Full Cast Unveiled for Private Lives

Directed by Blanche McIntyre, the new production of Coward’s vitriol-laced classic Private Lives is the second production in the Royal Exchange’s 50th anniversary programme ‘A Homecoming’.

Shazia Nicholls, Daniel Millar and Steve John Shepherd join the previously announced Jill Halfpenny, completing the foursome as Sybil, Victor, Elyot and Amanda respectively. Also joining the cast is Sara Lessore in the role of Louise.

Private Lives runs from 27 March to 2 May 2026 as part of the theatre’s 50th anniversary programme ‘A Homecoming’, which invites artistic alumni to return ‘home’ to share stories that resonate and celebrate the unique connection between artists and audiences.

Private Lives marks Jill Halfpenny’s second time performing at the Manchester venue, following her critically acclaimed performance in A Taste of Honey in 2024.

Joining her to complete the two iconic couples are Shazia Nicholls as Sibyl - Speed (Bush Theatre), The Merry Wives of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Company, directed by Blanche McIntyre), The Duchess of Malfi (The Globe).

Daniel Millar as Victor who returns to the Exchange following his role in There is a Light That Never Goes Out. Other credits include Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Company), The Play That Goes Wrong (Duchess Theatre, West End), The Pillowman (Duke of York’s, West End).

Steve John Shepherd as Elyot - Eastenders (BBC Studios Drama Production); This Life (World Productions/BBC). Karen Pirie (World Productions/ITV); Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre). Tammy Faye (Almeida); Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe); A View From Islington North (Arts Theatre); Piaf (Donmar Warehouse/ West End); Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads.

The cast is completed by Sara Lessore as Louise & Understudy Amanda & Sibyl - The Land of The Free (Southwark Playhouse), The Mousetrap (West End), The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream and As You Like It (Shakespeare’s Globe), Beauty & the Beast (New Victory Theater, New York), and Oliver Devoti as Offstage Understudy Elyot & Victor who returns to the Royal Exchange after previously appearing in Christopher Hayden’s Macbeth. His other credits include Captured (Netflix/Story Films), Brassic (Sky/Calamity Films) The Witness (STV/Netflix), and has recently been working on a NDA project for Marvel Studios.

In Noël Coward’s savage comedy, there’s nothing a cocktail can’t cure as lovers battle to get the upper hand. Wit has never been so razor sharp and passion has never looked so brutal.

In Private Lives, sparks fly on a honeymoon from hell and sexual chemistry is always only a heartbeat away from an explosion. Loved for their sparkling dialogue and art deco glamour, Noël Coward’s plays remain as funny and insightful as when they were written.

The creative team includes Designer, Dick Bird; Lighting Designer, Johanna Town; Sound Designer, Gregory Clarke; Fight Director, Philip d’Orleans; Movement & Intimacy Director, Sundeep Saini; and Casting Director, Annelie Powell CDG, who will bring this Coward classic to life on the Royal Exchange’siconic stage.

Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH

Box Office: 0161 833 9833 / royalexchange.co.uk

A HOMECOMING 2026 - 2027 Tickets from £12

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Header Image: Private Lives Director Blanche McIntyre (Johann Persson)