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Royal Exchange Theatre

Creative Tourist

Visit now

Royal Exchange Theatre

St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH
0161 833 9833
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  • 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.

Visit now
Royal Exchange Theatre
Image courtesy of Lee Baxter.
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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.

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
See all events

Where to go near Royal Exchange Theatre

CUPRA City Garage DJ Decks
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St Ann’s Square

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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.

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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 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.

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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

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