This is a really cool local theatre - the main one in Bury and independently owned. I've been here…read morea few times to see friends of mine act in amateur dramatics group productions and it has never disappointed. The theatre itself is upstairs as you walk in and the bar area, which you have to go past to get there, is pretty good too. Very important when going to see amateur dramatics, of course. The building is Victorian so has the right monumental air about it for such works or the-atre. The stage is really big. One of my favourite memories is seeing Oliver here a few years ago when a friend of a friend simply owned the stage on his own as Fagin. They also have a lot of music on here, boasting past performances from no less than Elbow (who are from the town), Joy Division and the Pixies. Not bad, not bad. I'd say grab a drink or bite to eat in the adjoining Automatic restaurant and bar before heading in for some home grown entertainment in the Met.

small but intimate theatre really bringing the audience into the action making them feel involved…read morein the play. however still yet to see a good production as they tend to house the local theatre group and support their personal written material

This is fast becoming my favourite place in the Northern Quarter. What a sensational venue! I have…read morein recent history had the pleasure of going to two events, a stand up/live music gig and a Kino short film event. I've fallen in love with 3MT! The place has so much character with the walls adorning various art and posters of events past/present/future. The acoustics are incredible for music and it's just the perfect size for it to be called an "intimate" venue. I was so impressed with the gig I went to the first time, I recorded three of the songs and the response on Vimeo and Youtube has been incredible. Much of that is down to the incredible lighting and sound the call theatre creates. The Kino shorts event ( http://kinofilm.org.uk/category/kino-shorts/ ) was an altogether different affair. A brilliant networking event for film makers with some great films and some hilarious Q & As. The drinks selection at the bar isn't great but the size and nature of the menu makes up for it. I highly recommend you pay this place a visit and pick up a programme to see what's on. You won't regret it, and feel free to check out the video I posted of the first event I went to :)

Three Minute Theater? The name itself is so interesting that it caught my attention but after…read moreattending one of their events I was bowled! If you are a theater fan and would like to see some brilliant performances from locals in Manchester then this is something you should not give a miss. Run by some wonderful, creative people who have a passion for life, art and everything Manchester. It is a great place for budding actors, writers and directors too because this could you your platform to meet people from the same industry and probably get involved. The plays are short and sweet and so very creative. Its strange how independent bodies like this are not as popular as they should be, same with independent cinema I guess. The environment is so warm and non pretentious that you can go alone and watch a play if you have no one to go with because you will land up coming out of there with a new friend! Verdict: Highly reccommended for all art lovers!

Came here to see Hans Zimmer Live and had a great time! Getting in to the Arena went much faster…read morethan other venues I've visited, and it was very easy to find our seats once we got inside. The crowd was as energetic as the orchestra, which is to say MASSIVELY GOOD VIBES! As we were only a few rows from the stage, I was very happy I donned foam earplugs. I was literally *feeling* the music more than I was hearing it, heheh! The bio-break during Intermission flowed pretty fast (not me ... the line!). The food here, considering I got a hot dog & soda, was actually very good! The only thing that was a pain was trying to exit the garage after the show. All traffic seemed to bottleneck into a couple lanes that had to cross the foot traffic leaving the Arena after the show. Otherwise, a great venue and I wouldn't mind seeing more shows there.

It seems even many years later after rebranding including with other sponsors, Manchester Arena…read morewill always be known as the MEN Arena to many locals - it opened in 1995 and is the only indoor purpose-built arena of its' kind in Manchester and although stadiums across the city including the Etihad and Emirates Old Trafford do host concerts now, this is the only Arena of its- type to be fully indoors in a city centre location, it is actually right next to Manchester Victoria Station and the main disabled enterance actually involves going through the station's lift (quite confusing!) - this can also be used as a cut-through to parts of the station when the lifts are out of order, which is the situation right now. Back to the Arena - I can't help but think the only reason this place is so well-known, successful and used is because it lacks competition in one of the UK's best and biggest cities - the customer service is a disgrace such as with booking tickets. The disabled seating tickets team force you to have to phone up with no online booking - they are only open at awkward hours during the day with no option to wait on hold, meaning if you require assistance booking it is going to be difficult to get tickets. It involves creating an account/profile, sending proof of a disability, waiting for that to be confirmed and then placing your tickets on hold for a few days until everything is confirmed - and if it is confirmed you're expected to pay various booking fees: security fee, postage fee (You can only pick up on the day of the event where they advise not to, if you don't pay) and of course a booking fee for telephone orders. Tickets are expensive - I attended Impractical Jokers' recent tour here and I even had to pay a security fee - now I get the venue has to be secure especially after the saddening attack in 2017 but why should they charge a "surcharge" just to be safe as every place like this should be safe and not charging for the fact you're safe, right? The security wasn't even good either - I was told to empty my pockets and go through a scanner, however, they didn't even use the airport-style bag checker on what I emptied (they didn' even look at it and I did have a case which was unexpected) - I also was able to take a drink in despite them being banned - the security is flawed. It does have a capacity of just over 21,000 which is even larger than London's famous O2 Arena, however, I do really prefer the O2, the Manchester Arena has virtually nothing upon entering: no shops, restaurants while the O2 does - all the Arena has is stands selling really expensive food, beverages and merchandise - they even have salesmen who go into the crowd during a show trying to wave things in front of you - like come on I bought my ticket to watch an event, not watch you wave programmes about for goodness sake! The view of the stage wasn't too good either, I had to watch the show from the big screen and after paying for some of the more expensive seated tickets, that isn't what you want either. I really hope the rival to Manchester Arena is built soon by my club, Manchester City as it needs something to rival this hell-hole - the extra star is virtually only for being the only indoor concert/tour arena of its' kind in Greater Manchester, they even hosted amateur hockey games here at one point!

At the time of review I only have one check-in here... but... I have been a regular since…read morediscovering Chads around three (maybe more) years ago. Five stars might seem over the top for a small regional theatre - and the acting might not be west-end standard; but this place has such great charm and atmosphere I can't help but love it. They put on a great selection of shows - comedies, dramas, the occasional farce and pantomime at Christmas. A few details: The have a full bar (and you can pre-order drinks for the interval). Attended (mostly) by an older crowd - although that depends on whats playing. Fabulous, friendly (volunteer, I think) staff. Plenty of parking nearby. Get a season ticket ;)

This place is a hidden gem! I've been a season ticket holder for the last 3 years (costing £40 for…read more8 plays) and I'm never disappointed. They are an amateur company with a youth group and put on plays in a range of styles, comedy, farce, Shakespeare to name a few. There are also opportunities to volunteer behind the scenes and to work in the (cheap!!!) bar. The crowd tends to be older, though for the youth productions you'll see all ages. Acting isn't professional standard all the time - however it makes for an excellent and great value night out. Give it a go !

A great little theatre, been there a few times for different events…read more Always been quality and had lots of fun. Out side of building has had a total overhaul, I must go again and see if the inside has changed.

You can always be assured of a good night out here. It has a very friendly feel, the staff are…read morealways helpfull and go out of their way to make sure you have a good time. They regularly features shows by up and coming and well known comedians as well as more well known ones such as Richard Herring and Jenny Eclair. Of course there are also a solid program of plays and other theatrical events. The reputation of CADOS and their home in this theatre is growing.

The home to Prestwich's fine bunch of amateur dramatics players, Pados House has become a well…read moreloved performing arts venue over the years. They show full length and one act plays, junior and youth group productions, musicals, cabaret and jazz evenings. Wednesdays are when they have their social evening and rehearsals for musicals. Plus, they welcome new members and I've seen many of my friends have tons of fun in the chorus or even, in some cases, a lead role. The age range of the people involved in all aspects of the production is pretty amazing too - everyone can let out their inner diva. Fond memories include Dracula Spectacular and collaborations with the Met Theatre in Bury. Their next show is a production of Funny Money starting 12th October (more information on their crazy website)..

At long last I made it to a gig at the Albert Hall - a venue I've been wanting to check out for a…read morelong time but needed to wait for the perfect gig. So on Saturday night my friend and myself went to see Metronomy which was perfect for the surroundings and was totally 'high energy' kick ass! If you've ever been lucky enough to gig it up at the Paradiso in Amsterdam then this is the closest equivalent we have, a converted church and hall and some amazing Victorian architecture surrounds you on all sides. Trof own this place which fits in well with their portfolio of Deaf Institute, Gorilla, The NQ one etc (all cool venues, all a bit different) and I believe there's plans downstairs to make it a all a bit more proper soon (bar, food, day time venue etc) The only thing letting this place down is the quite awful selection of drinks on offer - the beer is either Tuborg or San Miguel and more random lagers...not a single ale, IPA or anything which is really not on considering you're still have to pay £4-£4.50 for such rubbish beer. Considering Trof have always got a good rep in their bars across their portfolio I feel this is really letting down the brand. Getting out is a bit of a ball ache - great venue but narrow Victorian stairs. Be expecting to wait in line and the queues for the coat check were huge so I really wouldn't bother. We have tickets for Afrikka Bambata and DJ Shadow in Feb - can't wait to get back then, just hope they sort out the beer before then.

Thank you Trof!! The hazy memories of Brannigans are completely replaced by the best music venue in…read moreManchester. The music hall itself is the majestic renovation of the old church, with stained glass windows, and the old organ pipes acting as a backdrop for the stage. The standing area is spacious and well proportioned - it's almost a square, which makes a change from the long thin 'corridor' approach of many venues in Manchester. The seating area is a 3 sided balcony standing on ornate pillars. Despite the balcony, the space feels completely open thanks to the high ceilings (which are full of ornate carvings). Churches always make great venues (e.g. Islington Chapel or Manchester Cathedral), so it's a massive service to the music scene in Manchester. What I think is most exciting about Albert Hall is that because it's such a unique space, hopefully bands will treat gigs there as something special. Everyone's seen bands mid-tour sleepwalking through a set, especially mid-week. The first band I saw at the AH was Half Moon Run (the first 'official' gig at the AH, excepting the special gigs for the MIF), and they certainly seemed to be excited to be playing such a beautiful venue. Anything that can snap bands out of a trance and reminds them to stay in the moment is a great thing. London has plenty of beautiful venues, so it's about time Manchester had something to compare. Downstairs is a pub-like bar, with a strangely anachronistic light-up dancefloor (was this a leftover from Brannigans? I can't remember). I assume in non-gig nights, this will act as the main bar, but at the gig it was used for pre-drinks and the march stall. I can see the venue would be great for club nights as well as gigs, so I'll be interesting to see which nights move over to there (I assume the typical Deaf Institute rota?). The only issue I can see is with leaving. The exit is via two very poky stairwells that then lead into a single door exit (for some reason the exit onto Peter street is blocked so everyone leaves into the backstreet). Leaving a gig involves a lot of crushing at the best of times, but this felt somewhat unnecessary. Still, that's just nitpicking. Can't wait to watch the gig list for Albert Hall get released. Next gig I'll be seeing there is Neutral Milk Hotel, and I can't wait to see a special band in a special venue!

'Chets'. Perhaps more famous for being the subject of one of ITV's huge range of reality…read moredocumentaries - don't you remember? They had a spate of them back in the day including Redcoats, Airline, something about vets and sewage cleaners and... heck, they had one for everything. Chets tended to get shunted to the graveyard slot along with Redcoats which made the two programmes essential student viewing after a few beers and a stumble round Manchester. While the aforementioned image I've offered may give the impression that Chets is an establishment of debauchery (it was certainly the case with Redcoats), nothing could be further from the truth. Visually, anyway. If you thought the Royal Northern College of Music was posh you ain't seen nothing yet. Again. Visually. Housed in one of the most stunningly beautiful buildings in Manchester adjacent to the painstakingly rebuilt ancient pubs in Exchange Square, the school is on the site of a manor house and Manchester Castle. Now comprising buildings way back from 1421 and several more (including an orphanage in 1653 and the Long Millgate building in 1978 as well as brand newies, it's a school of music with the motto 'Love to Live to Play'. Chets is open. You'd think by looking at it that you'd have to win scholarships or have parents with 'the third' at the end of their name (you being 'the fourth') to even go near the place but that's claptrap. Over 290 students attend the school between the ages of 8 and 18, and anyone can become a Chet regardless of background or financial situation. All students are entitled to government funding and all a potential student has to do is audition. The school offers essential academic qualifications alongside the principal study instrument and usually a secondary one too. (Remember, one's instrument can be one's voice.) Students can choose to board or not, so if required this can be one heck of an intense musical experience. Chets has some impressive alumni and it's definitely worth a shot if music is your life and you can't imagine yourself doing anything else. It's great preparation for university studies or life as part of an orchestra or choir, and I can safely say it's one of the most beautiful places you can go to school.

Chetham's School of Music is definitely up there with the top selling points of Manchester as a…read morecity to rival the capital. The student culture in Manchester is second to none, and the city is home to the best young talent across the disciplines, not least the youngest and most talented musical genius! Along with the Royal Northern College of Music and The Martin Harris Centre (home to The University of Manchester's musical population), Chetham's is in the top musical venues in the city. Whereas the Royal Northern College of Music and The University of Manchester deal with university age children, Chetham's is for musicians aged eight to eighteen, and it is home to nearly three hundred of them. Situated in the city centre, right next to the Manchester Wheel and the Manchester Cathedral, the setting is nothing short of idyllic. The buildings in which the school is situated are some 600 years old! And the Chetham Library (see Yelp) is a piece of architecture and local heritage not to be missed out upon! Between these aforementioned landmarks in the area is a lovely square with several of Manchester's best pubs, so this little part of the city is worth a visit for literally everyone (thats to say, if you don't like anything else, and you will, at least you'll like the pubs) If you go onto the website you can see all the upcoming events, many of which are free and some of which don't even require booking. Some of the more popular events are around the £15 mark, but still cheap for what they are. They even have lunchtime concerts. A really fantastic place to study, see live music or even walk around and have a look at the architecture. 5 stars without a shadow of a doubt!