Situated right in the heart of the city, The Royal Exchange Theater, Manchester is one of the famous theaters located in one of the traditional Victorian buildings of Royal Exchange. As one of the foremost cultural attractions, the Royal Exchange Theater of Manchester houses some of the unusual cultural space. Tourists come to visit this theater to experience variety of plays, concerts and special events. The locality, in which this theater is located, is one of the best shopping areas of Manchester.
Founding of the Royal Exchange Theater, Manchester
Until 1968, the present day theater building was used for cotton trading. A group of artistic directors comprising of Casper Wrede, Richard Negri, Braham Murray, James Maxwell and Michael Elliott founded this theater in 1976. Each of the members of this group was in one way or the other connected with small theater companies of the late 60s, whose work had considerably influenced the theater world. This impact was particularly felt in London and then in Manchester. In 1979 Gregory Hersev was appointed as the artistic director of this theater.
On June 15, 1996 the Royal Manchester Theater building was considerably damaged by the bomb blast at the Manchester city center. A new renovated theater opened its doors to the public again on November 30, 1998. A book shop, craft shop, restaurant, bars and a studio were additional facilities added to the new building. The theater's costume department, workshops and rehearsal rooms were removed to a second building on the Swan Street.
Royal Exchange Theater Module – an architectural marvel
The unique architecture of Royal Exchange Theater
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Manchester module is awe inspiring. The remarkable design was conceived by Richard Negri of the Wimbledon School of Art. The module is constructed with steel and glass and is located inside the Manchester Royal Exchange. The stage area is surrounded by seating arrangements above and on all its sides. It is the largest theater in Britain, with seating arrangement for 700 people at three levels. To evenly distribute the weight of the theater and the audience, the theater module four massive suspended columns support the theater module and also carry the weight of the central dome. The floor carries the weight of the stage and the ground level seats.
The Studio - a unique spatial experience
The flexible studio of the Royal Exchange Theater, acts as a perfect venue for hosting programs by young members of new theater companies and foreign theater groups. This studio can accommodate up to 120 people. One can increase and decrease the floor space of the studio by adjusting the sliding walls.
The Royal Exchange Theater in Manchester also houses a sophisticated Lounge and function room for the corporate members. It is one of the best places for a business lunch or an important business meeting.
This prestigious theater, hosts around 350 theater performances annually. Important classics of Shakespeare, Ibsen and Chekov have been staged here with contemporary drama. Actors of extraordinary caliber like Albert Finney, Tom Courtenay, Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant have started their career from this theater.
The Royal Exchange Theater at Manchester is one of the distinctive cultural landmarks in the city of Manchester.
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