The Manchester Opera House, located at 3 Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HP, UK, is a versatile venue that offers a range of meeting, conference, and event facilities. Here is a detailed description of its capabilities:
Meeting and Conference Facilities
- Capacity: The Opera House can accommodate various event sizes, with a main auditorium seating up to 1,920 people. The two cantilevered, curved balconies each hold 500 seats, providing ample space for different configurations.
- Function Rooms: While the primary focus is on the main auditorium, the venue also offers various function rooms and spaces for smaller gatherings:
- Beecham Bar: Located on street level, this bar is fully accessible and can be used for smaller meetings or events.
- Ambassador Lounge: Although accessed via steps, this lounge can be utilized for more intimate gatherings.
- Circle Auditorium: This area offers companion seats and is accessible from street level, making it suitable for smaller conferences or meetings.
Event Facilities
- Stage and Orchestra Pit: The spacious stage and orchestra pit make the theatre an excellent venue for musicals, orchestral performances, and other events requiring a large stage area.
- Bars on Every Level: Patrons will find bars on all levels of the venue, providing convenient access to refreshments during events.
- Hospitality Packages: The theatre offers hospitality packages to enhance the experience for guests, making it ideal for corporate events or special occasions.
- Cloakroom: A cloakroom is situated in the foyer for the convenience of theatre-goers, which can also be used for events.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Access: The venue features wheelchair spaces in row B of the circle, with one companion seat directly next to it and the other directly behind it. These spaces are accessible from street level.
- Hearing Assistance: The opera house has an infra-red sound enhancement system for patrons with hearing impairments. Headsets are available in the cloakroom for a returnable deposit of £10.00.
- Guide Dogs: Hearing and guide dogs are permitted in the theatre.
Additional Services
- Booster Seats: Booster seats are available in the stalls for children, which can be hired upon arrival.
- Accessible Toilets: Accessible toilets are located on street level between Beecham Bar and the Circle auditorium.
- Assisted Performances: The venue offers Audio Described, Captioned, BSL Interpreted, and Relaxed performances, catering to diverse audience needs.
The Manchester Opera House is well-equipped to host a variety of events, from children’s parties to corporate conferences, making it a versatile and accommodating venue for any occasion.