Royal Exchange Theatre, Great Hall
Royal Exchange, Manchester, St Anns Square, Manchester, M2 7DH -
From
£2500 min spend
Up to
700 guests
Offers
catering
Internal Catering
allowed
Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre transforms the way people see theatre, each other and the world around them. Its historic building which was taken over by artists in 1976. Today it is an award-winning cultural charity that produces new theatre in-the-round, in communities, on the road and online.
The Theatre is a spectacular seven-sided, glass-walled capsule, suspended in the centre of the historic Cotton Exchange. This unique design means all seats are less than nine metres from the circular stage. The Studio is a smaller 90-seat flexible venue hosting touring and new productions.
Overlooking the Theatre and St Ann’s Square, is the Front Room. With a separate entrance, privacy and an optional bar area the space is ideal for meetings, presentations or private dining, and can accommodate up to 80 people.
In addition, the former board room of the Exchange is now a unique setting for a business meeting, away day, private dining, or drinks reception. This private suite is unique setting unrivalled for interior design, location and service. The Café and indoor beer garden in the Grade II Listed Great Hall offers a warm welcome in a striking location, and is a welcome alternative to the bustle of the city.
A dramatic setting for pre-show drinks, a private ball, dinner and dancing, or a peaceful escape for afternoon tea, the Great Hall has something for everyone.
The Great Hall's grandeur speaks for itself, and makes it a wonderful backdrop for a gala dinner, fundraising event, drinks reception, or ball.
It can be hired with or after use of the Theatre for conference lunches or dinners.
The domed ceilings add to the impressive architecture of the building, and visitors can marvel at the theatre-in-the-round in the centre of the Hall.
Capacity & layout
Standing
up to 700
Cabaret
up to 120
Catering & drinks
Catering arrangements
Catering facilities
Refreshments
Alcohol
Amenities
Cloakroom
Disabled access
Lectern
Natural light
Stage
Table / chairs included
Public transport
Premises parking
Overnight accommodation
Breakout rooms
Audio & visual
WiFi
Space rules
Cancellation policy
50% refundable 7 days before the event
Location
Reviews
Golden Horn
April 2025First time here. Amazing theatre inside the Exchange. Great set up and 3 tiers of seats for Abigail's Party. Great bars, cuos, toilets, coloured steps for ease of finding seats. Comfy. Glorious play. Cannot wait to return.
Christine Lawlor
April 2025We haven't visited for a while and went to see Abigail's Party. Kim Marsh was brilliant as the boozy Beverly and with the whole cast didn't disappoint. A credit to the original Play For Today performance from the 1970s. Glad it was kept in the 1970s and not updated. The Royal Exchange is still a great venue, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy to order interval drinks that were reasonably priced. We will definitely be returning.
Hannah Kirkbride
April 2025What a privilege it is to visit this fantastic theatre. We loved Abigail’s Party which had a thoughtful, rotating set to work in the round. The banquette seats are very low and won’t be suitable for everybody, but a great affordable option if you can manage it. The building itself is fabulous and I would highly recommend popping in for a drink to soak up the atmosphere and discover the history of the Royal Exchange.
