Sir Mark Elder, Braham Murray, Robert Robson, and Kenny Wax reflect on the genesis of this unique collaboration, and of ambitions achieved.

Robert Robson, The Lowry

I remember sitting at the Manchester Evening News theatre awards ceremony a few
years ago, recognising that ourselves and the Royal Exchange were winning a lot of
the awards. Given the success of both organisations, it occurred to me that perhaps
we should get together on a piece of theatre in some way. So we approached the Royal
Exchange about collaborating in principle but there was nothing around at the time. Then
when Braham was approached by Mark Elder about Wonderful Town he remembered
our conversation and came back to us to discuss. We’re absolutely delighted to be a
partner of this unique and exciting project with the three major arts organisations in the
North West.