Artistic Directors of Royal Exchange Theatre to depart

BRYONY SHANAHAN and ROY ALEXANDER WEISE, the Royal Exchange Theatre’s joint Artistic Directors (AD) and Chief Executives (CEO), are stepping down in September. 

Having led the Manchester-based theatre since 2019, the pair are departing to “pursue other directorial opportunities”.

Before leaving, both will develop and direct a final production. 

Trustees KATE VOKES and AZIZ RASHID, on behalf of the Royal Exchange’s board, said: “They arrived at the Exchange with a desire to push boundaries.

"Their commitment to artists, communities, audiences and the cultural landscape is deep rooted in their leadership and their work on and off stage."

Shanahan, who first joined the organisation as an assistant director, called the theatre “home”. 

“It is without doubt one of the most incredible theatre spaces, workforces and civic places I have ever had the pleasure of encountering and I am incredibly grateful for being able to play a part in its history," she added. 

“I have grown as a person, a director and a leader during this time and it has been an utter privilege to lead the theatre that has given me so much and to make work for such an iconic space.”

Weise said his stint as joint-AD and CEO has been a “tremendous ride”. 

“We saved the theatre and crafted a new identity, explored different ways to make work, brought new faces to the theatre and welcomed many friends back. 

“We took our work to communities and continue to engage as many people in Greater Manchester as possible with the gift of storytelling and creativity.

“I am proud that we worked to keep our arms open wider than ever before in a time where exclusivity would be more comfortable.”