Show & Tell (Royal Exchange Theatre; Photo – Joel Fildes)

Royal Exchange Theatre (November 2015 – March 2016)

SHOW & TELL was an exhibition-with-a difference which I co-curated and produced in The Studio at the Royal Exchange Theatre, created entirely from the stories, opinions and conversations that Royal Exchange visitors shared with the Theatre over an 18 month period as part of the You, The Audience programme. Through a series of mini-projects and consultation sessions we asked audiences what they wanted 21st century theatres to be, what this theatre is for, does theatre matter and, if so, how and why? We invited them to share with us their memories of theatre, and to help us develop a manifesto.

Sound artists Eloise Whitmore and Tony Churnside crafted an intimate, atmospheric sound installation composed entirely of audience voices, and visual artists Oliver East and Johnny Woodhams created original artwork that responded to and incorporated their words. The exhibition was accompanied by a four day programme of free discussions and events including a panel discussion led by the University of Manchester, drop-in family workshops, a Theatre Café discussion and conversation group and a performance from the Royal Exchange Elders Company.

• Cross Artform
• Engagement
• Theatre