Top Rated Concerts and Shows in Norden

"Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 7DH - Visit now. This former trading hall underwent a £32m redevelopment after being severely damaged by the 1996 IRA bomb in Manchester’s city centre – and has been delivering stellar productions from its unusual seven-sided glass and steel theatre-in-the-round (the biggest in the UK), and smaller (but still excellent) studio, ever since. Productions here are renowned – both Vanessa Redgrave and Helen Mirren have graced the Royal Exchange’s stage."

"As far as theatrical experiences go, nothing comes close to the thrill of catching a live show. Be it a drama, a comedy act, a musical, Shakespeare or some combination of them all, Manchester’s thriving arts scene make it one of the best places to take in theatre. The Royal Exchange building and its theatre have survived a lot, having been badly damaged during both World War II and the Manchester bombing in 1996."

"The Royal Exchange Theatre is free to visit, also when you don’t have tickets for a show. Besides the round stage in the middle of the dome you’ll also find the Rivals restaurant and bar and a theatre shop in the Royal Exchange Theatre. The pink illumination makes this theatre great for Instagram pictures."

"Manchester Opera House is the Palace Theatre’s little sister. It’s located on Quay Street, near Spinningfields. It is smaller than the Palace theatre however, there are still some amazing productions to see here."

"Contact Theatre will be heading out across Manchester this summer for a series of outdoor performances. Contact is an Oxford Road theatre and performing arts venue creating and producing its own shows, as well as hosting tours from the world’s best theatre companies. Contact will be heading out across the city this summer, delivering a series of outdoor performances before its building reopens to the public in September 2021."

"The building of the Dancehouse Theatre has had a fascinating history full of transformation, morphing from meeting halls to a multi-screen cinema complex. In the 1990s it was restored to its former Art Deco splendour and was reopened as The Dancehouse Theatre, home to the Northern Ballet School. While the venue presents a broad range of performances including comedy, music and drama, dance lies at the heart of this North West icon."

"Another one that you'll have to exercise patience for is the RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music), which is - understandably - prioritising the return of students and tutors. You can see the latest updates at www.rncm.ac.uk."

"The Royal Northern College of Music is an internationally acclaimed conservatoire, as well as an eclectic performance venue delivering a diverse programme of music and opera performances."

"The first public events will return to the Stoller Hall from June 7. Shows will be socially-distanced with reduced capacities initially, but there are hopes that it will be back to near-full capacity by September. See more and book tickets at stollerhall.com/whats-on."

"The Stoller Hall is situated in the heart of Manchester and offers a personal live music experience that puts you closer to the music. The concert hall delivers a programme including classical, folk and jazz music, as well as spoken word and comedy."

"Since opening their doors in November 2015, Hope Mill Theatre has become one of the most successful independent venues in England. Located in Ancoats, they produce full scale musicals from their Grade II listed former mill. The theatre will be reopening this summer, as well as hosting Hope Fest, an outdoor arts and culture festival."

"This wonderful independent venue, located out in New Islington, was one of the few theatres that managed to reopen last year after lockdown. It'll be back again with a reduced capacity and socially distanced seating for a Meet Me At Dawn, from HER Productions. You can get tickets at hopemilltheatre.co.uk."

"If you’re looking for locally crafted ceramics, prints, jewellery or art work, Manchester Craft and Design Centre is the perfect place to discover something unusual. Located in a former Victorian fish market, the beautifully restored building is home to two floors of studios, where artists, potters and craftspeople create and sell their work in one space. There’s also a great café on the ground floor and you can often discover interesting art installations or musical performances there."

"Manchester Craft and Design Centre is sometimes overshadowed by more popular sights, however, I think it’s a Manchester spot that shouldn’t be missed. Housed in a former fish market building, the Craft and Design Centre is now a hub for…you guessed it, craft and design. Independent entrepreneurs hire studio space where they can also sell their goods."

"Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak St, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5JD - Visit now. The thing we love best about Manchester Craft & Design Centre?. The fact that you can buy unique, unusual pieces direct from some incredibly talented designers."

"This popular MediaCity eatery serves huge breakfasts all day so you’ll never have to go hungry. On a sunny day, you can kick back and relax with a cold drink at the outside bar on one of the MediaCityUK deck chairs and take in the chilled out surroundings. If you’re in a rush however, this quick and tasty breakfast is the ideal solution."

"In the summer months, MediaCity’s pub throws open the doors of its sister space DockBar – a converted shipping container located on the grass outside the bar. Grab a deckchair or just a spot on the grass and make the most of the Salford sun."

"Beloved Northern Quarter bar and restaurant Wolf At The Door has confirmed it will be opening for walk-ins only from this week, and you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here."