Opened in 1891 and costing merely over £40,000 the Palace Theatre in Manchester hosted all the great names of the Music Hall era including Charlie Chaplin, Marie Lloyd and Harry Launder. Since then it has been renovated and refurbished considerably, retaining its position as the premier provincial touring venue with productions ranging from Nicholas Nick Nickleby, the Convent Garden Opera, Saturday Night Fever, Luciano Pavarotti and Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The Opera House, which opened in 1912, has seen some considerable changes in the life around her, surviving through the Second World War. At that moment in time it was used as a cinema and bingo hall. However, once back to a theatre hall, it hosted some of the greatest shows including Barnum, Phantom of the Opera and Oliver. It continues to attract some of the best entertainment today with some truely spectacular plays, shows and pantomimes throughout the year for both children and adults alike.
Home to a fantastic choice of facilities, The Lowry makes for a great outing. Enjoy art by LS Lowry and other artists in the ever changing galleries and exhibitions. Kids can take part in a free Art Detectives Trail following the picture clues and exploring the exhibition. They also do a Family Corner on The Deck aimed at children aimed under 5 years to draw, read, play and display their works of art. With three theatres as well, there's always shows and productions on, plus the very popular puppet shows and Christmas pop panto for the kids. Weekend art and drama workshops, courses and holiday activities are a regular feature at The Lowry also, so you'll be spoilt for choice!
A brilliant venue showing an array of well known acts and events, The Apollo Theatre in Manchester is always a popular choice. With great acoustics, easily visible stage area and big enough to host the larger bands, the seating arrangement really gives the place an atmosphere you can really get involved in.
Local cinema in the area include:
A futuristic adventure, the fascinating 3D effects of IMAX film take cinema screening to the next level. Take in the full experience as you are plunged into the heart of the action as you see more, hear more and feel more. Powered by a combination of the world's finest images, digital surrounding technology and custom designed auditoriums the 3D screenings off the ultimate cinema experience. At eight stories high and three double decker buses wide the screens at the Manchester IMAX are the biggest available. Whats more, the thestre geometry of the auditorium design and crystal clear sound technology maximise the experience to its full potential.
