Address: St Ann's Square, Manchester, M2 7DH, United Kingdom
Phone: +441618339833
Rating: 4.7
based on 269 reviews.
Accessibility
Pros:
"The building is wheelchair accessible and you can book a dining experience prior to the show."
"The disabled loo facilities are decent; one was out of order, but the other was clean and functional."
"Coffee shop and gift shop are easily accessible."
"The staff are really polite and helpful when booking school trips, too."
"Access is a breeze with a lift at the Saint Anne’s Square entrance."
"There's a lift for those who can't manage the stairs."
"There's a lift for wheelchair users and ramps to get into the theatre, ground level toilets, restaurant and bar."
Cons:
"Visited on Saturday 28th January 2017 with my elderly mum... Venue is not the easiest for those with disabilities but contact them beforehand and I'm sure they will do anything they can to help."
"However, be advised that the external amenities are notable by their absence."
"Access to the venue was an issue. I was with friends who are disabled and the lift for them to gain access was out of use."
"No disabled access to the upper tiers and very cramped, uncomfortable seating."
"However the theatre needs to really reconsider access for disabled patrons. There are steps everywhere. Awkward steps in corners. Very few ramps to assist. Disable toilet is too low."
"It is not disability friendly... the disabled toilets aren't all that nice."
"Access to the building is shut off when performances or rehearsals are on."
Atmosphere & Design
Pros:
"An amazing place to see a show, meet for coffee or enjoy a fabulous dinner in The Rivals Bar and Restaurant."
"The staggeringly beautiful building houses this magical looking performance pod which from the outside could be mistaken for some mechanical invention from the early industrial revolution."
"Absolutely wonderful theatre, very comfortable and just a wonderful atmosphere."
"Intimate theatre in-the-round, makes you feel you are in the centre of the action."
"The theatre is a space age steel and glass construction fitted inside the original old commodities exchange. It's stunning."
"Wonderful theatre space housed in a wonderful building - beautifully lit - full of colour and unexpected shapes."
"The theatre is unique in its three-dimensional design, meaning that audiences are sat around and above the stage, providing a more intimate and visceral experience."
Cons:
"Try to avoid seats on the second gallery unless you're desperate to see that particular showing, as you can feel quite removed from the action."
"The seats right at the back of the theatre are terrible. They are like bar stools that fold down."
"The seating is so uncomfortable and claustrophobic."
"The top seats, while somewhat uncomfortable in the degree to which you have to leave forward, were not particularly bad, I had no discomfort when leaving the theatre."
"Legroom not too bad, but I'm tall and would like a little bit more but it's liveable and still better than most."
"The play was great but just uncomfortable to sit in such bad seats."
"For the price I expected better."
Staff & Service
Pros:
"The staff are knowledgeable and helpful and friendly."
"The staff are the nicest people I have ever met, they are caring for their customers and want them to have the best experience possible."
"The staff are stars - so helpful! They've got a spot near the stage for wheelchairs, making you feel part of the action."
"There's a visitor's welcome desk which is staffed by volunteers who are always very helpful and such a great addition to the whole experience."
"The staff were helpful and knowledgeable, the café was brimming with excellent quality tea, coffee and cakes."
"The staff are very friendly and helpful."
"Staff very friendly."
Cons:
"Staff were very busy with glasses stacking up and no check-in to see if food was ok."
"The staff in the lobby were also quite snotty."
"Please just fix the male toilets... first cubicle as you walk in to your left....seat is broken and roll dispenser is hold on by sticky tape."
Value & Pricing
Pros:
"Brilliant theatre productions at affordable prices."
"I'm so glad i found the 20% offer in the app as not worth full price."
"A great use of the old Royal Exchange theatre. Great programme throughout the year with really cheap tickets available for students."
"Prices for under 26s were excellent and the facilities were more than adequate."
"All performances usually have a selection of 'pay what you decide' tickets, so you can enjoy top-quality theatre in a stunning setting for as little as £5 or £10."
Cons:
"Also £3.70 for a small water and a can of orange!"
"My only criticism is that due to the fact that you have to have your drink in a plastic glass to take it into the theatre, there is a horrific amount of avoidable single use plastic waste."