Manchester Theatre Shows and Venues

There’s always something on in Manchester, from high-energy concerts to first-class theatre productions. Why not book tickets for a show during your stay? Manchester’s theatres and venues include:

Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre on Oxford Street is hard to miss, and has been hosting productions since 1891. The greatest names from the Music Hall period took stage at the theatre, including Charlie Chaplin, Harry Lauder, Marie Lloyd, Vesta Tilley, Lillie Langtry and Little Tich.

Harry Houdini put on a performance here in 1913.

Bars are located on each level, and the newly refurbished Stage Door bar offers a great place to relax and drink before and after the show.

With a wide range of programming to choose from, the theatre has something for every taste.

Opera House Manchester

Originally known as The New Theatre, the Opera House Manchester opened in 1912 on Boxing Day and is one of the main theatres in the city. Just three years later, it was sold to the United Theatre Ltd and renamed the New Queens Theatre.

Sir Thomas Beecham performed at the theatre between 1916 and 1920 on numerous occasions, and so the theatre changed names to The Opera House.

After the Second World War, the theatre operated as a cinema for a few years and then became a bingo hall. It reopened as a theatre in 1984, where it showed Phantom of the Opera, Barnum, Oliver and other great productions.

The Opera House hosted the premiere of West Side Story and the regional premier of The Phantom of the Opera.

The 1,920-seat theatre hosts muscials, plays, ballets, pantomime and concerts. Bars are located on every floor, and hospitality packages are available. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.

Royal Exchange Theatre

Located on St. Anns Square, the Royal Exchange Theatre is housed in a Grade II listed building, and resembles a lunar space craft in design. It’s the largest round theatre in the country, and can seat up to 750 people.

With a 360-degree viewing space, everyone in the audience can see the performance. No seat – not even the highest – is more than nine metres from the stage, so performances always feel intimate.

Opening its doors in 1976, the theatre has welcomed some of the best names in British talent, including Robert Lyndsay, Vanessa Redgrave, Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Hugh Grant and Cush Jumbo to name a few.

The theatre boasts two eateries: The Great Hall Cafe and The Round Restaurant, which offers views of St Ann’s Square. Guests can also grab a drink at the Bar Exchange before or after the show.

With a variety of shows on tap, the Royal Exchange Theatre has something for everyone.

The Lowry

Situated at the center of the Salford Quays in Manchester, The Lowry is a unique venue designed to reflect its nearby landscape. The performing arts centre opened its doors in 2000, and houses two main theatres as well as a studio.

Theatre-goers can enjoy a range of musicals, dramas, ballets, operas, children’s shows and more.

A series of cafes, bars and restaurants are located along the south side of the building, which offer stunning views of the Manchester Ship Canal.

Home

Home is a 450-seat theatre featuring five cinemas and broadcast and digital production facilities. The theatre is also home to a bookshop cafe bar and cinema bar.

Home hosts live productions, but also screens films and hosts concerts.

The First Floor Restaurant serves three-course meals, and there’s a bar on the second floor where guests can enjoy a drink and food. The roof terrace is also on the second floor.

Whether you want to enjoy a show, film or concert, Home always has something on.

O2 Apollo Manchester

The O2 Apollo Manchester first opened its doors in 1938, and hosts shows from major rock, comedy and rock tours.

The theatre boasts four licensed bars and a confectionery kiosk.

Featuring an Art Deco style, the theatre is housed in a Grade II listed building, and has been an integral part of the British touring circuit.

The Dancehouse Theatre

Housed in an Art Deco complex, The Dancehouse Theatre has hosted international acts and local artists. The theatre boasts a vibrant atmosphere, and a studio.

Offering a range of shows, the theatre is a popular venue for concerts and local talent.

The theatre also hosts public movie nights and screenings in the 1930s auditorium.

The Dancehouse Theatre is located on Oxford Road in Manchester.

Manchester is home to several great theatres and venues that host a wide range of productions, from plays to musicals, concerts and comedy acts. Whether you’re planning a weekend or an extended stay in town, be sure to book a show before you leave.