Royal Exchange Theatre show was cancelled after pro-Palestine and trans rights row

A week of shows at Royal Exchange Theatre have been postponed
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


A five-week run of A Midsummer Night's Dream was cancelled following a row over pro-Palestine and pro-transgender rights at the Royal Exchange Theatre, the Manchester Evening News can reveal.

The theatre was due to stage a modern take on the William Shakespeare classic, set in contemporary Manchester with a drum 'n' bass soundtrack, from September 6 to October 12. But the first few performances were cancelled, with theatregoers told of a cast injury and 'technical issues'.

Ticketholders were then contacted on Saturday (September 14) and informed the production's entire run had been axed, with the theatre set to refund its audiences in full. The Royal Exchange Theatre said the decision followed a ' a number of issues with the production' and insisted that 'every effort was made to get the show on'.

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Now, the M.E.N. can reveal some of the details from the turbulent week which contributed to the show being axed.

It is understood a row broke out following an internal preview of A Midsummer Night's Dream on September 6, after it emerged the production included a song which referred to trans rights and the phrase 'free Palestine'.

The song, which was to involve the audience, had been included as part of the show's modernisation led by director Stef O'Driscoll. It's understood theatre bosses called for the section to be removed, but the director insisted it should remain in the show, with the support of her cast.

Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre
Posters on display -Credit:Manchester Evening News

A source close to the production told the M.E.N.: "They did the first preview, at which point the theatre said they are going to have to cut the reference to trans rights and free Palestine. The director said - no, this is my direction, it's what it's always been, we've had weeks and months and you are now trying to change it after the first preview. The company were very solid and unified."

From that point, performances began to be cancelled and postponed. The Royal Exchange Theatre confirmed a preview on September 6 was cancelled, citing injury to a cast member with no understudy.

Acting union Equity confirmed that the cast and workforce have been paid for the run in full. It's understood that this will have cost the theatre tens of thousands of pounds.

Last week, ticketholders were told that 'technical difficulties' had led to the show on September 10 being cancelled, before an announcement the following day that the week's performances were being postponed due to 'ongoing' issues. The M.E.N. has learned that a meeting took place last Wednesday between theatre staff and the company to try and resolve the disagreement.

Acting union Equity and directors' union Stage Directors UK also stepped in. The meeting took place hours before a press preview had been scheduled.

A source told the M.E.N.: "Wednesday was meant to be press night, by which point you would expect enthusiasm from people on social media - nothing at all. On Wednesday the cast were called in for a meeting at 11am to resolve it, they couldn't.

"At the weekend they couldn't agree, the director had walked, so they cancelled it."

The entire run was eventually cancelled on Saturday, with an email sent to ticketholders at midday, although some told the M.E.N. they did not receive any contact.

Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre
The theatre faced a turbulent week -Credit:Manchester Evening News

A source close to the production added: "This is a big deal for them. They've been through the wars financially, through Covid. I know people that are directly involved. They are really devastated about it."

Stars who were due to perform in the production took to social media to share their sadness at the cancellation over the weekend. Alicia Forde, who previously starred in BBC's Time and Waterloo Road and was due to play Lysander, wrote on her Instagram story: "Much love for the messages about the cancellation of our show A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Royal Exchange.

"Not ignoring you I promise, just taking some time... big love to the cast and crew, it was a special one x."

Manchester musician Salo, who was due to play as the moon, wrote on an Instagram story: "A Midsummer Night's Dream has been cancelled. Apologies to everyone that was so excited to see this theatre production.

"The work I put into this was huge and I'm f****** gutted for myself and everyone involved. Don't wanna talk about it too much as I'm emotionally drained but will answer any questions about it at a later date. Just need some time to process."

A spokesperson for Equity said: "We are supporting members in dealing with the impact of this cancellation on their wellbeing and future relationships with the venue. Whilst we're pleased that the workforce will not be out of pocket, the issues that have led to the cancellation of the production require further discussion with Manchester Royal Exchange.

"Equity has today contacted the theatre requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the reasons for cancellation, the impact on our members and the steps being taken now. We remain very concerned about this situation and its impact on our members."

The Royal Exchange Theatre, Stage Directors UK and representatives of Stef O'Driscoll have been approached for comment.