anchester has always had a strong reputation for the arts with its vast selection of galleries and museums; and the massive influence the city has on the music scene in the UK. One particular gem that outsiders may not have heard of though is Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre. The theatre was founded in 1976 and went from strength to strength until a terrorist bomb in the city centre caused extensive damage in 1996. Sadly, the show could not go on for 2 years, but thanks to National Lottery funding of £32 million the theatre reopened stronger than ever on 30 November 1998. Since then it has attracted a wealth of stars (some ‘before they were famous’) including Hugh Grant, Will Young and Sally Lindsay.
An Old Building In Modern Times
The is absolutely breathtaking – it is a true ‘theatre in the round’ and the view of the stage from
any of the seats is excellent. The performers are literally surrounded by the audience – a very different experience to the rows of seats that we are used to in modern times. The ‘module’ that contains the theatre is award winning and is a seven sided glass and steel structure. The theatre seats up to 760 people on 3 levels – the largest theatre in the round in Britain – but it retains an intimate and unique atmosphere. The theatre also has a café and a bar, ideal for a pre-show meal or a crafty drink during the interval. Currently playing in the round is “Too Clever By Half” a comedy written by Alexandr Ostrovsky, which is a satirical take on the trials and tribulations of being honest in a lying, backstabbing world! Tickets are still available and the show runs until 17 August 2013. Don’t forget to book your transport there and back with Swinton Travel – then you can sit back and enjoy the show!