Hodgkiss award winner at Manchester Royal Exchange
- Alan Hulme
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Connor Goodwin, a Manchester-based theatre director and creative director of the city's Divided Culture Theatre Company, is the recipient of the Royal Exchange Theatre's Hodgkiss Director Award for 2026.
The fund allows an early-career director based in Greater Manchester to undertake a three-month residency at the Royal Exchange during the theatre’s landmark 50th anniversary season, A Homecoming.
Royal Exchange award winner Connor's work to date has spotlighted working-class stories and communities facing exclusion and oppression. Recent credits include Yen (Bolton Octagon), Bears Bears Bears (Contact Theatre), and Toxic (UK Tour).
Connor studied at Manchester Metropolitan University and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
He said: “Growing up in Salford, the Royal Exchange was the theatre I attended as a child. The space completely hooked me. Opportunities like this are rare, and I don’t take it lightly. I’m delighted to be the Hodgkiss Director for 2026 and to share this incredible show with communities across the region.”
The award offers the recipient a unique insight into the workings of a large-scale producing theatre and provides direct experience to help forge a sustainable career. As part of this year’s residency, Connor will serve as assistant director on the regional premiere of Tony award-winning musical Fun Home, working alongside award-winning director Sarah Frankcom and the Royal Exchange’s associate director, Emma Baggott. The show is a modern musical based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel - a story of grief, love and queer tragedy and joy.
Emma Baggott said: “Connor impressed the panel with his ambition, drive and resilience. Since graduating from Mountview, he has worked to build his directing career, and his experience perfectly positions him to assist in the Fun Home rehearsals. Working on a production of this scale will further develop his skills and experience within the industry. I look forward to mentoring him during this exciting stage of his development.”
:: The Hodgkiss family and the William Hare Group have a long history of supporting the Royal Exchange Theatre, including contributing to the refurbishment of the building following the Manchester Bomb in 1996.
In 2010, Sue Hodgkiss CBE co-founded the Hodgkiss Director Award to recognise outstanding emerging directors. Since then the award has supported artists across disciplines, helping them develop their careers and build lasting connections. Sue and her daughter - actor, writer and comedian Sally Hodgkiss - remain dedicated champions of the theatre and the award.
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