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Royal Exchange Theatre

Creative Tourist
Royal Exchange Theatre
Image courtesy of Lee Baxter.

The Royal Exchange is a former trading hall that became a theatre back in 1973. It was severely damaged by the 1996 IRA bomb that ripped the heart out of Manchester’s city centre, underwent a £32m redevelopment and reopened two years later with its seven-sided glass and steel theatre-in-the-round fully updated too.

This innovative performance space squats inside the Victorian Great Hall, a little like an alien interloper, making the Royal Exchange one of the most unique and celebrated theatres in the country, highly regarded for both new writing and its take on the classics. It also houses a public lounge, a family-friendly space with books to read and games to play, and  The Rivals Bar & Café, the perfect perch for pre and post-show refreshments.

St Ann’s SquareManchesterM2 7DH View map
Telephone: 0161 833 9833 Visit Now

Accessibility

Disabled access

Admission Charges

Free / see specific performances for prices

Commercial and Hire Services

Function rooms available, costume hire

Services and Facilities

performances, exhibitions, events, tours, shop, bars, café, restaurant

Opening Hours

  • Monday11:00am - 7:30pm
  • Tuesday11:00am - 7:30pm
  • Wednesday11:00am - 7:30pm
  • Thursday11:00am - 7:30pm
  • Friday9:30am - 7:30pm
  • Saturday11:00am - 7:30pm
  • Sunday11:00am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at Royal Exchange Theatre

What's on near Royal Exchange Theatre

Elizabeth Gaskell's House
TourManchester
The Manchester Literary Tour

On the eve of Elizabeth Gaskell’s birthday, join Jonathan Schofield Tours for a stroll around the sites (and sights) of Manchester’s literary past.

from £20.00
Until
ComedyManchester
Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

free entry
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Where to go near Royal Exchange Theatre

St Ann’s Square
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St Ann’s Square is a quiet little enclave of shops, with Barton’s Arcade set back from it on one side, and St Ann’s Church, which dates back to 1712 and…

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Rapha Clubhouse Manchester

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King Street Manchester

King Street is one of the most picturesque parts of Manchester with buildings designed by Alfred Waterhouse and C.R. Cockerell. Once Manchester’s financial epicenter, it’s now home to high-end retail and fine dining.

Manchester
Restaurant
KAI Deansgate

Kai is a Turkish restaurant on Deansgate, set up by the brains behind the well-regarded Zouk restaurant. Expect excellent mezze plates and an open grill that releases wonderful aromas throughout the venue.

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Lunya Manchester

Lunya is a Spanish and Catalan deli and restaurant in Manchester’s stunning Barton Arcade. The food is reliably fresh and the staff both charming and incredibly knowledgable.

City Centre
Shop
Aston’s Of Manchester

In Royal Exchange Arcade, Aston’s of Manchester is a tobacconist that recently branched out into whisky sales. In their shop you’ll find an interesting selection of bottles to buy, including some real rarities, and tasting events here are just getting going.

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