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.
Contact Details
Security
Getting Here
Access
Contact Us - Please see our Access Contact Us page for details
Booking Information - Join our Access Membership Scheme to enable online booking for accessible seats, register for any available Access concessions and, for certain customers, reserve Personal Assistant tickets. Details on how to book Access tickets online are on our Booking With ATG Access Membership page.
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.
Step Free Access and Wheelchairs
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. Our venue box office is located inside the Opera House foyer.
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.
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.
Access Performances - All upcoming Audio Described, Captioned, BSL Interpreted and Relaxed performances are listed on our Assisted Performances page.
Visual Impairment Services - 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.
Hearing Assistance Services - Information about our venue’s hearing enhancement systems, signed performances and other hearing services can be found on our Hearing Impairment Services page. We have a number of BSL and captioned performances throughout the season. Seats with the best view of the Signer are held back from general sale and set aside for patrons who require a good view of the signer. For Captioned performances, we recommend seats in in the centre of the stalls and to not book limited view seats or seats too far back due to the venue overhang. Seats for these performances are held back from general sale and set aside. Please book through our access line to book these seats.
Useful Links - For any resources such as Symbol Resources or links to our Euan's Guide pages, please see our Additional Resources.
Further Information and Questions - Details of company-wide Access Services are available in our Access Section. Any other questions please see our FAQ’s.
Please note - 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.