spena-red
Went to the royal exchange to watch a play about the old Manchester gangs called the Scuttlers,,, play was great. The venue magnificent what a beautiful building and the auditorium in the round was really effective,, loved the experience,,,
cricketguru
Been here a few times since it opened and it's a wonderful use of space in a historic old building. Try to see a show but otherwise just grab a coffee and admire the architecture.
OfftheirP
I can't believe I've lived in Manchester all my life and this visit was the first production I've been to at the Royal Exchange. This is a well run place with superb facilities in terms of disabled access, bars, toilets etc.The stage itself is in the round and every seat seems to offer intimate and great viewing (we got the cheapest ones up top but still felt involved in the performance). £33 for stage side may seem steep but I guess it costs much more than that to see a 90 minute football match and this lasts longer. We will be returning and would recommend this theatre wholeheartedly.
746gillh
I have not been back inside of here since the bombing. We arranged to meet friends for a drink in the cafe inside. A lovely hot chocolate and cake later we had booked tickets to see Scuttlers(fabulous performance!) and were eyeing up the main restaurant. This place is a hidden gem and we will definitely be returning here rather than visiting one of the many chains in the area.
jsutt74
Visited here to watch the premiere of 'Scuttlers' firstly the venue is wonderful. This historic building is a great setting, then the seating areas around the bars is great just to sit and relax. The theatre in the middle helps to build the excitement and adds to the ambience. Once inside the round theatre with the stage as no barrier to the audience makes you feel a part of the play. The play itself was great. Possibly a little slow in getting started, especially if you have no previous knowledge of Scuttlers history, but they are trying to show the background to these gangs and the life of toil, drudgery and poverty they lived. I thought it was great the way it showed the part girls played in these gangs too, and the way the gangs lived, fighting only on time off so their livelihood wasn't threatened. Loved the whole evening. Go to see this play, and also go to this theatre, or even just the venue for a drink or meal in great surroundings.
BrianGMarieG
This was originally the Manchester Stock Exchange and the original financial display can still be seen. The glass domes in the roof are quite spectacular! They were badly damaged during the 1996 bomb attack and have since been painstakingly restored! You can sit and enjoy a coffee whilst admiring the magnificent building.
Lizjones_12
There is something magical about going into an old building that was part of the creation of the first industrial city in the world and then find that it takes you forward in time even further by entering the theatre itself that looks like a space vehicle parked in the middle. Theatre /TARDIS as you are transported to different lands and time and all of it so inclusive that you feel as though you are a part of the performance. Oh the performances are memorable, Strafford on Avon to watch the bard, well I have been and can confirm there and it is great but they can do a damn fine job in Manchester too, Pete Postlethwaite I will always remember in the Tempest, but as with all things keeping it real and modern Maxine Peak as Hamlet. If you have never been, why?...Just go! The studio theatre is just as good and they are really exciting new things continually.
LancashireQueenbee
Had the cheap tickets, for New Year's Eve, but, what a great production. We sat right at the top, but, for £15 each it was great value and you could see everything. We only had a drink before it started, but, was quite reasonable. A few things to look at too, crafts being sold and a lot of art work on the walls. The royal exchange is just an amazing place. Next time you're in manchester,you can escape the busy streets and enjoy a peaceful coffee in this amazing building.
D7060KVpeterf
Went to see this show today. Amazing! The plant is done brilliantly and the acting and singing was fantastic. A great show and I definitely recommend going to see this it.
Fazza33
I went to see Little Shop of Horrors at RET last night and it is the first time I have visited the theatre. What a fantastic building, setting and production. Being a local, I am ashamed that I haven't been before as I enjoyed everything about it. The atmosphere is fantastic, the ticket prices fair and even the cost of the programme was reasonable. The production itself was outstanding, I would watch it every night if I could, it really blows away any January blues!
kangercol
Went to watch little shop of horrors here and what a fantastic venue. We were in the seats at the top which were high seats but give you a good view. Love the stage being central so everyone gets a good view and the cast were amazing. Outside of the unusual theatre there is both a bar and a cafe alongwith lots of areas to look at at the interval. Its a lovely calm venue with affordable shows and look forward to visiting again.
Day_tripper1234
We went here to see the little shop of horrors performance which was amazing. The theatre building itself is amazing, rich in history and very grand. The show was amazing all the actors did the show proud and our seats were really good. Inside the building it has a cafe and bar with serve alcoholic and soft drinks at reasonable prices, they also serve pastries, cakes and coffees during the interval and preshow. We both loved how different the theatre was to the other theaters we've been too and we would defiantly go back there again without a doubt
90shahrzada
I will definitely go back I watched Little Shop of Horror there and I enjoyed it alot, lovely ending, nice place, great seats around the stage,
At199
Watch Little Shop Of horrors here and it was fantastic we had really good seats and the place is spotless! The drinks at the bar are really reasonably priced and the staff are really nice too :)
MurrayS873
A good production of this tale. The theatre is a steel structure in the round, built inside the Cotton Exchange building. Looks a bit like a lunar lander. Show was well paced and enjoyed by all including a group of high schoolers.