Manchester’s leading theatre company is based in the historic Royal Exchange, once a major cotton trading centre.
The Theatre is the main performance venue and one of the most unusual in the UK. A seven-sided steel and glass module sits within the Great Hall. It contains a stage surrounded by three levels of seating on all sides. The maximum capacity is 750.

The Studio is a separate 100-person capacity venue. It hosts innovative performances from touring companies and local communities as well as Royal Exchange productions.
Tickets can be purchased online from the official website. Alternatively telephone the Royal Exchange box office on 0161 833 9833 or visit in person. Box office opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10 am to 7.30 pm (6.15 pm for telephone bookings) and Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.
Tickets for performances in The Theatre are the most expensive. Tickets for front row banquette (bench) seats are released on the day of the performance and are considerably cheaper than regular tickets. Under 26s enjoy cheap tickets on Fridays and half-price student standbys are offered for all performances.
On Friday evenings all are welcome to attend the theatre’s Special FX sessions in the Great Hall. Free entertainment (musicians, comedians etc.) starts around 6 pm and happy hour drink prices apply.
The Round Restaurant is open throughout the week for lunch and dinner (on Sunday lunch only). The Great Hall Café serves snacks, sandwiches, salads and afternoon tea. It is open every day from 10 am (11 am on Sunday) until half-an-hour before the performance begins. Bar Exchange offers beer, wine and spirts Monday to Saturday.
Backstage tours and a costume hire service are also available.
The Royal Exchange is situated on St Ann’s Square in Manchester’s Central Retail District.
At the time of writing (November 2015) the nearest Metrolink station is Market Street. Victoria, Shudehill, and Piccadilly Gardens are also nearby.
Victoria is the closest train station and is just under half-a-mile from the Royal Exchange Theatre. Piccadilly is a little further. Free Metroshuttle buses run from both stations and stop near the theatre.
The nearest car park is the NCP Manchester Deansgate (postcode M3 2EQ). Theatregoers enjoy reduced price parking (parking tickets need to be validated at the theatre box office).
Other attractions and places of interest within easy walking distance of the Royal Exchange Theatre include the National Football Museum, The Printworks, Corn Exchange, Manchester Cathedral, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, St Ann’s Church, Manchester Arndale, House of Fraser, and the John Rylands Library.
Nearby Attractions
Tourist attractions and things to do near Royal Exchange Theatre include:
- The Printworks (0.2 miles) - State-of-the-art entertainment complex. Cinema, bars, restaurants and more.
- Manchester Art Gallery (0.3 miles) - Features numerous collections and galleries
- People’s History Museum (0.4 miles) - Tells the story of working people in the UK.
- Opera House Manchester (0.4 miles) - Theatre in Manchester hosting West End shows and musicals.
- AO Arena (0.4 miles) - The UK's largest indoor arena.
- Manchester Central (0.4 miles) - Manchester's major event and conference centre.
- Great Northern (0.4 miles) - Entertainment and retail complex with cinema, casino, restaurants, and shops.
- Bridgewater Hall (0.5 miles) - Modern, international concert venue.
- Palace Theatre Manchester (0.5 miles) - One of the most popular theatres outside London.
- Manchester Science and Industry Museum (0.6 miles) - Museum exploring Manchester's industrial and scientific achievements.
- Hacienda (0.6 miles) - Legendary nightclub owned by Factory Records (now apartments)
- Comedy Store Manchester (0.6 miles) - Comedy club at Deansgate Locks.
- Deansgate Locks (0.6 miles) - Home to the Comedy Store and several bars and restaurants
- HOME Manchester (0.6 miles) - Theatre, cinema and art gallery at First Street, Manchester.
- Mamucium – Roman Fort (0.6 miles) - Reconstruction of a Roman Fort in Castlefield, Manchester.
- Castlefield Bowl (0.6 miles) - Outdoor events venue in the Castlefield area of Manchester.
Nearby Cinemas
Cinemas near Royal Exchange Theatre include:
- Vue Manchester Printworks (0.2 miles) - 23-screen cinema at the Printworks. View movie listings and times.
- Odeon Manchester Great Northern (0.4 miles) - 16-screen cinema at the Great Northern complex.
Nearby Shoppping
Places to shop near Royal Exchange Theatre include:
- Manchester Arndale (0.1 miles) - Large shopping centre in Manchester city centre.
- Corn Exchange (0.2 miles) - Dining destination in Manchester city centre.
- Afflecks (0.3 miles) - Alternative shopping centre in Manchester.
- Manchester Craft and Design Centre (0.4 miles) - Home to around 20 studios and artists.
- Central Retail Park Manchester (0.8 miles) - Retail park on the edge of Manchester city centre.
Nearby Restaurants
Restaurants and places to eat and drink near Royal Exchange Theatre include:
- Annies (0 miles)
- TGI Fridays (0 miles)
- Thai Kitchen No. 6 (0.1 miles) - Authentic Thai restaurant in Manchester city centre. Close to the Royal Exchange Theatre.
- Sam's Chop House (0.1 miles)
- Lunya (0.1 miles)
- Chaophraya (0.1 miles)
- Mr Thomas's Chop House (0.1 miles)
- The Rice Bowl (0.1 miles)
- Miller & Carter (0.1 miles)
- The Botanist (0.1 miles)
- El Gato Negro (0.1 miles)
- Las Iguanas (0.1 miles)
- Bella Italia (0.1 miles)
- Gaucho (0.1 miles)
- Cote Brasserie (0.1 miles)
- La Bandera (0.1 miles) - Family-run Spanish tapas restaurant in Manchester city centre. Bright, modern decor.
- San Carlo Cicchetti (0.1 miles)
- The Old Wellington (0.2 miles)
- Grand Pacific (0.2 miles)
- La Vina (0.2 miles)
- Browns (0.2 miles)
- Bem Brasil (0.2 miles)
- Croma (0.2 miles)
- Piccolino (0.2 miles)
- Wahaca (0.2 miles)
- EastZEast (0.2 miles)
- Pho (0.2 miles)
- Mowgli Street Food (0.2 miles)
- Veeno (0.2 miles)
- Wah Ji Wah (0.2 miles) - Upmarket Indian restaurant in Manchester city centre. Contemporary interior.
- Alston Bar and Beef (0.2 miles) - Steakhouse and gin bar at the Corn Exchange, Manchester. Close to Manchester Cathedral, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, the Printworks, and the National Football Museum.
- Gino D'Acampo (0.2 miles)
- Moose Coffee (0.2 miles)
- Hard Rock Cafe (0.2 miles)
- Rozafa (0.2 miles)
- The Albert Square Shop House (0.2 miles)
- Chiquito (0.2 miles)
- Tampopo (0.2 miles) - Pan-Asian restaurant offering dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, and more.
- Rajdoot Tandoori (0.3 miles)
- Red's True Barbeque (0.3 miles)
- Australasia (0.3 miles)
- Northern Soul Grilled Cheese (0.3 miles) - Cafe in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. Claims to be the UK’s first grilled cheese restaurant. Great atmosphere. Close to Afflecks and the Manchester Arndale.
- The Alchemist (0.3 miles)
- Restaurant MCR (0.3 miles) - Fabulous high-end British restaurant at Spinningfields. Tasting menus.
- Gusto (0.3 miles)
- The Oast House (0.3 miles)
- Teppanyaki Chinatown (0.3 miles)
- Little Yang Sing (0.3 miles)
- Hawksmoor (0.3 miles)
- Iberica (0.3 miles)
- Bella Italia (0.3 miles)
- Asha's (0.3 miles)
- The Grill on New York Street (0.3 miles)
- This and That (0.3 miles) - Unpretentious Indian cafe in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Offers a simple menu that changes daily. Specialises in rice and three curry dishes. Located close to the Printworks and Manchester Arndale.
- The Alchemist (0.3 miles)
- Thaikhun (0.3 miles)
- Fazenda (0.3 miles) - Brazilian steakhouse at Spinningfields. Skewers of meat are brought to your table. Close to the John Rylands Library, Manchester Opera House, Great Northern, and the People’s History Museum.
- Dough Pizza Kitchen (0.3 miles)
- Albert's Schloss (0.3 miles)
- Manahatta (0.3 miles) - New York inspired restaurant and bar on Deansgate. Great interior. Close to Manchester Opera House and Odeon Manchester.
- Revolucion de Cuba (0.3 miles)
- Luck, Lust, Liquor and Burn (0.3 miles)
- Try Thai (0.4 miles)
- The Ivy Spinningfields (0.4 miles)
- Pieminister (0.4 miles) - Restaurant in the Northern Quarter specialising in pies. Casual atmosphere. Just across the road from Afflecks.
- V-Rev Vegan Diner (0.4 miles)
- 63 Degrees (0.4 miles)
- Adam Reid at The French (0.4 miles)
- TNQ Restaurant and Bar (0.4 miles)
- Yard & Coop (0.4 miles)
- Evelyn's (0.4 miles)
- 20 Stories (0.4 miles)
- Almost Famous (0.4 miles)
- The Pasta Factory (0.4 miles)
- Don Giovanni (0.4 miles)
- Home Sweet Home (0.4 miles)
- Evuna NQ (0.4 miles)
- Tattu (0.4 miles)
- Sangam (0.4 miles)
- Bill's (0.4 miles)
- Tutle Bay (0.4 miles)
- James Martin (0.4 miles)
- Turtle Bay (0.4 miles)
- Giorgio (0.4 miles)
- Arnero (0.5 miles) - Small Indian restaurant in the Gay Village. Modern, colourful interior. Situated on the lower floor of the NCP Manchester Bloom Street Car Park.
- Platzki (0.5 miles) - Modern Polish restaurant in the Great Northern Building. Menu changes frequently. Close to Manchester Central and the Bridgewater Hall.
- Evuna Deansgate (0.5 miles)
- Velvet (0.5 miles)
- Penang (0.5 miles) - Malaysian restaurant in the Northern Quarter. Close to Band on the Wall.
- Dimitri's (0.5 miles)
- Don Marco (0.5 miles)
- The Refuge (0.6 miles)
- Gorilla (0.6 miles)
- Rump N Ribs (0.6 miles)
- Sapporo Teppanyaki (0.6 miles)
- Dakota Bar and Grill (0.6 miles) - Upmarket steakhouse and bar at the Dakota Hotel Manchester. Near Piccadilly Train Station.
- Rudy's (0.6 miles)
- Indian Tiffin Room (0.6 miles)
- One Plus (0.6 miles) - Multi-level Chinese restaurant near the Palace Theatre. Offers Chinese hot pots, noodles and rice, and Chinese BBQ.
- Dukes 92 (0.7 miles)
- Mana (0.7 miles) - Highly acclaimed British restaurant in Ancoats. Awarded a Michelin star in 2019.
- Albert's Shed (0.7 miles)
- Vero Moderno (0.8 miles) - Contemporary Italian restaurant in Salford. Relaxing ambience.
- The Wharf (0.8 miles)
Nearby Hotels
Hotels near Royal Exchange Theatre include:
- Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange (0 miles)
- Stock Exchange Hotel (0.1 miles)
- Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel (0.1 miles)
- Hotel Gotham (0.1 miles)
- The Mitre Hotel (0.1 miles)
- Manchester Hall (0.2 miles)
- The Lowry Hotel (0.3 miles)
- Hotel Indigo Manchester - Victoria Station (0.3 miles)
- Abel Heywood Boutique Hotel (0.3 miles)
- Princess St. Hotel (0.3 miles)
- The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel (0.3 miles)
- Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel (0.4 miles)
- Novotel Manchester Centre (0.4 miles)
- ibis Styles Manchester Portland (0.4 miles)
- The Townhouse Manchester (0.4 miles)
- Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre - Arena (0.4 miles)
- The Gardens Hotel (0.4 miles)
- Selina NQ1 Manchester (0.4 miles)
- Great John Street Hotel (0.5 miles)
- Velvet Hotel (0.5 miles)
- Le Ville Hotel (0.5 miles)
- ABode Manchester (0.5 miles)
- The Cow Hollow Hotel (0.5 miles)
- AC Hotel by Marriott Manchester City Centre (0.5 miles)
- Malmaison Manchester (0.5 miles)
- Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre (0.5 miles)
- The Ainscow Hotel (0.6 miles)
- The Oxnoble (0.6 miles)
- Dakota Manchester (0.6 miles)
- Castlefield Hotel (0.6 miles)
- Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre (0.7 miles)
- Innside by Melia Manchester (0.7 miles)
- The Bulls Head Hotel (0.7 miles)
- Pendulum Hotel (0.7 miles)
- Campanile Manchester (0.9 miles)
Nearby Transport Links
Transport links near Royal Exchange Theatre include:
- Shudehill Bus Station – Shudehill Interchange (0.3 miles) - Bus and coach station in Manchester city centre.
- Piccadilly Gardens Bus Station (0.3 miles) - Bus station in the Piccadilly area of Manchester.
Nearby Train Stations
Train stations near Royal Exchange Theatre include:
- Manchester Victoria Train Station (0.4 miles) - The second largest train station in Manchester.
- Salford Central Train Station (0.4 miles) - Train station in Salford.
- Manchester Oxford Road Train Station (0.6 miles) - Train station on Oxford Road. Close to the Palace Theatre.
- Deansgate Train Station (0.6 miles) - Train station near Manchester Central.
- Manchester Piccadilly Train Station (0.7 miles) - The busiest train station in Manchester.
Nearby Metrolink Stations
Metrolink stations near Royal Exchange Theatre include:
- Exchange Square Metrolink Tram Stop (0.2 miles) - Metrolink stop in Manchester city centre.
- Market Street Metrolink Tram Stop (0.2 miles) - Metrolink stop near Manchester Arndale.
- Shudehill Metrolink Tram Stop – Shudehill Interchange (0.3 miles) - Metrolink stop in Manchester city centre.
- St Peter’s Square Metrolink Tram Stop (0.3 miles) - Metrolink stop on St Peter's Square in Manchester city centre.
- Piccadilly Gardens Metrolink Tram Stop (0.4 miles) - Metrolink stop in Manchester city centre.
- Victoria Metrolink Tram Stop (0.4 miles) - Metrolink stop at Manchester Victoria Train Station.
- Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink Tram Stop (0.6 miles) - Interchange stop in Manchester city centre.
- Piccadilly Metrolink Tram Stop (0.7 miles) - Metrolink stop at Manchester Piccadilly.
Map
Map showing location of Royal Exchange Theatre.

Details
Royal Exchange Theatre
Address and postcode
St Anns Square
Manchester
Greater Manchester
United Kingdom
M2 7DH
Ian says
I love going to the Royal Exchange. Tickets are good value for money and you get a good view no matter where you sit.