Samira, a Scottish Aid Worker, goes through a ‘baptism of fire' during the revolutions in the Middle East. Certain she can make a difference, she takes on mission after mission, but is quickly confronted by the reality of war, aid work and her own disillusionment. Based on real-life experiences, this story explores how global events shape personal identity, belonging and resilience. Fifteen years after the Arab Revolutions, it asks: how and what do we choose to see?

Three centuries. Three moments in time. An epic story of Manchester and Ireland by multi award-winning playwright Rory Mullarkey premieres at the Royal Exchange Theatre, 30 years after an IRA bomb devastated the heart of the city. In 1846, Annie Donovan has a score to settle; in 1996, it looks like any other Saturday morning in Manchester; and in 2026, Jenny moves back to the place where she grew up. This original and moving new play explores private and public histories, grief and love – and the making and re-making of our city.

In 1970s London, four co-workers approach retirement, each quietly marking time. As the seasons turn, they go about their daily rituals and routines. Marcia (Pooky Quesnel, The A Word) hoards tinned food and drifts into solitude. Letty (Kate Duchêne, The Worst Witch) dreams of something more. Edwin (Anthony Calf, New Tricks), a widower, finds refuge in the church. Norman (Paul Rider, Don't Destroy Me) rails against modern life. Together, they form a quartet – a fragile compact to get through the days.