Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Located on New Cathedral Street in Manchester鈥檚 bustling city centre, the Royal Exchange building houses a theatre and shopping arcade. Whilst the building has stood on this site since the late 18th century, it has only been used as a theatre since the 1970s. Built in the Georgian era and upgraded in Victorian times, the Royal Exchange building formed the heart of Manchester鈥檚 commercial district, and was the venue for the trading of textiles manufactured in the city鈥檚 famous cotton mills. By 1931, the main hall was the largest trading room in the country. The building鈥檚 heyday as a trading centre was brought to an abrupt end by the Blitz, when the trading hall was badly damaged. The building was left empty after World War 2.
Facing possible demolition, the Royal Exchange was saved and converted into a theatre and shopping centre. The Royal Exchange Theatre was opened in 1976 by Sir Laurence Olivier. The main theatre space is designed 鈥榠n the round鈥�, meaning that the stage and performers are completely surrounded by the audience. It is the largest theatre in the round in the UK, and hosts up to 350 productions each year. The bulk of the theatre鈥檚 schedule is built around stage classics from Shakespeare and Chekhov, although touring foreign theatre groups and musicians play there regularly. The theatre has a box office, contained within the Exchange building.
Facing possible demolition, the Royal Exchange was saved and converted into a theatre and shopping centre. The Royal Exchange Theatre was opened in 1976 by Sir Laurence Olivier. The main theatre space is designed 鈥榠n the round鈥�, meaning that the stage and performers are completely surrounded by the audience. It is the largest theatre in the round in the UK, and hosts up to 350 productions each year. The bulk of the theatre鈥檚 schedule is built around stage classics from Shakespeare and Chekhov, although touring foreign theatre groups and musicians play there regularly. The theatre has a box office, contained within the Exchange building.
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Royal Exchange Theatre on Map
Sight Name: Royal Exchange Theatre
Sight Location: Manchester, England (See walking tours in Manchester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Manchester, England (See walking tours in Manchester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Manchester, England
Create Your Own Walk in Manchester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Manchester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Edwardian Architecture Tour
A product of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is noted for its warehouses, railway viaducts, cotton mills, and canals, reflecting the most ambitious and exciting phase of the city's history.
During the reign of King Edward VII, which spanned from 1901 to 1910, Manchester experienced a significant boom in architectural development. This period saw a shift towards more ornate and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
During the reign of King Edward VII, which spanned from 1901 to 1910, Manchester experienced a significant boom in architectural development. This period saw a shift towards more ornate and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Manchester Introduction Walking Tour
The seventh most populated city in England, Manchester is an important cultural, industrial and historic center.
The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort established circa 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Having been a manorial township throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester enjoyed rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort established circa 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Having been a manorial township throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester enjoyed rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Manchester Historical Architecture Tour
Manchester鈥檚 architecture is rich in styles. Throughout centuries, the city has evolved in phases, each of which left its peculiar imprint on the city's architectural tapestry. Here, you can see medieval red-brick buildings coexisting harmoniously with concrete-and-glass structures from the modern era.
One notable landmark in Manchester is the Statue of Prince Albert, a regal monument... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One notable landmark in Manchester is the Statue of Prince Albert, a regal monument... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 10 Cafes and Sweet Shops in Manchester
Heading up Oldham Street from Picadilly Gardens you arrive at The Northern Quarter; the 鈥榗ool鈥� part of Manchester, think Brooklyn, Shoreditch, Le Marais; trendy young things with fancy haircuts frequent the coffee houses, boutique and vintage shops during the day and the bars once night-time...