Independent Review Launched

The Royal Exchange Theatre’s Board of Trustees has appointed independent, external experts from specialist arts consultancy People Make It Work (PMIW) to carry out a review into the Theatre’s production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM in September 2024.

PMIW will invite all parties directly involved in the production to participate in the consultation and with their help, the review is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. PMIW’s recommendations will be shared on completion.

The review will look at all aspects of the production and the issues affecting its cancellation including communication between all parties, how content was contextualised and allegations of censorship in relation to Palestine and Trans-rights.

The RET is acutely aware of how problematic such accusations are for communities, including freelance artists, peers and audiences, and is committed to embedding PMIW’s recommendations as the Theatre works to centre artistic voices within their diverse programme. Ahead of this the Theatre has reviewed its producing model, redefined production pathways and embedded robust communication routes. This is to clarify how it will deal with disputes around productions and how its code of conduct and values are upheld and fully understood.

The Board of Trustees said: “The Royal Exchange is committed to learning from the issues that arose on A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. We encourage all those involved in the production to engage with the skilled and experienced team from PMIW in their independent review, so that their voices are heard. From this independent review we will identify where the Theatre can improve its processes and policies.”

Richard Watts of PMIW said: “The independent review is an in-depth and thorough analysis of the circumstances that led to the cancellation of this production. Our team will evaluate and consider the process from the very beginning – from first conception, commissioning, research and development, rehearsals, technical and preview processes focusing on communication and resources – identifying the key issues that led to the cancellation of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. We will examine the likelihood that these circumstances could arise again. Our commitment is to a robust, unbiased process that supports learning and improvement. We very much hope that all relevant parties agree to take part, so that their voices are heard and insights are fully reflected in our final recommendations.”