council England, and GMCA.
Public preview: Friday, June 19, 12 noon to 9pm. Exhibition at HOME main gallery.
Manchester International Roots Orchestra
MIRO performs at Heywood Civic on Saturday, June 20 at 7.30pm. The ensemble features refugee musicians and diverse influences from Eastern Europe, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Tickets: £14 standard, £12 lower, £16 higher to support the programme. Venue: Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood.
Recommended Events
- Northern Brickworks Rochdale Brick Show: June 6, Rochdale Central Library. Free Lego displays and activities. No booking needed.
- Book Club at Junction Library: June 8, 2-3pm. Monthly chat for adults. Free, no booking.
- Toad Lane Concerts: June 10, St Mary in the Baum, Rochdale. The Nightingale Singers perform. Doors 12 noon, concert 12.30-1.30pm. £6. Phone 01706 648872.
