What's happened
The Royal Exchange’s 50th anniversary season has a central question of home. Rory Mullarkey’s play, staged in James Macdonald’s production, traverses Manchester’s history from 19th‑century poverty to 1996 city life, united by a post‑IRA bomb moment; it suggests future hope amid fragile identities.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The production uses a triptych structure to map shifting notions of home, belonging, and memory across centuries.
- It connects immigrant histories with contemporary urban life, implying that regeneration can be rooted in shared, painful experiences rather than exclusive lineage.
- The final scene suggests a cautious optimism, implying that future cohesion may emerge from acknowledging diverse origins.
- The performance hinges on character-led vignettes and a deliberate pacing that invites reflection on who has a stake in the city’s future.
How we got here
The Royal Exchange’s 50th anniversary season is framed around a “homecoming” theme. Mullarkey’s play stitches together three scenes—Donovan’s 19th‑century monologue, a 1990s city‑centre vignette, and a post‑bomb encounter—exploring who belongs in Manchester’s evolving identity.
Our analysis
The Guardian: Mark Fisher has written a nuanced review, highlighting the play’s elliptical meaning and its meditation on urban lineage. The piece frames the production as a thoughtful, rich portrayal of home in Manchester. The Guardian provides context on the three scenes and the regeneration backdrop.
Go deeper
- What defines a city’s heart for you?
- Do you think regeneration can be inclusive of all communities?
- Which moment from the play most challenges your sense of belonging?