MIF23: untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play at the Royal Exchange

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Image courtesy of the Royal Exchange/ MIF

untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play at Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre 24 June — 22 July 2023 Tickets from £7.00 — Book now

Created out of an intense frustration around contemporary Asian stereotypes and the way that they are bolstered by Western cultural output, untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play looks set to be a highlight of Manchester International Festival 2023 and the pièce de résistance for another brilliant season of theatre at the Royal Exchange Theatre.

Winner of the inaugural Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2019, International Award

We’re thrilled that this eagerly awaited work will receive its world premiere up north, at the Royal Exchange, as part of MIF23, before transferring to the Young Vic Theatre, London in Autumn.

Directed by Roy Alexander Weise (The Mountaintop), Lee’s prize-winning play promises to be strikingly perceptive, funny and razor-sharp. Described as “born of rage” and the idea of “feeling invisible” and “misrepresented”, the play focuses on Kim, a female character who is trying to break a never-ending cycle of events. The more she tries to search for an exit and a way out, the worse it gets…smashing lifetimes of perpetual Asian stereotypes and grappling with history – will Kim find a way out before it’s too late?

The pièce de résistance for another brilliant season of theatre at the Royal Exchange.

The super-talented cast is headed up by Olivier award nominee Mei Mac (My Neighbour Totoro) as Kim, with Lourdes Faberes, Jennifer Kirby, Tom Weston-Jones, Rochelle Rose and Jeff D’Sangalang completing the impressive ensemble.

 untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play
Writer Kimber Lee. Image courtesy of John Hazlewood.

 

Of the play, Mei Mac told us, “I’m thrilled to be bringing Kimber Lee’s play to life. It’s a bold and delicious opportunity to reclaim the narrative of East and South East Asian women in the diaspora, from years of dehumanisation and denied agency. It’s empowering to explore the conversations I’ve had with my sisters and in my communities with a wider audience in such a fun, spicy, theatrical way. A genre, timeline defying way. Because that’s what’s so exciting about this play; its refusal to be reduced by the patriarchy and its determination to take full autonomy.”

Winner of the inaugural Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2019, International Award, untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play will take centre stage at the Royal Exchange, just as Sheffield Theatres present a new version of Miss Saigon, directed by Anthony Lau and Robert Hastie. untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play is an excellent example of the transformative power of theatre – we know which side of the Pennines you’ll find us on.

Director Roy Alexander Weise by Benji Reid.
Director Roy Alexander Weise by Benji Reid.

 

The play is co-produced by Royal Exchange Theatre, Factory International for Manchester International Festival, Young Vic and Headlong.

untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play at Royal Exchange Theatre, City Centre 24 June — 22 July 2023 Tickets from £7.00 Book now

What's on at Royal Exchange Theatre

Where to go near MIF23: untitled f*ck m*ss s**gon play at the Royal Exchange

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
Bar or Pub
The Botanist

The Botanist on Deansgate, Manchester, does botanical cocktails and toothsome food with aplomb.

City Centre
Restaurant
Quill Manchester

Quill is a former bar and fine dining restaurant on Manchester’s King Street – it’s name drives the decoration and theme, with a spread-winged raven on the menu and ink in the drinks.

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.

What's on: Theatre

Culture in South Lakes
Until
ExhibitionsCumbria
Culture in South Lakes

Not only one of Britain’s most picturesque national parks, the Lake District is also brimming with culture. Here’s what’s on over the next few months.

free entry
Homotopia Festival 2023
Until
TheatreLiverpool
Homotopia Festival 2023

Performances, screenings, workshops, live music and conversation, Liverpool’s longest-running LGBTQ+ arts festival is back to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

from £8.00
Hamilton at the Palace Theatre
Until
TheatreManchester
Hamilton at the Palace Theatre

Politically charged, with outstanding performances and a hip-hop soundtrack, there is no doubt Hamilton is one of the most eagerly anticipated shows to visit Manchester this year.

from £13.00

Culture Guides

Music in Manchester and the North

Spotlighting global artists who all, in one way or another, break the mould, we preview the best gigs happening this side of Christmas and beyond.