Written by Siobhan for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for our thoughts to be shared. All opinons are our own

Some shows entertain, and then some quietly work their way into your heart. Fun Home at the Royal Exchange is firmly in the latter category. Beautifully staged in the theatre's unique in-the-round space, this production feels wonderfully intimate, inviting us into Alison Bechdel's world with honesty, humour and extraordinary tenderness.

The cast delivers performances that never put a foot wrong. Every relationship feels authentic, every emotional shift earned, and the chemistry between the three Alisons is nothing short of remarkable. The score is performed with warmth and clarity, allowing Jeanine Tesori's music and Lisa Kron's lyrics to land with all the emotional weight they deserve.

What makes this production so special is its restraint. Rather than overwhelming with spectacle, it trusts the story and its characters. Sarah Frankcom's direction gives the quieter moments room to breathe, making the moments of heartbreak all the more devastating. It's a production full of nuance, where laughter and grief sit comfortably side by side.

The Royal Exchange has always excelled at creating theatre that feels personal, and Fun Home is another shining example. Thoughtful, moving and quietly magnificent, it's the kind of show that lingers long after you've left the auditorium, prompting conversations all the way home.

A truly outstanding production, and one that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.

Fun Home plays at the Royal Exchange Theatre until 1 August 2026.

★★★★★

The Latest