Manchester Opera House is a 1,920-seat theatre on Quay Street, near Spinningfields, in the centre of Manchester. It opened in 1912 and is a Grade II listed building. Touring musicals, ballet, concerts, comedy and the city's Christmas pantomime are staged here, and several shows have had their premieres here before moving on to London. Plan a show, and allow time to look at the building before the curtain rises. The theatre is a sister venue of the Palace Theatre, and both are run by the same operator.
From 1912 to today
The theatre opened in 1912. Over the following decades it changed use several times. It was later a cinema and then a bingo hall, and it reopened as a theatre in 1984.
Ambassador Theatre Group now operates the venue. The company has invested in the technical facilities so the building suits modern productions.
Premieres and landmark productions
The Opera House hosted the 1958 European premiere of West Side Story and the world premiere of Ghost the Musical. Later premieres include Back to the Future: The Musical, the Take That musical The Band and Bat Out of Hell: The Musical. It also staged the UK premiere of Mrs Doubtfire: The Musical.
Alongside the Palace Theatre, the Opera House has taken part in the 'Manchester Gets It First' series of premieres.
What is on
The stage hosts touring musicals, ballet, concerts and comedians. Tribute acts also perform here, including acts that sing songs by George Michael, Elton John and Taylor Swift.
Family shows are part of the regular programme, including Madagascar the Musical. Past Christmas pantomimes have included Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.
Getting there and access
The theatre is at 3 Quay Street. The nearest tram stop is St Peter's Square, served by the blue and purple lines, and the walk from there takes about eight minutes.
The venue lists a paid parking lot and paid street parking. It has accessible seating, an accessible entrance, an elevator and an accessible restroom, and it offers an assistive hearing loop.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Manchester Opera House?
It is at 3 Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HP, near Spinningfields.
How do I get there by tram?
Take the blue or purple tram to St Peter's Square. From there it is an eight-minute walk.
How many seats does the theatre have?
It seats 1,920 people.
Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue has accessible seating, an accessible entrance, an elevator and an accessible restroom, and it offers an assistive hearing loop.
What kinds of shows are staged?
Touring musicals, ballet, concerts, comedy, tribute acts and Christmas pantomimes are staged here.
