The ExEl Theatre Company is an independent group of age-enhanced writers
and performers who have graduated from the Royal Exchange Theatre’s
Elders Company. ExEl was originally formed in 2018, but was curtailed by the
pandemic, ExEl re-formed, and our constitution was formalised in April 2023.
We are a group of people who share a common love of theatre and the
performing arts.
We write and perform all our own work.
We meet fortnightly to try out new pieces we've written by performing them
and seeking constructive criticism from the group.
We find a role for every member who has volunteered – writer, performer,
front
of house or combinations of these.
We attend theatre skills workshops and share ideas in a warm and supportive
environment.
Management Committee
Secretary: Sandy Parkinson
Treasurer: Graham Gillis
Past Performances
19th May 2023 * Littleborough Arts Festival * We Came We Saw We Monologued 2 Monologues & Poetry - Directed In-House
23rd June 2023 * Didsbury Arts Festival * It’s Never Too Late * Monologues & Poetry - Directed In-House
6th December 2023 * 53two Theatre * Are You Ready For Christmas Monologues, Poetry, Sketches & Song - Directed In-House
20th March 2024 * 53two Theatre * Yesterday Today Tomorrow
For Age Without Limits * Monologues, Poetry, Sketches & Song Directed by Trilby James
23rd May 2024 * Littleborough Arts Festival * We Came We Saw We Monologued & More - Directed In-House
24th May * Chorlton Arts Festival * Monologues, Poetry & Sketches
Directed by Pegeen Murphy
2nd October 2024 * 10acity for EldersFest * Royal Exchange Studio Theatre
Backwards & Forwards * Monologues, Poetry & Devised Performance
- Directed by Joe Gilmour
17th April 2025 * 53two Theatre * Seven Short Shots
Six Plays & A Monologue Plus A Poem
- Directed In-House & Mark Rosenthal
30th April * The Dukes Theatre Lancaster * Creative Ageing Symposium - ExEl Performance & Participation
23rd May 2025 7.00-9.00p.m. * Chorlton Central Church, M21 8BF * Chorlton Arts Festival
'Don't Stop Me Now;
9th November
6pm
PRESS ARTICLES
Forthcoming Events
We are passionate about learning and growing together as a company. Now based at 53two we have exciting plans for the future, and we are looking forward to further developing our practice through our relationship with Simon Naylor and 53two.
REVIEWS
Workshops:
ExEl members are invited to take part in workshops with industry professionals at 53two. Most recently, the ExEl members attended a Stage Lighting and tech workshop with Kelsea Knox, resident technician at The Arches. Here's what they had to say:
Exel theatre company, were introduced to the fundamentals of lighting design and its crucial relationship with sound in creating impactful performances. Kelsey, one of 53two’s resident light and sound technicians, facilitated a workshop on how lighting can enhance—or undermine—the mood and storytelling of a show.
We also explored how elements such as timings, shadows, colour and intensity can completely transform a scene. The use of shadows can add depth, mystery, or intensity. Colour choices influence mood and atmosphere, from warm tones that feel inviting to cooler hues that suggest tension or distance. Together, these aspects show how lighting design is not just technical, but also deeply creative and storytelling-driven.
To be able to access this highly technical workshop at 53two, was indeed a privilege. We look forward to putting our new skills into practice in our next show.
You can see some photos of the workshop below:
