From Joy Division to Sir Ian McKellen, Manchester certainly knows its way around the arts. Theatres have played a crucial role in giving opportunities to young actors and playwrights for decades. To celebrate one of the centres of UK theatre, we’ve got together some of our favourite theatres in Manchester.
Manchester has been a hub of creativity for decades, paving a path for young creatives looking to engage with the arts and theatre. Contributing to that tradition is The Lowry – a wonderfully modern theatre situated on the Salford Quays that features a truly diverse range of musicals, opera and drama. As a modern theatre with an eye set on groundbreaking theatre, The Lowry helps young creatives express themselves without any restrictions. The result is a set of incredibly unique productions that challenge the boundaries of theatre itself. Manchester has always been ahead of the curve in terms of culture and the Lowry is one of the prime examples.
While Manchester may be seen as culturally innovative, the city has a proud and deep cultural heritage. At over a century old, the Palace Theatre is perfect for theatre enthusiasts looking for a little more tradition. The beautiful architecture surrounding the stage has framed thousands of astonishing productions, helping to entertain the local community for decades. With an eclectic mix of comedy, drama and musicals on offer, get yourself down to the wonderful Palace Theatre for a fantastic evening of entertainment.
The theatrical wonder isn’t restricted to the city centre. The Octagon Theatre, located in the heart of Bolton, 10 miles from Manchester, prides itself on a deep connection with local communities. The stage was the first theatre to be built in the North West after World War One and is in the process of a bold regeneration project set to be completed in 2021. The Octagon proudly wears the stamp ‘Made in Bolton’, building sets and costumes out of locally made materials. If you’re looking for a theatre that has its heart in the right place, we’d suggest getting down to the Octagon.
In terms of entertainment, it doesn’t get much more exciting than Manchester. The city is packed with a combination of modern and traditional stages, offering a variety of exciting theatre for the whole family. When everything’s back to normal, make sure you pay a visit to our favourite Mancunian theatres.