Manchester Theatre Guide: Where To See A Show

You don’t need to travel to London’s West End to catch a show. Manchester is home to an eclectic array of world-class theatres, presenting everything from big touring shows to small independent performances. There’s something for everyone here, whether you prefer big budget musicals or eclectic one-off events. Read on to discover six of the best places in Manchester to see a show.

1. Palace Theatre

If it’s big budget productions, big name stars and award-winning direction that you’re after, the Palace Theatre is the place to head. One of the best equipped UK theatres outside of London, the Palace hosts huge touring musicals alongside ballet, comedy and opera performances and has close ties to Manchester International Festival. The ornate interior has been lovingly preserved, although the capacity has been dramatically reduced since the theatre opened in 1891. Book to see a show here if you like your theatrical experiences to be traditional yet spectacular.

Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford St, Manchester +44 844 871 3019

http://instagram.com/p/BRHS0ABloJA/

2. Royal Exchange

Building

One of the best places in the city to experience contemporary theatre, the Royal Exchange is conveniently located in the city centre. Despite being located within a Grade II listed building, the theatre itself boasts an impressive futuristic design with three tiers suspended from huge columns below a glass dome. The largest theatre in the round in the whole of the UK, the 360 degree stage means that the audience can be closer to the performance and that shows are designed to work uniquely from every angle.

Royal Exchange, St Anns Square, Manchester, +44 161 833 9833

http://instagram.com/p/BRYTo0DhKm9/?taken-at=680657

3. Opera House

Building, Opera House

The sister theatre to the Palace Hotel, Manchester’s Opera House is an impressive commercial theatre that regularly welcomes touring musicals, ballets, concerts and pantomimes inside a Grade II listed building. Originally opened in 1912, the theatre had a brief dalliance as a bingo hall in the 1970s before reopening as a theatre in 1984. Its impressive auditorium can welcome 1,920 spectators on the floor and in the ornate balconies and boxes above.

Opera House, 3 Quay St, Manchester, +44 844 871 3018

http://instagram.com/p/BQ8LX0BgSZA/?taken-at=213072710

5. Contact Theatre

University

Tucked away in a dramatic structure behind the University of Manchester, Contact Theatre puts young people at the heart of everything it does. Alongside a diverse programme of performances and workshops within the theatre itself, the company are also known for their productions popping up in unusual locations around the city. Contact works locally, nationally and internationally to get young people involved with and interested in contemporary theatre and the arts.

Contact Theatre, Oxford Rd, Manchester, +44 161 274 0600

http://instagram.com/p/BPM7OWmg1Ke/?taken-by=contactmcr

6. Hope Mill

A wild card on our list, Hope Mill Theatre is located within a former cotton mill in the Ancoats area of the city. Sitting alongside artist’s studios and workshops, the recently opened theatre came about after its owners, Joseph Houston and William Whelton, gave up their life in the London theatre to open a small independent theatre in Manchester that would thrive off the local creative scene. Showcasing a variety of local writing and acting talent, Hope Mill aims to bring something a little different to Manchester’s dramatic scene while enticing young people who may not previously have shown any interest in theatre.

Hope Mill, 113 Pollard St, Manchester, +44 161 275 9141

http://instagram.com/p/BLLcXA4htGG/?taken-by=hopemilltheatre

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.