Know your theatre: Wales’ largest producing theatre opened in 1976 next to County Hall, in a complex opened by the Queen. The theatre has a proud history of major productions with star international names. Theatr Clwyd productions are seen throughout the year both in Wales and on UK tours. Appointed as artistic director in 2023 Kate Wasserberg, formerly artistic director of new-writing company Stockroom and Cardiff's The Other Room, is overseeing an ambitious, £35m redevelopment project to create a large extension at the front, including a new three-storey foyer and restaurant, bar and cafe. The building has three performing spaces and a multi-purpose function room, and though the redevelopment will massively upgrade facilities, the theatre spaces won't be changed. The main Anthony Hopkins Theatre is a single-raked tier seating up to 569, with five wheelchair spaces. The Emlyn Williams Theatre is a flexible studio space for 147-250. Studio 2, built to TV broadcast standards, can hold up to 120 for performance events and is used as a second rehearsal space. The theatre also has a small cinema (capacity 113) and a large function room used for gigs (capacity 240). Theatr Clwyd Address: Raikes Lane, Mold, Wales CH7 1YA Phone: General inquiries and box office: 01352 344101 (line open 10am-6pm) Facilities: The theatre complex is large, containing theatre spaces and other events and refreshment facilities. The theatre website is here . Disabled visitors are well catered for with wheelchair access to all floors, disabled parking spaces, an induction loop for hearing aid users, some "relaxed" performances when audience movement and noise are acceptable, and facilities for visual impairment. See here for details. Parking: Once in the Mold area prominent signage points you to the theatre complex. Currently, an underground car park is closed but parking is available on a tiered open air car park. Avoid parking immediately in front of the building. Online box office: Go here if you haven't booked online at Theatr Clwyd before, or find the show on the website and follow the bookings link. Email box.office@theatrclwyd.com with queries.

Know your theatre: Clonter Opera Theatre, Congleton Clonter, sometimes called ‘the Glyndebourne of the North’, is on a working farm in the Cheshire countryside, not far from the Jodrell Bank radio telescope. Clonter began as informal gatherings in a barn, with seating on bales of straw. Today the venue has a 400-seat theatre (though a former hen house is still part of the backstage facilities), and a well-established programme of events. Clonter notably showcases young operatic talent, but also jazz and folk. Front of house now offers sufficient accommodation for the entire audience to enjoy a meal under one roof, either before or part-way through the performance (ordered from the house caterer or your own picnic), which is something even Glyndebourne cannot offer. Expect to meet the Cheshire set in full cry (especially after imbibing during a long interval) as your fellow opera-buffs, but this stage frequently offers future international stars in the making, so it can be worth it... Address: Swettenham Heath, Trap Rd, Congleton CW12 2LR Phone: General inquiries and box office: 01260 224514 (10am-4pm Mon-Fri and performance days). The theatre is large, the building boasting separate rooms of various sizes, allowing it to function as a theatre and for corporate hires and schools use throughout the year. The theatre website offers a range of accommodation choices for long-distance visitors. Disabled visitors are well catered for Facilities: Parking: There is a drop-off point outside the theatre entrance, and free parking. Eight bays close to the main entrance can be reserved for those with reduced mobility. Online box office: Go here if you haven't booked online at Clonter before, or here if you have. You need to open an account for online booking.

Know your theatre: Opened in 1887, the Coliseum was one of the oldest British theatres still operating, and was much loved by its loyal supporters – perhaps more so since its demise in March 2023. Once a circus, in the 1930s it was briefly a cinema before becoming the members-only Oldham Repertory Theatre. It was said to be one of the most haunted theatres in Britain, and a famous stage death occurred there in the 1940s. By the 1950s-60s the resident company helped to form the careers of Coronation Street stars Jean Alexander, Pat Phoenix, Roy Barra-clough, William Roache and local girls Barbara Knox and Anne Kirkbride. In 1978 it became the Arts Council and local authority-supported Oldham Coliseum, offering a mix of professional productions of its own and other touring shows, It was famous for its massively-popular annual pantomime. Plans for a new building were scrapped in late 2018 and the withdrawal of an Arts Council "NPO" grant in late 2022 led to the theatre's closure in March 2023. Plans are supposedly in place for a smaller replacement within three or so years, which might not retain the name. Coliseum Theatre, Oldham (closed Mar '23) Address: Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Fairbottom Street, Oldham OL1 3SW Phone: Facilities: Parking: Some on-street metered parking. Bradshaw Street car park is nearby, with a concessionary rate after 6pm. More information here Online box office:

Know your theatre: The most beautifully-located profes-sional theatre in the UK, Theatre by the Lake traces its origin to 1948 and a team of theatre enthusiasts who created a 225-seat mobile theatre to take live performance around post-war Britain. The convoy of trailers arrived in Keswick for the first time in 1961, but by 1975 was unfit to tour, so the company successfully took up residence by Derwentwater. In 1996 the convoy was uprooted one last time, to be replaced by the current permanent structure, the last theatre built in Britain in the 20th Century and the first to be built – at a cost of £6.5m –with the help of the national lottery. The theatre opened in August 1999 with Charley’s Aunt . There are two stages, a 400-seat main house with a central rake that has excellent sight lines, and a 100-seat studio. The main house is large for its seating capacity, high and wide, with a stage capable of holding big shows. In the main house the company presents a busy programme of now mainly wide- appeal co-productions (partnering with theatres including Bolton Octagon and Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough) throughout the year and a wide-ranging series of studio shows. TBTL also hosts a variety of festivals and visiting companies. The theatre has a loyal local audience, alongside the many tourists who enjoy a night of theatre after tramping the fells. Theatre by the Lake, Keswick Address: Theatre by the Lake, Lakeside, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DJ Phone: Box Office: 017687 74411 (9.30am-7.30pm/6pm non-performance nights). Admin: 017687 72282 (9am-5pm). Catering: 017687 81102 (9am-9pm). Also available by email . The theatre is currently closed but expects to reopen in autumn 2021. Facilities: A modern theatre with modern sensibilities when it comes to loos and disabled facilities. Avoid the main theatre side seats if you can, despite their lower cost. The adjacent restaurant is open 10am-3pm daily, and a tourist attraction in itself, with views across the lake. When the theatre reopens allow plenty of time to dine as service can be slow – though there is that view to look at... Parking: The theatre is located off Lake Road and is indicated on brown tourist signs throughout the town. Lakeside car park (Allerdale Borough Council, pay and display) is next to the theatre, and in summer gets very busy, so allow plenty of time to park. Charge is £1 from 7pm-7am. Before 7pm charges vary. Go here and follow the booking route to your show choice. Online box office:

Know your theatre: Built for £95,000 by public subscription and opened in 1967, the Octagon was the first professional theatre built in the North West after World War II – one of very few 'in the round'. Particularly associated with local playwrights Bill Naughton and Jim Cartwright, the Octagon today offers a wide range of repertory productions and co-productions mixing classics and lighter material. When the theatre's future was threatened in 1999, 12,000 people signed a petition to 'Keep theatre made in Bolton', and succeeded. The theatre closed in 2018 for a £12m renovation and officially reopened, after Covid delays, on July 6 2021, with a production of The Hound Of The Baskervilles . The revamped building has a new roof, electrics and plumbing, is more environmentally friendly, has greatly improved accessibility, new restaurant, bar and back stage facilities. The Octagon's main space seats up to 390, its studio space 100. The main house has the best sight lines of any theatre – that's probably a fact. Octagon Theatre, Bolton Address: Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft St, Bolton BL1 1SB . Phone: Box Office: 01204 520661 (Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm, opt 2; applies also to group bookings). You can also contact info@octagonbolton.co.uk with general inquiries and boxoffice@octagonbolton.co.uk with booking inquiries. Facilities: The new theatre has an extensive cafe/bar area (open Tue-Sat, 10am-4pm) breakfast served until noon), extensive facilities for disabled patrons, new seating and studio and classroom spaces. Parking: Nearest car park: Octagon NCP multi-storey (BL1 1TN). Free street parking (some disabled bays) in Le Mans Crescent after 6pm, (limited spaces). Online box office: Go here for what's on and follow the show links for tickets. Access 24 hours.

Know your theatre: The Royal Northern College of Music is the biggest and arguably best music conservatoire in the country. Built in 1972 in Oxford Road’s academic quarter in Manchester, and since considerably expanded, it was always planned as an arts centre as well as an educational institution, so has many concerts by students and touring performers, and its student opera productions have turned up many future stars. Facilities include a big concert hall with theatre-style technical kit, a recital room and two theatres, the 650-seat RNCM Theatre and a smaller subterranean studio theatre. The larger theatre was created with opera in mind and has a stage the size of that at Covent Garden, with superb backstage and technical facilities and a large orchestra pit. Audience seating is in one near-rectangular block with a good rake, so all areas have excellent sight lines. Once inside you are often amid the buzzing centre of a large student community and may have to fight off young bohemians to get near the bar - but they have a nice restaurant on site as well as canteen-style light refreshments at most performance times. RNCM, Manchester Address: Phone: RNCM, 124 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9RD Box office 0161 907 5555 (11am-6pm Mon-Sat, later on performance nights, also from one hour before Sunday performances. General inquiries 0161 907 5200 Facilities: The RNCM building is relatively modern and thus comes with modern facilities and access, including bars and a restaurant (named after former principal Adolph Brodsky). Disabled visitors can get to all halls, and can call 0161 907 5300 to reserve a disabled parking space. Parking: Parking near the venue can be a problem, though there is an RNCM underground pay-park open evenings and weekends only. Two other car parks are nearby. See here for details Online box office: Go here and follow the booking route to your show choice

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Know your theatre: Venue Cymru, on the promenade in Llandudno, north Wales, is a theatre, conference centre and arena. The Victoria Palace, the first theatre on the site, opened in 1894 and was a promenade landmark for over 100 years, with a couple of name changes on the way. It was pressed into use as a roller skating rink, dance hall and summer shows venue, but finally closed in 1994. The building was derelict for a decade before being demolished in 2005 to make way for an atrium and meeting and conference rooms adjoining the next door North Wales Theatre and Conference Centre – developed in 1994 to house a 1,500-seat theatre and large conference hall. The £10.7m development, with funding from local authorities, Arts Council Wales, European funds and the Welsh Development Agency, provided a total venue capacity of 5,000 and includes a cafe, restaurant, box office and offices. A public competition in 2005 resulted in the complex being renamed Venue Cymru. Conferences are held there throughout the year and the arena space is used for live rock bands. The theatre specialises in touring plays, musicals and opera. Venue Cymru, Llandudno Address: Promenade, Llandudno, LL30 1BB Phone: Box office: 01492 872000; group bookings 01492 872001 Facilities: The complex is very large, with 28 separate spaces available for large conferences, meetings, exhibitions and reception areas. The theatre is a modern, 1,500-seat space with technical facilities for large touring shows. There are accessible toilets on all levels; wheelchair users have full access to all public areas, and designated stalls spaces. The theatre has infrared and induction-loop systems for hearing aids. Full accessibility details here . The building has a full restaurant and a cafe bar. The theatre in 10mins on foot from transport links. EV chargers are available. See this page for all Venue Cymru facilities Parking: Venue Cymru operates a pay and display car park at the rear of the building, with designated disabled parking bays near the main entrance. Parking is also available on the promenade - pay and display until 4pm, then free. Online box office: Go to the theatre home page here , then follow the links for individual shows

Know your theatre: Built in 1903 and possibly the most beautiful theatre in the north of England, Buxton Opera House was designed by legendary architect Frank Matcham (also designer of the Palladium and Coliseum in London, Hackney Empire, Richmond Theatre, Blackpool Tower Ballroom and Grand Theatre and many more). Buxton has near-perfect acoustics for classical opera, which makes it the ideal venue for the region's only hive of top class in-house professional opera productions (and other attractions), the annual Buxton International Festival in July. The rest of the year features popular touring shows, amateur productions and occasional ballet - the modestly-sized stage has one of the steepest rakes in the business; some dancers say they fear cart-wheeling into the stalls. Since the last refurb in 2007, the 902-seat auditorium has glittered with gold leaf; the only disappointment following the work being that Matcham’s clever air-conditioning system (a circle of gas burners high up in the central dome to draw air through the theatre) is no longer allowed in the usual, tedious name of health and safety... Opera House, Buxton Address: Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN Phone: Box office 01298 72190 (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, 8pm on performance days), general admin inquiries 01298 72050. Facilities: The theatre has several bars serving locally produced beers, wines and chocolates. Snack boxes for adults and children are also available. Several local restaurants offer pre-and post-show meals. Disability access is as good as the building allow; only the stalls are accessible to wheelchairs. Call box office for details. Parking: Free parking after 6pm in the car park behind Pavilion Gardens, a short walk from both venues. Free street car parking after 6pm close to the theatre (but avoid residents-only areas. Go here and follow the booking route to your show choice. The Opera House also offers online and phone booking facilities for the nearby Pavilion Arts Centre cinema. Online box office:

About us There's a ton of theatre in the great theatres of the north. It can't all be great all the time, can it? Unfortunately your pocket is often the final judge. We hope to help you not waste your money, or perhaps suggest shows you wouldn't otherwise have tried, using the judgment we have hopefully sharpened over decades of reviewing thousands of shows. Yes, we've all been around a long time. Does that make us unqualified to give an opinion in an age of youth, experiment and change? Of course not: the things that make theatre great , rather than merely apposite or trendy, are potentially in all shows - namely great writing (text and music), great directing and great performing. There is little difference whether you are doing the latest anti-Trump polemic or Julius Caesar – well, except Shakespeare probably did it better. ​ Writers Reviewer Alan Hulme Former Theatre Editor, Manchester Evening News. Seen everything. Mostly enthusiastic, but reserves rave reviews for those that deserve them. Reviewer Robert Beale Music and theatre reviewer for the MEN and several national outlets. Been writing about music since Beethoven was a lad. Reviewer Paul Genty Former theatre/arts editor for the Oldham Evening Chronicle – the former Oldham Evening Chronicle, that is. A lot older than he believes he is. Reviewer Kate Goerner Gamekeeper-turned-poacher. Former PR chief for the biggest theatres in Manchester, then likewise for national tours by ever such famous people. Reviewer Jeffrey Wainwright Former northern theatre reviewer for The Independent , and a respected poet, critic and translator. Reviews carry no rhyming couplets, promise... Reviewer Jenny Daniel Doctor Jenny Daniel is a senior lecturer in musical theatre at Liverpool's Edge Hill University. So yes, she really does know what she's talking about... Reviewer Peter Ruddick BBC Breakfast TV reporter Peter would probably rather be known as a theatre man, after years as an amateur actor or theatre admin pro... Reviewer Heather Edwards Always a bit of a drama queen, Heather has enjoyed theatre and writing from an early age and throughout her career in print, broadcast and PR. Reviewer Linda Isted Has worked for everybody, including the BBC and a big Manchester PR company. Also, as you can see, an international woman of mystery... Reviewer Richard Evans Richard is a long-time educator who now looks critically at theatre, opera and dance after years of visiting for pleasure. It's knocked the smile off his face, we can tell you... Reviewer Joan Davies Not only a Manchester city councillor and devoted theatregoer, Joan is also a knowledgeable member of the city centre 's Green Badge tour guides.

Know your theatre: Part of the redevelopment of the previously derelict Salford Docks. Completed in 1999 at a cost of £106 million, The Lowry is named in honour of Salford-born artist L S Lowry. A huge success, considerably extending the range of shows on offer in Greater Manchester and a tourist destination in its own right. At its core are two theatres and a drama studio. The Lyric has 1,730 seats, while the Quays has 466 (and a word to the wise, if you must book circle seats in the Quays, make them row 'A' if you can). The two theatres host a wide range of touring plays, comedy, musicals, dance and opera, and the Lyric, impressively, has the largest stage in the UK outside London. The building has not only an art gallery, restaurant, snack bars, bars and shop, but also the one thing so many older theatres lack – plenty of loos. The Lowry, Salford Address: Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ Phone: Box Office: 0843 208 6000, Groups: 0843 208 6003, Restaurant: 0161 876 2121 Access Line: 0161 876 2183 Facilities: The Lowry offers theatre, dance, opera and special-entertainment shows, an art gallery, a cafe, a gift shop and a restaurant/bar. The Lowry plaza offers a good alternative selection of restaurants. Parking: No street parking, but a large multi-storey car park is across the theatre plaza. Online box office: Go here , and follow the show links.

Know your theatre: Liverpool Playhouse The oldest repertory theatre building in England is a structure of two main parts, so highly regarded it is Grade II star listed, with sections dating back to 1844. The main theatre was built in 1866 as the Star Music Hall. Many alterations over the years gave way to the most radical change, in 1968, when a modern extension was added to house new foyers, bars, dressing rooms and a workshop. The Liverpool Repertory Company was established in 1911– one of the first – and bought the theatre for the equivalent of around £3m to make it the first rep to own the building’s freehold. Members of the acting company have included Richard Burton, Rex Harrison, John Thaw, Anthony Hopkins, Patricia Routledge, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. Artistic director David Scase’s reign from 1963 – 67 is viewed as a magical period that featured Anthony Hopkins, Patrick Stewart and Warren Clarke, but most legendary is probably the "Gang of Four" – Alan Bleasdale, Chris Bond, Bill Morrison and Willy Russell – whose dazzling four years from 1981 premiered many hits, including Russell’s ever-present Blood Brothers . In 2000 the Playhouse joined forces with the Everyman to become Liverpool & Merseyside Theatres Trust, which now runs both. As well as the Playhouse's three-level, 677-seat auditorium there is a small upstairs studio seating 80. Address: Playhouse theatre, Williamson Square L1 1EL Phone: All inquiries: 0151 709 4776; email inquiries: boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com ​ There is an easy way to find the Playhouse from virtually anywhere in Liverpool: look for the Radio City tower (it's at the back in the picture, left ) and the theatre is right under it... Being an old building there isn't much room for eating (the Everyman has a restaurant), but there are the usual theatre bars. The Playhouse offers relaxed, audio-described, BSL-interpreted and captioned performances at various times (check with box office or see here ); some stalls rows have level access (as do two seats in the circle) and there are five wheelchair spaces Facilities: Parking: Navigation: use L1 1EL to find the Playhouse. Williamson Square is a pedestrian zone not directly accessible by car. Theatre-recommended car parks are Queen Square, L1 1RH (£2.90 5pm-9am), and St Johns L1 1LQ (£2.50 after 6pm, closes at midnight). Other transport methods are covered here. Online box office: Tickets can be bought online by finding the show here and following the links. The link clovers both theatres ​

Know your theatre: The North West’s most startling and acclaimed producing theatre opened in 1976 in the equally-beautiful 1874 grade II-listed former Manchester Cotton Exchange. The unique, 750-seater glass and steel module is suspended on girders from four giant pillars supporting the roof of the massive Great Hall, and is one of the most innovative theatre spaces in the UK. In 1996 an IRA bomb damaged the building but the theatre – built on shock absorbers – survived intact. Around £32m was spent on rebuilding and a 120-seat studio theatre added. More famous-name actors have played the Royal Exchange’s intimate in-the-round stage than all other English reps combined, from Ben Kingsley to Helen Mirren, Albert Finney to Andy Serkis; while today Maxine Peak and Julie Hesmondhalgh are keen supporters. Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Michael Sheen, David Tennant and Andrew Garfield all appeared here, long before fame. Nowadays trading far less on starry names and knocking corners off its "posh" image, the Exchange works with local communities and new writers (its Bruntwood Playwriting Competition is the biggest in the UK) while still being a standard-bearer for regional theatres. Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Address: Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann's Square, Manchester, M2 7DH Phone: Box office: 0161 833 9833 (also groups and schools), Reception 0161 833 9333. Facilities: As well as the magnificent theatre and studio, the Royal Exchange takes full advantage of its Great Hall setting with a restaurant, bar, gift shop and cafe. The mezzanine gallery also has interesting art displays Parking: Parking is subject to the usual city centre problems. On-street parking is minimal and car parks expensive. The Exchange is partnered with this Q-Park and offers a good discount if you validate your ticket at the theatre box office; closer (and more expensive) is the NCP car park over the Deansgate junction with Blackfriars St, under the Travelodge hotel. Online box office: Go here if you haven't booked online at the Exchange before, or here if you have. You need to open an account for online booking.

Know your theatre: Manchester’s newest theatre is also one of its most inspiring. Housed in a once semi-derelict Victor-ian mill in a back street in Ancoats, near Piccadilly Station, it is the brainchild of co-founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton. Both worked as actors in London, but wanted to create their own theatre and decided it would be in the north. Having found their unlikely venue they did much of the transformation work themselves, the result being a flexible space seating up to 120, with a cafe and bar and some parking. It’s all very friendly and personal, with the two artistic directors very much in evidence. Hope Mill opened in 2015, specialising in original productions of lesser-known musicals, and has quickly become one of the most acclaimed independent venues in the country. Several shows have transferred to the London fringe, including Yank!, Hair and Aspects of Love, while on the home stage, plays and cabaret have now joined musicals. Both founders were recently named as two of British theatre's top 100 movers and shakers by The Stage . Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester Address: Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard Street, Manchester M4 7JA Phone: Box office: 0333 012 4963 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm), enquiries 0161 275 9141. Facilities: Tatty on the outside, eclectic on the inside, Hope Mill Theatre is open from 90 minutes before show time and as well as the 120-seat theatre (available for hire and as an increasingly popular wedding venue), has a small cafe/ restaurant with basic menus. See here for choices. All ground floor, so accessible. Parking: Free parking (but see below ) shared with other Hope Mill businesses, so spaces are subject to availability. On match and event days at the not-all-that nearby Etihad Stadium, car parking costs £5. Online box office: Go here for what's on and follow the show links for tickets.