Royal Exchange Theatre, Great Hall photo #2
Royal Exchange Theatre, Great Hall photo #3

Royal Exchange Theatre, Great Hall

Location pin

Royal Exchange, Manchester, St Anns Square, Manchester, M2 7DH - 

  • Credit card

    From
    £2500 min spend

  • Users

    Up to
    700 guests

  • Table with chairs

    Offers
    catering

  • Delivery truck

    Internal Catering
    allowed

Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre transforms the way people see theatre, each other and the world around them. Its historic building which was taken over by artists in 1976. Today it is an award-winning cultural charity that produces new theatre in-the-round, in communities, on the road and online.

The Theatre is a spectacular seven-sided, glass-walled capsule, suspended in the centre of the historic Cotton Exchange. This unique design means all seats are less than nine metres from the circular stage. The Studio is a smaller 90-seat flexible venue hosting touring and new productions.

Overlooking the Theatre and St Ann’s Square, is the Front Room. With a separate entrance, privacy and an optional bar area the space is ideal for meetings, presentations or private dining, and can accommodate up to 80 people.

In addition, the former board room of the Exchange is now a unique setting for a business meeting, away day, private dining, or drinks reception. This private suite is unique setting unrivalled for interior design, location and service. The Café and indoor beer garden in the Grade II Listed Great Hall offers a warm welcome in a striking location, and is a welcome alternative to the bustle of the city.

A dramatic setting for pre-show drinks, a private ball, dinner and dancing, or a peaceful escape for afternoon tea, the Great Hall has something for everyone.

The Great Hall's grandeur speaks for itself, and makes it a wonderful backdrop for a gala dinner, fundraising event, drinks reception, or ball.

It can be hired with or after use of the Theatre for conference lunches or dinners.

The domed ceilings add to the impressive architecture of the building, and visitors can marvel at the theatre-in-the-round in the centre of the Hall.

Capacity & layout

Standing

Standing

up to 700

Cabaret

Cabaret

up to 120

Catering & drinks

Catering arrangements

Catering arrangements

Catering facilities

Catering facilities

Refreshments

Refreshments

Alcohol

Alcohol

Amenities

Cloakroom

Cloakroom

Disabled access

Disabled access

Lectern

Lectern

Natural light

Natural light

Stage

Stage

Table / chairs included

Table / chairs included

Public transport

Public transport

Premises parking

Premises parking

Overnight accommodation

Overnight accommodation

Breakout rooms

Breakout rooms

Audio & visual

WiFi

WiFi

Space rules

Cancellation policy

50% refundable 7 days before the event

Location

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Reviews

  • Dave Smith

    December 2024

    Spend, Spend, Spend - Dec 2024 ! Talented cast, a wonderful night of theatre. But been coming 47 yrs now since it opened, always a thrill. A unique theatre, part of the DNA of Manchester.

  • Tim J

    February 2025

    The Royal Exchange is a great asset to Manchester. There have been so many amazing productions here over many years with many famous faces treading the boards at various times. The theatre is a unique pupose-built structure within the cavernous old trading hall which is itself a feat to behold. You can still see the old exchange trading board high up displaying prices amongst the impressive marble columns. It's free to visit the main hall, where there's a nice cafe and you can sit and enjoy the architecture and atmosphere. Do also plan ahead to see a play here if you can though!

  • carol davis

    January 2025

    Fabulous experience. We sat in the bar stool seats on tier 2. Great view and very comfy. Loved the entire theatre any Rivals Bar. Can't wait to go again.

  • Nicholas Maloney

    March 2025

    Steel construction of this theatre in this imposing Victorian building built on money, partly, from the slave trade but means that when grants or support arts funding are cut it can be dismantled again and become what? That impermanence worries me. But is it a welcoming space? I’m really not sure. The centres of excellence will, I guess, eventually share the fate of repertory theatre in the face of cuts to the arts. Having a post show drink in the depressing, characterless rather soulless bar left me with an empty feeling echoed in the plays I had just seen. The cast were terrific. The plays challenging - which is good but what will become of this theatre? What’s happened to the Oldham coliseum? The Bolton octagon? Once proud community theatres ….