An epic new production rooted in three different points in Mancunian and Irish history, including the day an IRA bomb tore through the city centre, premieres at the Royal Exchange Theatre this May.
Even These Things is a brand-new production from multi-award-winning playwright Rory Mullarkey. The original and moving new play explores private and public histories, grief, love, and the making and re-making of our city.
Directed by James Macdonald, this bold new piece of theatre spreads across three separate but intrinsically linked moments in time: In 1846, Annie Donovan has a score to settle; in 1996, it looks like any other Saturday morning in Manchester; and in 2026, Jenny moves back to the place where she grew up.
A stellar cast features award-winning actress Elaine Cassidy (Disco Pigs, Felicia’s Journey, The Wonder) as Annie, and Katherine Pearce, who makes her much-anticipated return to the Royal Exchange after starring in 2023’s No Pay? No Way!, as Jenny.
The production will be completed by a community cast of 108 participants from across all ten Greater Manchester boroughs, highlighting the profound impact that the events had on the Manchester community and placing the people of Manchester at the very centre of the story.
Even These Things will host its world premiere at the Royal Exchange as part of the theatre’s 50th anniversary programme, under the theme ‘A Homecoming’. The show will run from Fri 15 May – Mon 15 Jun, with the final performance taking place 30 years to the day of the IRA bomb in Manchester.
Tickets are on sale now. Book yours below.
Fri 15 May - Mon 15 Jun, Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann's Square, Manchester M2 7DH
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Fri 8 May 2026
