Regional premiere of FUN HOME and new production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC to play at Royal Exchange

The Royal Exchange has announced its 2026/27 season, to include the regional premiere of Fun Home and a brand new production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music.

This production marks the 20th anniversary of Alison Bechdel’s iconic graphic novel, FUN HOME, which features music by Jeanine Tesori and a book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. The musical’s Northern debut is directed by former Artistic Director Sarah Frankcom and will run from 3 July-1 August 2026.

FUN HOME is an exhilarating, heartbreaking and Tony Award-winning musical about coming out and coming of age. Join cartoonist Alison Bechdel on a journey into her childhood memories remembering what it’s like to grow up in a funeral home, undergo a sexual awakening in college and try to make sense of the secrets at the heart of your family.

This groundbreaking modern masterpiece is a tale of grief and love, queer tragedy and queer joy, told through soaring, revelatory songs. The creative team includes designer Peter Butler, lighting designer Bethany Gupwell, sound designer Tony Gayle, music supervisor and musical director Matthew Malone, and casting director Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting.

Selina Cartmell directs Sondheim’s breathtaking classic A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, which is the Exchange’s Christmas production for 2026. This life-affirming fairy-tale for adults is packed with stunning musical numbers such as ‘Send in The Clowns’ and ‘Night Waltz’, and runs from 5 December 2026 - 30 January 2027.

In Sondheim’s enchanting musical, set in turn-of-the-century Sweden, mismatched couples waltz through a series of self-delusions in search of a happy ending. Old, young and middle-aged are equally determined and witty in this Tony Award-winning musical comedy.

For more info on the upcoming season at the Royal Exchange, please click here.