Contact Theatre

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
exterior of Contact Theatre building

Contact has long been the go-to place for emerging theatre in the city, with commissioned work here going on to high acclaim. Set back from the road but recognisable by its eccentric H-shaped turrets, there’s no other theatre like it in the country.

A £7m refurbishment of Contact was completed in 2020. Including the arrival of many new facilities, this refurb has paved the way for a phenomenal new programme of live performance, screenings, exhibitions and visual art, all helmed by an inspiring new Artistic Director, Keisha Thompson.

Contact Theatre
Contact Theatre’s new interior fit-out by Architects Sheppard Robson.

Contact houses a state-of-the-art recording studio, multiple performance and rehearsal spaces, and a dedicated, first-of-its-kind art and health area. The renovation has also improved the venue’s accessibility, upgraded the theatre and made the building more environmentally sustainable. A testament to Contact’s ethos of placing young people at the heart of its decision making, the makeover was overseen by Con:Struct, a team of bright young sparks who were involved in the renovation from the start.

Since re-opening, Contact has hosted a number of food vendors, from Tikka Chance On Me to Grub. Currently, you’ll find ARMR Café and Kitchen, who provide fresh authentic, plant-based Caribbean food to Contact audiences and visitors. Full of heart and soul, think jackfruit burgers, warming curries and Jamaican classics.

Contact has always been the place for emerging theatre, dance, spoken word, hip hop and digital performance mash-ups, and with this refresh, they’ll no doubt continue to inspire the next generation of audiences and young artists for many years to come.

Oxford RoadManchesterM15 6JA View map
Telephone: 0161 274 0600 Visit Now

Accessibility

Wheelchair access to all public areas

Commercial and Hire Services

Private hire available

Services and Facilities

theatre, cafe/lounge bar

Opening Hours

  • Monday10:00am - 11:00pm
  • Tuesday10:00am - 11:00pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 11:00pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 11:00pm
  • Friday10:00am - 11:00pm
  • Saturday3:00pm - 12:00am

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Contact Theatre

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00
Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
Until
ComedyManchester
Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

free entry

Where to go near Contact Theatre

Ripley's Believe It Or Not
Blackpool
Museum
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach resort, this museum of oddities is the perfect place for families to discover the strange, the unusual and the extraordinary.

Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

Little Black Pug by Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Little Black Pug

Head to Balckpool’s Little Black Pug for an historic, laid-back, family-friendly pub with a huge malt whiskey collection.

Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Shop
Aunty Social

Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community. A great spot to pick up lovingly-made gifts.

Exterior of fish and chip shop
Blackpool
Restaurant
Harrowside Fish & Chips

Winner of the Good Food Award’s coveted Chippy of the Year award on multiple occasions, Harrowside is a great choice for fish and chips in Blackpool.

Ladies eating Fish and Chips
Blackpool
Restaurant
C Fresh

C Fresh is an old school, decidedly affordable chippy near Blackpool prom, consistently busy with locals – a sure-fire sign it’s doing something right.

Twisted
Blackpool
Restaurant
Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

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