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United Kingdom/Things to Do in Manchester, couple trip

Royal Exchange Theatre (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Royal Exchange Theatre?

81%Couple-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Couples get date-night value from in-the-round drama, pre-show drinks at The Rivals, and evening mood lighting in the Great Hall, though conversation is limited once performances start.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 4,300 reviews)

Positives:

  • Intimate staging: The in-the-round format brings you close to the performance.
  • Central bar: The Rivals Café offers city views and a varied menu.

Challenges:

  • Unreserved seating: Seat choice depends on booking order; popular shows sell out fast.
  • Crowded Fridays: Special FX sessions can fill quickly, plan arrival time.
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🏖️ Explore Royal Exchange Theatre with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Royal Exchange Theatre. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Royal Exchange Theatre?

  • A performing arts venue occupying Manchester’s former cotton exchange, a Grade II* listed Victorian building
  • A theatre in the round housed within a seven-sided glass and steel module suspended in the building’s Great Hall
  • A producing and receiving theatre commissioning and staging contemporary and classical productions

What is so special about Royal Exchange Theatre for couple trip?

  1. Experience plays in the round for immersive theatre.
  2. Enjoy free live music and comedy at Friday Special FX.
  3. Relax with drinks and snacks at The Rivals Bar & Café.
  4. Learn theatre history on a guided building tour.
  5. Browse local art at the Craft Shop before your show.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can enjoy a play, drinks and a brief tour at a relaxed pace.

(View Royal Exchange Theatre on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Royal Exchange Theatre

Watch an in-the-round production:

See a play staged in the round in the Great Hall.

Tip: Book early online to select seats near the action.

Friday Special FX sessions:

Enjoy free live acts before evening shows.

Tip: Arrive by 6 pm to get a good spot and catch happy hour prices.

Drinks at The Rivals Bar & Café:

Sip cocktails or sample snacks before or at interval.

Tip: Pre-order interval drinks to skip the bar queue.

Guided theatre tour:

Discover building history and architecture.

Tip: Reserve spots via box office at least one week ahead.

Browse the Craft Shop & Gallery:

Explore local crafts in the foyer.

Tip: Visit before the show to avoid missing performance start.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Royal Exchange Theatre

  1. Book early: Reserve tickets online as soon as shows are announced.
  2. Arrive ahead: Get there 30 minutes before to explore the foyer and skip queues.
🏖️ Tour Royal Exchange Theatre like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Royal Exchange Theatre. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Royal Exchange Theatre

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Caroline Davenport

Caroline Davenport

Dec 2025

Just saw Singing in the Rain for our works Christmas do. It was fantastic. We all loved it. Love this theatre. We sat on high stools on the back row, stage level but view was great.

Reflect Clinic

Reflect Clinic

Dec 2025

Absolutely adored Singin’ in the rain last night! Quick G&T at Rivals bar then we were in. I wasn’t sure about a tap dancing show but its tongue in cheek nature and dashing dancers were superb. If you’re sitting on the front row though, bring a raincoat!! 💦 💦 💦 Honestly well worth going no matter what genre of theatre 🎭 you like!!! Joanna xx

Alison Williams

Alison Williams

Dec 2025

Quirky little theatre in the round. We saw Singing in the Rain which was amazing, with real rain! Excellent performance in a unique venue.

Hong Lee

Hong Lee

Nov 2025

It was our first visit to the beautiful Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester City center last Saturday to watch the Dancing At Lughnasa play, which tells the story of 5 colourful sisters, barely surviving on a farm in 1930's Ireland, and the powerful moment that changes their lives forever. I can't believe we haven't previously been to see a show at this unique multi-storey 7-sided steel & glass t...

Elizabeth Cameron’s

Elizabeth Cameron’s

Jul 2025

Outstanding in every way as a theatre. I came to its opening , and saw my first ever theatre play here 'in the round', the production was "Zack" with Trevor Peacock ( from dim memory) I remember being fascinated by the knife sharpener for some reason 🤔😅. I was there last week for the Pan African Speakeasy , prior to the showing of "Liberation " stellar performances from everyone. And all credit...

When is the best time to visit Royal Exchange Theatre (Manchester, United Kingdom)?

Book Christmas and holiday productions early; visit in Jan–Feb for off-peak ticket deals.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Manchester on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Play tickets (2 standard seats)GBP 40
Interval drinks for twoGBP 10
Guided tour (2)GBP 20
Total EstimatedGBP 70

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Royal Exchange Theatre

Address: St Ann's Square, Manchester M2 7DH, UK

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Royal Exchange Theatre (Manchester)?

← See other Things to Do in Manchester (couple trip)

About Royal Exchange Theatre

Opening Hours

Monday:11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:Closed

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 161 833 9833

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