Opera House Manchester

Originally The New Theatre, it opened on Boxing Day, 1912. It went through several iterations, being renamed once before becoming the Opera House in 1920. It's also been used for different functions; as a cinema in WW2, then a bingo hall before reopening as a theatre again in 1984. Since, it has hosted magnificent shows like Barnum and Phantom of the Opera.

Nearby venues:Palace Theatre Manchester

What's On Venue Info Food & Drink Seating Access Learn & Explore Join Us

We believe that the joy of live performances should be accessible to all, and we're committed to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy entertainment in a comfortable, inclusive, and welcoming environment.

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Getting around

Enjoying the show

Resources & help

Getting around

Access parking

There is on-street parking on Byrom street by the park, but not opposite the theatre. There are bays on Lower Byrom street.

Lift

There is no lift in the Opera House and from foyer to stalls there are 28 steps in total. There are a minimum of 78 steps up to the gallery, which is very high and steep with uneven steps.

There are 2 spaces with companion seats, these are Circle B1 & C1, Circle B4 & B5. The spaces are accessible from street level. The seats at The Opera House are 16 – 17 inches wide on average.

Step free access and wheelchairs

Beecham Bar at The Opera House is on street level and fully accessible or ask us for At Seat Service when you arrive. Please note, the Ambassador Lounge is only accessed via steps.

Accessible toilets

Access toilets are located on street level between Beecham Bar and Circle auditorium at the Opera House. There is an emergency pull cord in the accessible toilets should you need assistance from a member of staff.

Enjoying the show

Seat dimensions

Booster seats are available for customers to use in the stalls. Please speak to a member of staff upon arrival if you would like to use one (please note: there might be a hire charge which will need to be paid). These are only available in the stalls. Booster seats are not permitted on any other level of the theatre.

Services for blind, partially sighted or otherwise visually impaired audiences

Information about our venue’s audio description, touch tours and other visual services can be found on our Visual Impairment Services page. We recommend seats in the A-C area for customers who require a closer view of the stage.

For Audio Described shows, please book tickets in the centre stalls area. Touch Tours may also be available to accompany Audio Described performances. This will be advertised on the website or brochure page for each show. The signal for the hearing loop users will work best in the centre stalls area.

Services for D/deaf and hard of hearing audiences

Information about our venue’s hearing enhancement systems (MobileConnect and The Loop system), signed performances and other hearing services can be found on our Hearing Assistance Services page. We have a number of BSL and captioned performances throughout the season.

For Captioned performances, we recommend seats in the centre of the stalls and to not book limited view seats or seats too far back due to the venue overhang. Seats with the best view of the captioning units are held back from general sale and set aside for patrons who require a good view of the screens. Please contact us for more information if required.

Interpreted show (BSL)

All upcoming Audio Described, Captioned, BSL Interpreted and Relaxed performances are listed on our Assisted Performances page.

Resources & help

Useful links

For any resources such as Symbol Resources or links to our Euan's Guide page, please see our Additional Resources.

An Audio-Introduction for The Palace Theatre and Opera House is available on Soundcloud, please click here. To watch a video about our Audio Described Performances click here.

Further information and questions

Details of company-wide Access Services are available in our Access Section. Any other questions please see our FAQ’s.