Home to some of the UK’s most inspiring theatres and with two world-renowned teams based just three miles from the city centre, clearly the Mancunians have got it right?

Join us on Thursday 29 April at 6pm, as Olivier and Tony award-winning playwright Simon Stephens, whose smash-hit LIGHT FALLS premiered at the Exchange in 2019, sits down with England Football legend, presenter and commentator, Gary Lineker over zoom.

Together they will chat about the power that theatre and football have to galvanize audiences, the incredible thrill of sharing a live experience with hundreds or thousands of strangers and take a look at how football and culture both fuel community within our beautiful city.

This event is open to all existing and new Royal Exchange Members and will go on sale from 13 April, with priority booking from 6 April. Places for this event are limited. To join the conversation with Simon and Gary, support the Exchange and enjoy other benefits throughout the year, become a Member either online or email donations@royalexchange.co.uk.

Your membership and support are vital to the Royal Exchange Theatre, as a registered charity, you enable us to make brilliant work in the city, reimagine classics, commission new stories and nurture incredible talent. Your support enables as many people as possible to get involved in making, creating and watching theatre. During this difficult time, without any box office income, your support has made an unbelievable difference.

We cannot wait to welcome you back to the building. #RXStandby #matchoftheplay

https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/rxstandby-match-of-the-play