Even These Things | Royal Exchange Manchester

A story rooted in the heart of the city and woven through both private and public histories, Even These Things makes its debut at Manchester’s Royal Exchange as part of the theatre’s 50th Anniversary Homecoming season, capturing the essence of what it means for Manchester to be “home.” A heartfelt exploration of community, grief, and nostalgia, the production delivers an emotionally rich experience that resonates with warmth and sincerity.

Even These Things intertwines three distinct yet connected stories set in the heart of Manchester, spanning three different centuries: 1846, 1996, and 2026. Staged 30 years after the IRA bomb transformed the city, the production feels like both a tribute to Manchester and a reflection on its enduring process of regeneration and resilience. The play opens with the story of Annie Donovan, immediately establishing the production’s emotional tone through its portrayal of a 19th-century Irish immigrant navigating hardship and displacement.

While the staging and lighting remains deliberately minimal, Elaine Cassidy’s commanding performance ensures the stage never feels empty. Her opening monologue moves effortlessly between moments of humour and simmering anger, capturing both the resilience and vulnerability of the character.

The second section of the production centres on the 1996 IRA bombing, initially unfolding as an ordinary Saturday morning in Manchester. Featuring a community cast of more than 100 Mancunians, the stage becomes a vivid representation of the city’s everyday rhythm, with performers moving across the space to recreate the familiar hustle and bustle of urban life.

Thoughtfully narrated by Katherine Pearce, this sequence recalls the spirit of Peter Handke’s The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other, presenting a series of snapshots that capture ordinary lives in the moments before tragedy strikes.

The storytelling is deeply infused with nostalgia, incorporating references to recognisable Manchester locations and stores that resonate strongly with local audiences. The ensemble itself is remarkably diverse, bringing together performers of different ages and backgrounds in a way that authentically reflects Manchester’s identity and collective spirit. Their presence becomes symbolic of the unity and resilience that emerged following a day that remains deeply significant in the city’s history.

This section alone stands as a highlight of the production and represents some of the most moving and accomplished theatrical storytelling I have witnessed on the Royal Exchange stage. It is a moment of exceptional emotional power, and one that alone makes Even These Things worth experiencing.

The concluding section of the play moves forward to 2026, shifting its focus to a more intimate exploration of grief through Kaz, played by Elaine Cassidy, and Jenny, portrayed by Katherine Pearce. The scene unfolds with a striking sense of intimacy, feeling almost as though the audience has been invited into a private conversation as the pair navigate discussions surrounding motherhood and loss.

In thematic terms, this section provides a sharp contrast to the preceding sequence. Rather than depicting a large-scale public tragedy, it centres on quieter, deeply personal experiences while continuing to engage with the production’s recurring themes of grief, identity, and human connection.

Mullarkey’s writing here feels especially thoughtful and nuanced, bringing a sense of warmth and emotional sincerity to the production. Rather than relying on spectacle, the scene places its trust in the performers, allowing them to carry the emotional weight through the strength of their performances and the authenticity of the dialogue. Conversations surrounding the IRA bombing continue to resonate within this section, reflecting on the ways in which the event shaped Manchester into the city it is today. Running throughout is a powerful thread of resilience and strength, reinforcing the production’s wider celebration of community and endurance.

Ultimately, this production feels entirely at home in Manchester, serving as a moving tribute to a community shaped by both public events and deeply personal histories. Although the play’s three sections are not directly interconnected, they are unified through Macdonald’s direction, gradually building a wider portrait of Manchester’s resilience, strength, and collective identity.

Beautifully crafted from beginning to end, Even These Things is a production filled with warmth and sincerity. It stands as a fitting addition to the Royal Exchange’s Homecoming season, capturing the spirit of the city and reinforcing the idea that Manchester is not simply a place, but a feeling of home.

Even These Things is running until 15th June - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography provided by Royal Exchange