The Greatest Play In The History Of The World at Royal Exchange

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Book now

The Greatest Play In The History of The World

Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre
20-29 September 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

The Greatest Play in the History of the World
Jonathan Keenan
Book now

If you weren’t able to catch The Greatest Play In The History Of The World at Manchester’s Royal Exchange the first time, then you’ll be pleased to hear that it is returning to The Studio this September. Following its sold-out run at Manchester’s Royal Exchange last season and wielding awards from Edinburgh Fringe, The Greatest Play In The History Of The World is a love story, set on Preston Road, and also in space and in time.

The Greatest Play In The History Of The World is a one-woman show performed by Julie Hesmondhalgh, written by her husband Ian Kershaw. This beautiful, lightly sci-fi story details how two neighbours meet in the early hours of the morning when they can’t sleep and time has come to a halt.

A man wakes in the middle of the night to discover that the world has stopped. Through the crack in his bedroom curtains, he can see no signs of life at all…other than a light in the house opposite where a woman in an over-sized Bowie T-shirt stands, looking back at him. The Greatest Play In The History Of The World is a play packed full of exquisite observation and soul-stirring beauty.

Under Raz Shaw’s direction, The Greatest Play in the History of the World draws on the most heart-warming elements of life: finding love, feeling loved for 50 years, and finding your place in the universe.

What's on at Royal Exchange Theatre

Where to go near The Greatest Play In The History Of The World at Royal Exchange

CUPRA City Garage DJ Decks
City Centre
Café or Coffee Shop
CUPRA City Garage

Already based in Paris, Mexico City, Sydney and Vienna, CUPRA’s international expansion is driven by culture as much as cars, and Manchester’s creative energy has clearly caught their attention.

St Ann’s Square
City Centre
Park
St Ann’s Square

St Ann’s Square is a quiet little enclave of shops, with Barton’s Arcade set back from it on one side, and St Ann’s Church, which dates back to 1712 and…

Rapha Clubhouse Manchester
City Centre
Shop
Rapha Clubhouse Manchester

AKA cyclist heaven, Rapha is more than just a cycle-wear shop. It’s a place for anyone who loves cycling to congregate and celebrate the sport together.

City Centre
King Street Manchester

King Street is one of the most picturesque parts of Manchester with buildings designed by Alfred Waterhouse and C.R. Cockerell. Once Manchester’s financial epicenter, it’s now home to high-end retail and fine dining.

Manchester
Restaurant
KAI Deansgate

Kai is a Turkish restaurant on Deansgate, set up by the brains behind the well-regarded Zouk restaurant. Expect excellent mezze plates and an open grill that releases wonderful aromas throughout the venue.

City Centre
Restaurant
Lunya Manchester

Lunya is a Spanish and Catalan deli and restaurant in Manchester’s stunning Barton Arcade. The food is reliably fresh and the staff both charming and incredibly knowledgable.

City Centre
Shop
Aston’s Of Manchester

In Royal Exchange Arcade, Aston’s of Manchester is a tobacconist that recently branched out into whisky sales. In their shop you’ll find an interesting selection of bottles to buy, including

What's on: Theatre

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.