Royal Exchange Theatre, Front Room photo #2
Royal Exchange Theatre, Front Room photo #3

Royal Exchange Theatre, Front Room

Location pin

Royal Exchange, Manchester, St Anns Square, Manchester, M2 7DH - 

  • Credit card

    From
    £400 min spend

  • Users

    Up to
    90 standing

  • Table with chairs

    Offers
    catering

  • Delivery truck

    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 the newly refurbished The Rivals restaurant is a welcome alternative to the bustle of the city.

Overlooking both St Ann's Square and The Great Hall, the Front Room offers striking views of the steel and glass Theatre module, set withing the grand Victorian architecture of the former Cotton Exchange. With access via a scenic glass lift in St Ann's Square, the Front Room is a self-contained entertaining space, with its own toilets and bar.

Catering is available from our in-house catering partners and is invoiced including VAT directly by the catering team. Alternatively cold catering can be brought into the space.

The Front Room has the following capacities:
Standing Buffet: 90. Formal Dinner: 70. Boardroom Style: 20. Theatre Style: 70. Classroom Style: 70.

Capacity & layout

Standing

Standing

up to 90

Dining

Dining

up to 60

Theatre

Theatre

up to 70

Boardroom

Boardroom

up to 25

Cabaret

Cabaret

up to 60

Classroom

Classroom

up to 70

Catering & drinks

Catering arrangements

Catering arrangements

Catering facilities

Catering facilities

Refreshments

Refreshments

Alcohol

Alcohol

Amenities

Cloakroom

Cloakroom

Disabled access

Disabled access

Air conditioning

Air conditioning

Lectern

Lectern

Natural light

Natural light

Table / chairs included

Table / chairs included

Public transport

Public transport

Premises parking

Premises parking

Overnight accommodation

Overnight accommodation

Breakout rooms

Breakout rooms

Audio & visual

Sound system

Sound system

Microphone

Microphone

Projector & screen

Projector & screen

TV screen

TV screen

Flipchart

Flipchart

WiFi

WiFi

Space rules

Allowed events

wedding

Wedding ceremony licence

Cancellation policy

50% refundable 7 days before the event

Location

Reviews

  • Sean Wilks

    December 2023

    Some friends chose the Royal Exchange as the meeting place for a coffee and chat. Had never been before as I don't often visit Manchester. Really good coffee and the atmosphere was great. Was quite busy around lunchtime. Will definitely come again instead of one of using one of the other coffee chains.

  • Joseph Roxby

    December 2023

    Absolutely wonderful theatre, very comfortable and just a wonderful atmosphere. Even though I was sat right at the top I could still clearly see the stage and all the action and would 100% recommend it to anyone.

  • Chris Currie Photography

    February 2024

    Chris Currie photography would 100% recommend The Royal Exchange Theatre as a wedding venue. The Team at the venue are lovely and were a pleasure to work with. The interior is stunning, with soaring ceilings, large glass domes and pillars that help to set the space apart. It was a pleasure to photograph plus I really enjoyed taking advantage of using the set design inside the theatre module to create my couples portraits. If you are looking for an unforgettable venue to enjoy one of the best days of your lives then you will struggle to find a more unique setting. I think the Royal Exchange Theatre is one of the best alternative wedding venues in the country.

  • Iain Russell-Jarvie

    January 2024

    An amazing venue. The performance was on the floor with the audience all around. The building is amazing and worth a look. Fantastic architecture.