My sis and I were walking around looking for things to do in Manchester and Royal Exchange was on the list of things to do! So we stopped by and we learned this: High Yield: If you go at 9:30 am you can pick up front row tickets for the featuring performance later in the day for 10 pounds! Details Interior: Beautiful modern modern theater. So when you come into the building, the theater is contained within a cool glass looking structure and there are different tiers for viewing. We went at 9:30 am to pick up the 10 pound tickets and then came back at 2:30 to watch our show. The colors of the modern theater are purples and blues. Inside interior is beautiful Play Watched: We watched Sweet Charity- without giving away details and the ending, it is certainly such a well performed play. The cast put their heart and soul, the dancing numbers were clean, and the vocals were solid. Very solid performance, and because it is a smaller theater than like Broadway, it felt very intimate and cozy watching this from the front row. This is rated PG 13 in my opinion, no dirty or inappropriate stuff but if you want the true nuances and understanding of this play, be prepared for talks of brothels and purity. The front seats are like coahces btw, so if you're a tall person, your legs may feel awkward. But if you're a shorty like me, it's totally nice. Refreshments: You can purchase drinks, snacks and pastries from outside- not the cheap popcorn and like soft drinks but like actually baked goods, wines, and stuff Audience: Generally an older audience, middle to upper class, mostly caucasian population read more

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This venue certainly has the wow factor.. I walked in expecting a typical old & majestic theatre building, which it is BUT it also has a huge modern twist, with a scaffolding type looking auditorium in the middle. It took me a while to like this, being the traditionalist that I am, but once the musical (Little Shop of Horrors) was in full swing I fully appreciated the set up they had going on, with the audience sitting in a round and the stage in the centre. The acoustics were absolutely fantastic and the space created a really intimate feel. My only gripe is that the seats really are packed in, I felt quite claustrophobic and if I had needed to leave for any reason during the show at least three other people would had to leave their seats and move into the aisle so that I could pass. I will just need to bare this in mind next time I book... read more

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Whenever I return to the Royal Exchange, I vow to go more often and really step up my cultural doings in the city - however, food and alcohol totally gets in the way, and I end up making the same vow numerous times throughout the year. Luckily for me, my mum is the epitome of cultured, so Christmas and birthdays always bring a wealth of tickets, along with various suggestions of performances throughout the year! I was fortunate enough to be able to see Maxine Peake in Hamlet at the beginning of October, and being off work at the time allowed me to take advantage of the special £10 on the day offer. Get there early to avoid disappointment, but otherwise it's the perfect weekday activity in Manchester if you're visiting and unsure of how to fill your time. More recently we have been to see Little Shop of Horrors - a play almost written perfectly to be played in the round, and an amazing performance from start to finish. I am biased, yes, as it's my favourite musical anyway, but I was very impressed with the use of staging, space and props. Audrey 2 was a sight to behold! Something the Royal Exchange do really well is incorporate the play of the moment into the space outside of the physical theatre. For example, they have a small display of Little Shop of Horrors inspired plants and decorations which have been made by a local school. Not only is it a great little area to visit whilst stretching your legs during the intermission, but a great example of how connected the building is to its community. Keep an eye on the website and social media channels for open days, where you can learn all about the different departments of the theatre, and for the upcoming performances. read more

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Me and my good friend of ten years went to see this amazing show in this wonderful theatre to watch little shop of horrors. what a marvelous funny entertaining show this was! i would never have thought i would watch just a amazing show in this unusal theatre as am so used to watching shows in the palace theatre and opera house were your all sat facing the stage waiting for the red curtains to go up. inside this wonderful theatre you are sat in a circle and you would think that the person across from you would distract you from the show but actual you are so engrossed in what going on that you dont notice any one else in the room. The stage is only small but the way they produced the whole show was done so well on very little staging moving props and setting went un noticed and all very well timed. you can get hot drinks inside this place as they have coffee shops and bars although you might struggle to find seating. we both started of with lattes that were £2.10p each when they had a small interval we got soft drinks and a large muffin that came to just over £9 for the both of us overall a very enjoyable show in a nice theatre were just looking out now for our next show here! read more

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I love this theatre. It is the best in Manchester and even go so far as to say, one of the best in the country. Have paid all sorts of types of visits over the years. Most visits have been to plays (where I have sat on all levels) and have never come away feeling disappointed. It always amazes me how it is so open and really lays the actors' talents bare. I feel like such a grown up when I watch a play here. Because of the way the theatre is laid out, the main hall with the bar/cafe is shut during performances. I've also been on several occasions to the Special FX free entertainment on a Friday night. There's comedy, singers, musicians, all sorts and it's free. It's also pretty unique, as far as I am aware, in theatres. On some occasions, I have bought last minute tickets for the plays, on others I have come with pre-booked tickets as a place to meet prior to the main event and last, but not least, I have also sometimes come purely for the entertainment - It's a great, and slightly different, way to start a weekend off. My third kind of visit is to the cafe. You can visit the cafe without a ticket to a show, which is nice. The cakes are nice as is the tea, which is reasonably priced. The architecture is amazing. I like that some of the old features, such as the price board back from the days of its' original use, are still there. But with an incredibly modern theatre in the middle. If you haven't been here then what are you waiting for - there is something for everyone of all walks of life, ages and budgets. read more

Royal Exchange Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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This is the first theatre I've been to in about 8 years, due to a lack of culture in Spain / Gibraltar, so you can imagine my excitement when I got tickets to see one of my BBC 6 Music heroes, Stuart Maconie, talk about his top 50 'People's Songs'. If you think Manchester's old cotton exchange building is impressive from the outside, wait til you take a step inside: WOW. They've kept the original period features, including the old board showing the exchange rates, illuminated pillars and large windows in the high ceilings, it's a seriously stunning place to watch a show! And unlike any of the theatres I've been to in the past, the auditorium is housed in a modern, intmiate dome-like space within the main hall. It's very odd and not what I expected at all but then I have been living in an (almost) third world country for the best part of a decade, so perhaps this set up is the norm in UK theatres these days? Apart from my seat being a bit uncomfortable and having to wriggle every few minutes to find a better position, I really enjoyed the show. The audience seating is set in a circle, so everyone gets a good view of the stage. After the show I went straight home but next time, I will stick around for a bit longer and perhaps sample a vino or a bite to eat in their cafe/restaurant area, which looks lovely, although perhaps a bit pricey. read more

Royal Exchange Theatre - Beautiful building - Performing Arts Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I watched the matinee show of Around the World in 80 Days. I have never laughed so much in ages. What a delightful show. From start to finish the production was funny, great costumes, quirky moments, energetic, innovative and the cast was very engaging and talented as the eight cast members had numerous roles and costume changes. Passepartout was an audience pleaser who stole the show and Mr Fix was a great villain. Great show and the cast never stopped moving! The story itself was wonderful and entertaining and had the audience enthralled. The cast made use of all their surroundings. They used the first floor to point out where Fogg was on his journey by sticking a marker on the map and stayed in character when doing so. On the ground floor the cast enter though all the doors and have strategically placed props. Surrounding the theatre, you can see the props on display. A show for kids and adults of all ages, not to be missed. The venue itself is original, colourful and they were still making improvements. There is a craft shop and display cabinets surrounding the whole place. I also like the fact that they have recycling bins as well. read more

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A really excellent space with great productions. With an octagonal stage there isn't a bad seat in the house. I've been to some really good plays here and they're not afraid to put on something a bit more challenging eg The Skriker that's currently on which I highly recommend. They'll also show crowd pleasers like a Noel Coward romp or Shakespeare. There's a second smaller stage but I've never seen anything there. There's 2 bars as well as tea, coffee and snacks available for the interval. The cafe runs during the day too. Plus a shop with expensive jewellery and knick knacks. Prices vary but check out the special offers for students and the under 26's. Also anyone can queue on the day for a front row banquette seat for £10. If it's not wildly popular (like Maxine Peake in Hamlet) you can also phone the box office for these. Box office opens at 10. read more

Royal Exchange Theatre - Scuttlers stage post play - Performing Arts Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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I would like to rate this as 2 places, a coffee shop/bar and a theatre. During the day this is a hidden gem if you are looking to have a social coffee with a friend and just want a quiet chat, its a beautiful environment with plenty of space to relax. That aside, the Royal Exchange is a multiplex of culture, from the quirky couture gift shop to the upper art gallery. The multiple areas for entertainment and the Round restaurant. Basically, if you were so inclined, this place can be your all in cultural day out in the city. The main attraction is obviously the shows, which are chosen to perfection and the primary shows are performed in one of the most intimate and imaginative staging areas 'The round'. I have seen so many amazing actors grace this stage and bring a lack of walls to life. Don't wait for a play you think you will enjoy, just go to any or all of them, I have yet to see a poorly executed show here. For me personally, I am currently awaiting the next Noel Coward. read more

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The Royal Exchange Theatre in the heart of Manchester City is really as good as it gets!! Its set in such a beautiful building even if you're not going in to see a show go and take full advantage of this place or have light lunch or a coffee there. We have seen many plays and musicals in this wonderful theatre including Sweeny Todd and most recently Blindsided with Julie Hesmondhalgh it tends to get more plays than musicals though but it does get big names in the shows. The Theatre is so intimate that i think that every seat in the place gets a great view as the stage in in the round. We will keep returning to see shows in this wonderful place. Really recommend even if you're not into theatre go and see a show as it will change you're aspect altogether. read more

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One of those places that you wish you visited at least a couple of times a month but never do. I saw a production of Twelfth Night here which had a beautiful moment in which the actress came down from the ceiling swimming. The lights were blue. We were underwater. The same production had moved Shakespeare's classic to fascist Italy and did it with aplomb. The real bonus at the Royal Exchange is found in the inventive ways that the theatre companies and players make use of the 'theatre in the round' set up. This works best when characters are running on and off the stage through various doors as in an English farce that I saw last Christmas. This set up can lend itself to many genres of theatre and there is a heightened sense of camaraderie within the audience. You can see people's reactions from across the stage. Some lucky few are a metre or so away from the action with no cricked necks from looking up to a stage. The interior is beautiful and there are plenty of drinks and ice cream pots to keep families happy. Another delight is their gigantic costume department from which you can hire luxury fancy dress or costumes for theatre or TV by appointment. The fittings can take up to an hour but they are sure to have what you're looking for. Plus they are apparently popular with re-enactment societies.. read more

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This place is cool, enter the mighty building and your taken into a humongous hall. It's all very old and Victorian style then you look to the centre of the room and see this strange orb like structure with stair cases jutting out of it. Wander into the orb and you find yourself in the main stage, with a sort of coliseum feel as the seats rise up higher and higher around this tiny centre piece. Acts are varied and lots of famous folk bash out some great plays. I saw punk rock here; very entertaining the funny part is I don't really do theatre so it must have been good. Apparently the hall was where all the cotton trading of Manchester took place till 1968! Kind of cool really. The stage is set so that everyone can have a more intimate experience of the drama that unfolds and so many folk rate this place very very highly...... I can see why. read more

Royal Exchange Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Manchester, XGM

My first trip to the Royal Exchange Theatre was brilliant. Must admit, I'm not quite a play junkie but I'm not totally adverse either. The Comedy of Errors would have cost me £26, except I got a freebie from a friend with connections. Yes. Upon entry the atmosphere hit me. I liked. However watching the production whilst there was still sun shining wasn't so great as I could see the little runners backstage with the lighting. However from 7.05pm until 9.30pm I was gripped. With no interval I was still pleased to be amongst the crowds, in the Exchange and enjoying Shakespeare himself. The theatre did good to host such a great play. I'm quite happy of my theatre experience and glad that The Royal Exchange hosted. read more

Royal Exchange Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Manchester, XGM

So quite apart from the Theatre performance* I came to see here this time, I also love the performing spaces and the building itself, I have been lucky in seeing a number of different art forms here, from plays to choral performances. I love seeing theatre on the round, which is an amazing skill in itself, in a traditional theatre you have space to hide so it is always good to see something in the 'round' as the actors have to use their whole being to be seen in this way. So there is also the opportunity to get a snack or two from the cafe/bar in the main space of the building before the performance (I went to a matinee) and the food is fairly good value and delicious, there is often a bit of a que as you can imagine before a performance but it is worth the wait on the whole. I have always found the front of house staff team to be polite and helpful, which I guess is what you want really for these kinds of things. *A Street Car Named Desire by Tennessee Williams and directed by Sarah Frankcom starring Maxine Peake - was a fantastic performance. read more

I do feel very lucky that we have so many superb venues in which to see plays, shows and bands in this fair city. The Royal Exchange Theatre, perhaps Manchester's most central venue, has remained equally the most prestigious and literate option of all. Apollo has its music shows and live comedy specials, the Palace and Opera House have pantomimes and musicals, the Lowry has a bit of everything, but the Exchange is where you come to see very famous people in very serious performances, from Shakespeare to Stoppard, Beckett to Orton. During school I'd signed myself up for a theatre trip to see King Lear because it meant a day out of lessons. Well, secretly I'd always liked Shakespeare, but obviously I didn't tell my rock n' roll friends that, and when I convinced my chum to come with me we revelled in our lack of uniforms and were probably the scruffiest people in the theatre that day. But to our surprise (not so much mine... bookworm after all) we genuinely enjoyed the performance. The theatre in the round meant we experienced Shakespeare as it was originally intended to be seen, and we were alarmed that as teenagers we naturally remained respectful (for example waiting until a loud crescendo of music before we dipped our hands into the large bag of Skittles that we'd brought). I've been back since for the more literate brand of entertainment that I occasionally enjoy, and the theatre has stood the test of time. The architecture is overawing and it also has all the essentials in place - gift shop, cafe, bar, everything to enhance the experience of your visit. It's beautiful, it's cultured and it has an air of intellectualism and creativity about it. Ooh, I could almost be describing myself there, gosh, I have much in common with the theatre itself. I jest, of course! I'd never be that vain. Or would I now...? read more

This is an awesome little theatre nestled inside the old (I believe) Manchester cotton exchange. It's a fairly impressive sight to enter through this historic building and be greeted by the modern glass and steel surrounding this amphitheatre like stage. It sounds like it shouldn't work aesthetically, but somehow it does, like a curious spaceship ploughed through the ceiling. The stage, as it is, surrounded by tall tiered seating on all sides, makes for an intimate and more interesting experience than your typical Victorian theatre. The cast work harder to incorporate the uniqueness of the layout, and the multiple entrances give them plenty to work with. The seating was a less uncomfortable, but I'm yet to find a theatre outside of Las Vegas where I'd want to sit for any more than an hour or two, so it'd be unfair to criticise too much for this. I also wondered how comfortable it would be for those in the top galleries as they seemed to have to be leaning over the railing to see for most of the night. The downsides to this place were the catering (or lack of), and their inability to accept card payments. The offerings were pretty limited to a couple of soft drink options and the usual bland alcohol choices. Snacks were seriously lacking, although our decisions proved to be worthless anyway as we were told it was cash only. Overall though, a great night in a really impressive theatre (we went to see Little Shop of Horrors, which I'd definitely recommend). read more

A unique theatre in the round in a grand historic building There is literally nothing quite like the Royal Exchange Theatre. There are other theatres in the round and there are other converted historic industrial spaces but the Exchange is an amazing experience, a spaceship plonked inside one of the grandest spaces of the early twentieth century. As a theatre, the eyelines are great, with my recommendation to try to get a front row banquette seat on the day, where you'll be thrown into the thick of the action, splattered with blood or mud or spit, depending on the production! I won't recommend any particular play as it'll likely be gone by the time you get to it, but what has worked spectacularly well for me have been Renaissance and Early Modern plays translated to the round and the uniquely open centre-stage of the Exchange theatre, designed against their usual type and made contemporary and thrilling for it. Modern productions also work in the space with its flexible staging and lighting and the sheer closeness of the audience to the action. And the rest of the programme is also great: small performances and studio plays, art and craft exhibitions, music, a cafe and a restaurant, talks and readings. There's sure to be something for you in this lovely Mancunian institution. read more

In my opinion (for what it is worth) the Royal Exchange is the best theatre in Manchester and in all the times I have been to watch a play, I have never seen a bad production. I love the fact that it is a theatre in the round so that no matter where you sit you feel totally part of the action. They also do a great range of plays from modern stuff like Billy Liar to classics like around the World in 80 Days to Shakespeare. They have also had some top class thespians perform there, this season Maxine Peake is starring in Hamlet. The theatre is also steeped in history as it was the home of the Cotton Exchange in the 19th Century. They have kept a lot of the old features including the board that states the last days trading figures. The Royal Exchange is also worth a visit earlier on a Friday evening as they have free performers in the bar area. The musician I heard yesterday was fantastic. read more

What an amazing space. We were popping up to the city for a weekend away and wanted to go to the theatre. We only booked with The Royal Exchange Theatre as the Crucible was on and as drama graduates we thought even if it was awful it would be amusing. I was even pretty flummoxed when booking the tickets as the theatres in the round so where do you book?! Each seat is a goodun and the space is just amazing. A little modern round inside a wonderful historic building, with creative and quirky craft shop, cafe and bars around. A magical space and what was a great show. When I go back I'll certainly book myself into something else. read more

I love love love the Royal Exchange Theatre. Before you step into the building, for planning a night out purposes, the theatre is conveniently located in the centre of town, just a small walk away from bars and restaurants, and if you've been shopping in the day and your show is in the evening, you can seamlessly go from shopping to food to theatre to drinks. The theatre itself is stunning, the building is grand in it's appearance and style, and when you are led into your show, if you've never been, you don't expect the pod experience, where the stage is in the middle and the seating is all around. The shows and actors using the Royal Exchange really do make the most of the stage and effects available to them at the theatre, and it truly is a unique experience. It's fabulous, and for anyone who believes theatre to be mundane and boring, I wholeheartedly recommend seeing a show here. read more

A visit to this theatre is always a pleasure! I visited this weekend to watch 'The last days of Troy' starring Lily Cole. I love the central stage in the theatre and you can always see and hear well - I always really feel part of the performance. The bar is a little pricey but as expected for a theatre and there is lots of seating. Generally always a nice atmosphere and never feels like the building is absolutely packed - very spacious. Definitely a slightly different experience! Tip - call on the morning of a performance for £10 banquette seats at the very front! read more

The Royal Exchange is a fabulous theatre offering a range of plays each season. Sign up to receive the programme in the post or for the e-mail newsletter to see the new seasons offerings. The theatre itself is beautiful inside, with a great bar on the right as you go in, a cloakroom on the left and a good sized restaurant if you fancy a pre-theatre meal. There is also a gift shop and the items are also displayed in various glass cabinets around the theatre, if you see something you fancy just ask in the shop. The stage itself is intimate and very atmospheric, if you end up with a seat on the sofa like chairs on the front row you are literally sitting on the stage! It's a round layout rather than the traditional one and this means you get a much more involved experience. Some of the seats are bar stool style as well so if you have any people in your party who need a proper chair then make sure you ask which seats you are getting when you book. It's worth asking about tickets just before a show starts as they often have a few still available or sometimes have returns you can purchase. There is a Saturday matinee show we often go to on the spur of the moment. read more

The Royal exchange Theatre is in Saint Annes Square. As you walk-in you get a good feeling the building is in very good condition. The staff in the box office are very friendly and the staff that work the bar. The stage is in the middle of the theatre and you sit on the outside. seen three productions here and they've all been very good. read more

Royal Exchange Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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A beautiful and unique theatre that is definitely worth checking out if you're visiting Manchester. It used to be a market exchange and was eventually converted into the magnificent space that it is today. Very colorful inside with a cool spaceship theater in the center of the building. The experience is much better than at a typical theater. The stage is circular and audience members are seated all around. You are literally feet away from the actors, with the farthest seats being no more than 20 feet/6 meters from the stage. Note, if you go in the morning when the theatre opens you can get front row seats for £10 for that day's show. Student discount tickets are sometimes available as well. Even without a discount, the shows are surprisingly affordable considering the quality of shows and actors who grace the stage! read more

My one lasting English friend li'l Andrew worked here toward the end of the year. I believe I went to one show in the winter because he had a comp ticket. The theatre is beautiful, and watching a show is very calm. I think Andrew later dragged me out to Essential so I could watch him rip off his shirt and make out with strangers. You know, favor for favor. read more

This is one of the most unusual theatres I have ever seen but it is breathtaking. I love going to this place just for a coffee and a wander around. The last show I saw here was 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and because the theatre is built inside the exchange the play was even more intimate as you are more or less face to face with the actors as it is circular. Apart from being one of the best adaptations of the play, the atmosphere was great as everyone got involved and there was not a empty seat in the house! It is a perfect find and if you do visit Manchester, I would recommend going here to watch a play as it is different from any other you probably have seen! read more

I don't think I've ever seen a building like the Royal Echange Theatre in the heart of Manchester. Despite the fact that the theatre 'module' within the great Royal Exchange hall has been there for decades, it still looks like something from the future. It's that innovative. If you haven't seen it before, I would recommend visiting the theatre just to have a look and a cup of tea, even if you're not seeing a play. The thing that's different about going to see a play at the Royal Exchange is watching theatre in the round. My girlfriend and I recently went to see Blythe Spirit. Featuring only 7 actors, the play was engaging and intimate, and all the more exciting for that fact. The actors don't have microphone pieces or anything like that, so the whole thing was very natural as the play unfolded at all angles in front of us. The theatre is very steep, meaning that if you are up in the gods, you really are almost on top of the actors. Go and visit the Royal Exchange, it's amazing. read more

What can I say? The Royal Exchange Theatre is unique. There is, almost without question, no other active theatre in the UK like it. There is nothing that I can say that would prepare you for your first sight of the theatre 'Module' within the old Royal Exchange building, so you will have to go and see it for yourselves. I urge you to do so, as it is an architectural feat. The unique design of the building matches the fresh, innovative approach of the Royal Exchange Theatre Co., which resides within the theatre space, programming theatre all year round. The venue is a delight to visit and witness theatre in, and is comfortable, with most seats having a very good view. Unfortunately, due to the creative choices by individual production's directors and designers, occasionally, some seats' views are hindered by set pieces or just by the back of the actor, however this does not overly limit the experience. The venue has a café/bar, gift shop and gallery space, but my favourite aspect of the space is just the sheer splendour of the original Royal Exchange trading hall. It really takes my breath away every time I step in, and seems to have the same effect on people as a cathedral does - the building commands a certain level of respect! As a theatre lover, it is somewhat a safe, quiet haven in the centre of a busy, thriving cosmopolitan city. The Royal Exchange is right in the heart of Manchester, by St. Anns Square and the Arndale Centre, and is therefore the most central theatre space in town, and the venue makes the most of this, by offering the most extensive ticket offers and discounts in the city. The Royal Exchange offers theatre to suit all budgets, which gives fantastic opportunities to those who wish to experience more live performances, at cut prices. Go and check it out! read more

The Royal Exchange Theare is housed in a spectacular building; the historic Cotton Exchange. Having survived the IRA bomb back in 1996 it has re emerged with a theatre space that I haven't seen anywhere else. The theatre space is suspended from the pillars so you have an amphitheatre effect, it makes the performance intimate and unique. There is also a smaller studio which is more intimate still. If you do much corporate entertaining it is worth looking into the Exchange Club membership as this allows access to a really grand oak panelled room so is great for pre theatre drinks. the craft shop is worth checking out too! read more

This is a wonderful theatre that produces a few different productions each year. One of the things I like most about it is that the stage is in the round, so you get a really great view wherever you're sat. Their productions have attracted some really big names too, including Brenda Blethyn, Pete Postlethwaite and Maxine Peake. As well as the main theatre, there's also a smaller studio to show newer work. In the theatre complex, there is a great bar and craft shop too. So even if you're not seeing a show, it's probably worth a visit. read more

I've been going to the Royal Exchange for years. I was first introduced to the theatre through school, with an uncomfortably long performance (for a teenager anyway) of Macbeth set in a concentration camp. This didn't put me off and I've been going ever since. The theatre is an experience in itself, with its round stage offering views from every angle. It's an intimate space with each seat being less than nine metres from the stage, giving a sense of immediacy and involvement. I have to say that it's not the most comfortable of theatres, especially if you're located in the top tiers but this doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the performance. The performances themselves are always superb, often cutting edge and breaking down barriers. It's a sort of 'Channel 4' of the Manchester theatre world. Other facilities include a bar and craft shop situated in the foyer. And if you're under 26 or a student, there are lots of special offers to be had. Make sure you subscribe to their newsletter. read more

Classic and modern theatre, supurb in the round auditorium, a bit 'posh' and middle class, needs more down to earth production on. But if you like your Chekov's etc, then this is the place for you. Great cafe / bar too. Also has a small studio which occassionally has more experimental and community based stuff on - but it is a bit of a token gesture. read more

This place is a haven of peace and tranquility in the middle of a busy city. You can step off the high street, and leave the crowds and the noise behind. The silence hits you the minute you walk in. Due to the way in which the interior is constructed, with it's glass roof, it is at it's best viewed on a sunny day. The light floods through the coloured glass to really highlight the beauty of the structure inside. There is a bar service, restaraunt and craft centre. It is the sort of place you can while away a few hours, and that's all without even attending a performance. If you want to get a feel of the exchange as a working theatre, go for a visit on Mon or Tues of the week a new play is about to open. You get to see the cast and crew setting up and rehearsing, which makes this place very unique. They have a good programme of events, and more recently a free programme calle special fx, where on a Friday evening, you can watch free entertainment in the great hall, with happy hour on the bar. Go see some established and up and coming acts do there thing before the main performance starts. A truly beautiful space, with an intimate feel during performance, you could almost reach out and touch the performers. read more

The Royal Exchange is no ordinary theatre. Gone is the old fashioned tiered seating and instead is a modern pod of a theatre transported into the old Stock Exchange building. The circular seating around the stage means that there isn't really a bad seat in the house, though the further up the seating rows you get, the more you feel like you are viewing the top of the actors heads. The stool like seating in the upper tiers means that leg room is not the usual issue you often experience in more conventional theatres, however this is perhaps not suitable for the more elderly visitor. The main Exchange building supplies a lovely craft/card shop for interesting browsing before performances. read more

This is a beautiful building and a great venue for theatre productions. You can still see all the reminents of the cotton exchange which make it a marvel. The plays are also great. I saw Henry V there and it was perfect in the round. The seats are comfy and the prices are reasonable unless you're at the bar! read more

This is an excellent theatre and the performances are normally very well done. Its not the usual kind of theatre which normally makes the performances much more interesting as it is In-The-Round, ie, this is where the stage is round and the audience surrounds it. Performing in this way can be very taxing and difficult. The building is fantastic and the overall design of the theatre is very good, even though the stage area is of a new design it fits in nicely with the building and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. If you get chance to do the back stage tour then do it, you will not regret the experience. read more

I love this fascinating in the round theatre in the heart of Manchester! The seating surrounds the stage and is tiered on levels so you maybe face to face with the actors or looking down on them. although this isn't a bad thing and some of the sets and productions on at the Royal Exchange use this to their advantage and will hoist parts of sets up wards. When I watched Richard II here the prison cell he was placed in hung mid air and was very effective. The design of the theatre and its seating also makes it a more cosy and intimate theatre experience and I always feel more involved in the plot and emotion of the production here than anywhere else. Due to its central location it makes for a fantastic night, afternoon or day out. Its close to the Big wheel, food, drink, shops and not forgetting the shops that are within the Royal Exchange (not the theatre though). read more

Glorious building both externally (abridged version of the original thanks to WWII) and internally (and in fact the IRA nearly succeeded in finishing the job in 1996). This was once one of the largest trading rooms in the world and approx 80% of the world's cotton went through it's doors. The theatre as it now stands (built within the room as a post modern 'round') was set up in 1976 and has remained open and very popular ever since. Many of the national plays are staged (or premièred here) and is one of the most respected theatres (certainly by many of the main players) in the UK. Even if you've never entertained the idea of sitting inside a theatre to watch a play, you should at least give this place a try - I'm quite sure most people would have their minds changed about theatres following a night in here. There's a bar and café outside the theatre and it's a constant joy to take in the beautiful interior whilst quaffing a drink of your choice. The scale and design of the theatre provides a very intimate setting: my last visit here featured an actress baring all to the patrons of the roundunfortunately for her there is absolutely nowhere to hide in this theatre. Marvellous gem in Manchester's theatrical landscape. read more

Royal Exchange Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Manchester, XGM

The Royal Exchange is a truly unique theatre, with a consistently excellent output. The main theatre is a modern structure within the old exchange building. All the plays here are performer in the round. The seats can be slightly uncomfortable, particularly on the higher levels, but few have a restricted view of the stage. The Studio puts on more one-off and unusual productions. The set and production design at the Royal Exchange are second to none, and the plays I have seen here never fail to impress. Under 25's can go cheap on a Monday. read more

Where is my favourite place for a hot drink in Manchester? It has to be the Royal Exchange Theatre. Yes, they have amazing visiting companies showing newer innovative theatre, but also the old classics, sometimes reworked, sometimes in a purer form. There is the craft shop inside and also workshops at half term for kids and adults alike (for example aspiring actors). They also have a bar and having a drink (food is not quite as reasonable price wise!) whilst sitting in the airy building, with a specta cular celing is one of my favourite past times. Occasionally, they'll be a starlet sat behind you too, on their break! read more