Royal Exchange Theatre
Royal Exchange Theatre
Royal Exchange Theatre
4.5
11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
About
We believe theatre is for everyone, and we're passionate about proving it. For almost forty years the Royal Exchange Theatre has been a hub of superb storytelling for Manchester and the UK, and there are even more exciting times ahead! We are an award-winning producing house, commissioning, creating and supporting work that is ambitious in ideas, form and scale. We sit at the centre of a fast-paced, expanding global city with audiences and communities placed firmly at the heart of everything we do. Our “brave and bold” programming, both on and off our stages, has been critically acclaimed and celebrated for its originality, relevance and artistic risk. From our iconic theatre-in-the-round we have established an international reputation for bringing the most powerful stories to life, resulting in multiple awards for new writing with 125 world premieres.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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How to get there
- Exchange Square • 3 min walk
- Market St • 5 min walk
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- HughKendal, United Kingdom10 contributionsBrief Encounter - brilliant.Wonderful theatre that I’ve been visiting since it opened in 1976. This visit to see Brief Encounter was great - superb production. Long may they continue to bring new plays along with reimagined classics.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 25 January 2024
- MKMapmanMilton Keynes, United Kingdom1,734 contributionsHeptagonal Theatre inside historic exchange buildingThe Royal Exchange Theatre is a seven-sided steel structure sitting in the middle of the historic Royal Exchange building (the third to occupy the site - check out the display boards describing the history of the buildings). The actual theatre seats only a few hundred people on three levels "in the round". I was on the top level (cheapest seats) but the sightlines and acoustics were excellent. At the ground floor level, there's a bar/restaurant, coffee shop, second small bar, and ice cream stand; these are open to the public except when there are theatre performances. In comparison with London theatres, prices of tickets are modest. The Royal Exchange prides itself in offering challenging plays, so not all are an easy night out, but they are usually well worth seeing.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 6 May 2024
- Sylvia tAssen, The Netherlands2 contributionsWhen in Manchester visit the RET!When I was in Manchester, I saw the play 'The importance of being Earnest'. Apart from the magnificent location, which felt really homely, the play itself can only be described as brilliant. Without losing the original topics of discussion, it was delightfully modernized and very well played. I enjoyed it immensely, wouldn't have wanted to miss it.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 22 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,104 reviews
Excellent
799
Very good
252
Average
29
Poor
14
Terrible
10
Debbie
Garstang, UK17 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Unprofessional and disrespectful are the words I can only use to describe The Royal Exchange following their cancellation of ‘Cat on a hot tin roof’ Monday 3rd April.
We fully appreciate that things go wrong and actors are unwell / have accidents and so forth, such is life , and fully sympathise.
However, we had booked our dogs in kennels as a trip to Manchester from our area can be a nightmare . Plus the performance was 3 plus hours long. We were 10 mins from the car park in Manchester @ 6.45 when we got an e mail saying the show was cancelled . Really ? This was so late. Surely the theatre were aware of issues before this time to allow people to not travel quite so far ? No understudies ? We were lost with it all. Then this morning following cancellation we received an e mail from the theatre asking if we’d enjoyed the show !
We raised concerns / questions today with the Royal Exchange by e mail and they replied ignoring all we raised but that we will get the tickets refunded ! Lovely .
No acknowledgement of all extra costs , fuel for 100 mile round trip, cost of prebooked carpark, unnecessary dog kennels and our time.
I was a student in Manchester in the late 70s/ early 80s and spent a lot of time at the Royal Exchange .
I would be reluctant to book again .
We fully appreciate that things go wrong and actors are unwell / have accidents and so forth, such is life , and fully sympathise.
However, we had booked our dogs in kennels as a trip to Manchester from our area can be a nightmare . Plus the performance was 3 plus hours long. We were 10 mins from the car park in Manchester @ 6.45 when we got an e mail saying the show was cancelled . Really ? This was so late. Surely the theatre were aware of issues before this time to allow people to not travel quite so far ? No understudies ? We were lost with it all. Then this morning following cancellation we received an e mail from the theatre asking if we’d enjoyed the show !
We raised concerns / questions today with the Royal Exchange by e mail and they replied ignoring all we raised but that we will get the tickets refunded ! Lovely .
No acknowledgement of all extra costs , fuel for 100 mile round trip, cost of prebooked carpark, unnecessary dog kennels and our time.
I was a student in Manchester in the late 70s/ early 80s and spent a lot of time at the Royal Exchange .
I would be reluctant to book again .
Written 4 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rowen Walker
10 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I went to watch Wuthering Heights here last night with my mum, we treated ourselves to sit on the second row back from the stage. In the first half of the show I got up to go to the toilet, I was greeted by an usher aggressively asking me where I’m going, when I told them I’m going to the toilet I was told I couldn’t come back to my seats, they would have to move me up the balcony. I explained that I didn’t pay for the balcony I paid for the second row and I didn’t come here to sit on my own I came to sit with my mum, to which the response was well the director doesn’t want the actors to be distracted. I was moved to a balcony to sit alone while my mum had to sit there for an hour wondering where I was and becoming very worried. We managed to find each other in the interval (at which point neither of us were enjoying the show it had been ruined) we went to speak to the manager and he basically said that’s just how we work. We are appalled at how we were treated, you to the theatre to have a nice relaxing evening not to be punished for going to the toilet.
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
avarula
United Kingdom26 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
I was spoken to in a condescending and belittling way due to my accent.
I had questions about the circular stage as I haven’t been to a show staged this way before and wanted more information about the seating before deciding what ticket to buy.
In the space of a few minutes, I was explained what the definition of a theatre is and what the word pricing band means. There is no doubt in my mind that the lady in question would not have dared reply in a similar sarcastic fashion to a native speaker.
Prejudice against foreigners is alive and well in the UK even in an Arts Council funded theatre.
I had questions about the circular stage as I haven’t been to a show staged this way before and wanted more information about the seating before deciding what ticket to buy.
In the space of a few minutes, I was explained what the definition of a theatre is and what the word pricing band means. There is no doubt in my mind that the lady in question would not have dared reply in a similar sarcastic fashion to a native speaker.
Prejudice against foreigners is alive and well in the UK even in an Arts Council funded theatre.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crimsontonight
Stretford, UK23 contributions
Mar 2020
Took my Mum here to see Wuthering Heights for her birthday which she really enjoyed . The actors in the play were absolutely amazing and put on a great performance. Special effects were brilliant and the music was nice. The bar and seating were good and the gift shop had plenty of fun things to offer. My only small complaint was how uncomfortable the seats we sat in were and how little leg room you have. I have memories of going here previously as my auntie used to take me to the cafe area as a kid but never to see a show. Would recommend if only for a drink!
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr Simon Stones
Bolton, UK1,418 contributions
Dec 2021
The Royal Exchange Theatre is one of my favourites... it is such a fabulous place, which everyone should visit! There have been so many fantastic performances over the years, featuring talented actors. My latest visit was to see 'The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart', which was bizarre, but totally gripping! We normally sit at stage level, but decided to dry the First Gallery this time. Wherever you are in this theatre, you always have a great view of the stage - you always feel fully immersed in the scenes. Please make sure you visit!
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Plippo
Sale108 contributions
Jan 2023
The immediate reaction on entering the building is what a fantastic place. However I can only surmise that the seating plan was an afterthought. In the upper tier the seating is cramped and for older folk difficult to get on the 'high stools'. Again in the upper levels the view of the 'stage' is only about 60%. There was also confusion re seating for many who were there as seat numbers not easy to find and no ushers around.
Written 10 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keithloo
49 contributions
July 2024 • Solo
I'm here now and yet again the doors were late opening ( 10 mins this time). I am disabled, there are very few seats for those waiting to enter the theatre and standing for 20mins waiting to get in has left me in some pain and I'm not sure I'll manage the performance. I mentioned this to the young lady at the door and she could not have cared less.
Written 3 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKMapman
Milton Keynes, UK1,734 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
The Royal Exchange Theatre is a seven-sided steel structure sitting in the middle of the historic Royal Exchange building (the third to occupy the site - check out the display boards describing the history of the buildings). The actual theatre seats only a few hundred people on three levels "in the round". I was on the top level (cheapest seats) but the sightlines and acoustics were excellent. At the ground floor level, there's a bar/restaurant, coffee shop, second small bar, and ice cream stand; these are open to the public except when there are theatre performances.
In comparison with London theatres, prices of tickets are modest. The Royal Exchange prides itself in offering challenging plays, so not all are an easy night out, but they are usually well worth seeing.
In comparison with London theatres, prices of tickets are modest. The Royal Exchange prides itself in offering challenging plays, so not all are an easy night out, but they are usually well worth seeing.
Written 6 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt O
Killarney, Ireland97 contributions
Sept 2022
Went to see Glass Managerie here. The show was brilliant. The theatre is wonderful and "All Round" 360 degree seating makes it an interesting setting and all seats a very near the actors - no bad seats. So don't be disappointed if you don't get the best seats in the house. The bar and seating outside the theatre enclosure very pleasant also.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hugh
Kendal, UK10 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Wonderful theatre that I’ve been visiting since it opened in 1976. This visit to see Brief Encounter was great - superb production. Long may they continue to bring new plays along with reimagined classics.
Written 25 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm looking at booking tickets for a show and can only make one date, but the front row seats in the First Gallery are all booked! So my question is, what are the best seats to book? Are the seats in the back row in the Second Gallery any good?
Thanks in advance!
Written 30 January 2020
Did you know if you ring after 10 am on the day you may be able to get £10- tickets actually at the edge of the stage! I’ve done it and always been lucky. Stand by your phone at 10 am though and keep ringing until you get through
Written 2 February 2020
Looking at a performance where there are seats on Second Gallery RowB High Seats at nearly half of what they are for the row in front.
I know this is really cheeky, but 'IF' the seats are empty in front, do people attending the Royal Exchange Theatre move into them - or will you get told off!
Nearly all the Second Gallery is not booked (performance this week coming), so was thinking I'd take a chance. I have been a lot to the RE, usually on the first gallery, but as this is last minute was just wondering.
Written 25 January 2020
I have seen people move ' after the interval ' only once as that night the theatre was not full "!!!! usually though it is .
Written 29 January 2020
Which entrance do you queue at for front row seats on the morning of performance?
Written 3 May 2019
The door off St Anne's square. This is at the top of the stairs and the Ticket office is to your left as you enter the Royal Exchange.
Written 5 June 2019
Are the high seats comfortable? Will be attending with my parents who are 67 and 70.
Written 10 March 2019
They are a bit uncomfortable and the stairs are steep.
Written 13 March 2019
What time do you have to queue from to get front row tickets?
Written 25 January 2018
I always prefer to sit on the front row of the 1st tier (i.e. up stairs looking down on the action.)
As long as you book in advance, I've seldom had a problem getting the seats that I want. Great theatre, enjoy.
Written 26 January 2018
What are the best seats to book
Written 15 October 2017
Please be aware that if you are in the second row upstairs some of the stage is out of sight because of the lighting rigs. This may depend on the layout on the night.
Written 16 October 2017
Where is the nearest tram stop
Written 25 April 2017
Definately Exchange Square
Written 26 April 2017
going to japan on tour any advice for hard of walking 70yrs old.
Written 5 February 2017
Look up bowing etiquette before you go - a little politeness and acknowledgement of Japanese custom is very much appreciated, and you'll find people will go out of their way to help you.
If you 'google' "Japan etiquette" you will be off to a decent start. ( I tried to add a link, but for some reason Trip Advisor Answers doesn't allow them.)
As I got this message as asking a question about the Royal Exchange Theatre, I wonder if the 'tour' you are taking is touring with a theatre production, or other ?
Written 5 February 2017
We also used the car park just off Deansgate near the cathedral. Was a bit of a maze and felt distinctly unsafe on returning at 10 after performance. Think if you are near enough I would suggest going in by train using the free shuttle service number 1 then getting a taxi home. May not be much more expensive than car park charges and much more comfortable. There is a rank near the Royal exchange and at least 8 were free when we walked past them to the car park.
Written 5 February 2017
Hi, why not pop in to the Royal Exchange and get a programme or if you phone them I am sure that they would send you one.
I get regular flyers from them.
Written 28 September 2016
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