Contact

For my mum’s recent visit to Manchester, she purchased tickets for us to go and see the quite frankly amazing Kate Tempest at the Contact.
Embarrassingly, despite living my first student year in Whitworth Park right next door, I had never stepped foot inside this great space. It embodies everything Manchester should be — supporting local individuals who need somewhere to express themselves, with a complete variety of shows taking place within its walls.
The staff were very friendly, offering flyers for upcoming shows but also advising on the best seating, what time to start making our way up the stairs etc.
It’s not where I’ll be spending all my weekends — I feel I’m rather mainstream for that! — but it’s good to know where there’s always something a little bit different going on.

I LOVE Contact! The shows are fantastic, their policy on working with young people and the community is admirable and their food and drink is YUMMY! The only reason it gets dropped a star is because of the miserable girl behind the bar. Every time I go in, she’s there, acting as though she’s doing me a favour by serving me! And I’m not the only one who’s commented. Pay the girl more or something, offer her a more fun job, anything! Cos I don’t wanna change where I go for lunch.

I have very fond memories of the Contact Theatre. Mainly because it’s the place where I started (and ended) my illustrious career as a dancer when I was eleven years old. I was a ghostly spirit for what it was worth, and I got to dance around some bird whilst she snogged the hottest bloke in year ten. I had all the grace of a baby elephant, and I’m surprised I didn’t break the floorboards.
However, I also love Contact for more reasons than it being the stage for my ill-​fated dance career. Indeed, this is a truly unique little theatre, which arguably puts on some of the most interesting theatrical performances in Manchester. I recently came here to see a play about the Strangeway Riots and was immensely impressed by both the play and the performances from the cast. Contact is also a great supporter of emerging talent, and you’ll frequently find shows being put on here by young local playwrights, and performed by talented amateur actors.
If live theatre isn’t your thing, you should definitely pay a visit to their bar. Contact Theatre is frequently used as one of the venues for Manchester’s FutureSonic festival, making it a great place to find a passing geek and bond over some free wi-​fi. They also have a great selection of club nights and a wonderfully laidback bar which serves some seriously tasty beers. It’s still the only place where I’ve danced to Arab Strap’s ‘First Big Weekend of the Summer’, and all the more special for it.
A decidedly ace little place.

Love the Contact. Great space in Manchester– a short walk from Moss Side. The venue has a fantastic range of activities going on within it– from theatre productions to club nights, to workshops, café and community engagement tools. Lots of freedom to do what you want once you’re in there. One of Manchester most innovative yet raw spaces.

People always comment on the theater’s design, and what on earth is going on with the architecture, but it couldn’t be a better representation of what the Contact stands for. With a dynamic, experimental and varied programme this theatre will keep you guessing. The Palace is great for classics, but for something with more of an edge you’ve got to visit here at least once. Their performances really get you thinking and is really a theatre for the ‘now’.
It’s a great platform for art, embracing innovative theatre in all its forms. I’ve seem a few things here, but my favourite, Degree 180, a while back, but it was such a great show I’m still talking about it. All the characters were on BMX’s and with a mix of action, acting, experimental music and live visuals, I was blown away. I’d never seen anything like it before and didn’t even realise a ‘theatre’ could conjure up something of this interest, forget the recycling of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s over and over again this place is seriously cutting edge.
If you don’t know what this mad building houses then I suggest you buy a ticket and find out.

This place is amazingly built! It used to fascinate me when I used to always pass by it while walking to university, the way the architecture is, the way the weird building looks!
Then I performed two shows in two years here for a society and managed to get a full view of this place and its workings! The stage is the right size for a performance, the backstage has adequate changing rooms and the dressers are totally mirrored, making it easy quick costume changes.
Coming the technical aspects, its up to date with its equipments in sounds and staging. There are always people from the Contact theatre office helping you with things, in case you’re sort of lost.
The seating is really comfortable and can easily acommodate plenty of people! It may not be the MEN Arena, but it is perfect for a society do or something on a slightly smaller scale!
It is great seeing shows here, and plays are well recieved.

Even if you haven’t been to see anything at the Contact, you’ll probably have noticed it! Standing proudly just behind the Manchester Academy, this striking building resembles a futuristic castle. And this boldness and modernity is the Contact all over!
Contact feels much more accessible than some of the city’s other theatres but it’s just as well repected. It’s a producing theatre that focuses on work by emerging young writers and artists, especially those from underrepresented groups. So there’s always a really diverse programme running. I particularly enjoy the Contact’s shows during Manchester’s Queer Up North festival and pretty much anything (The Divine) David Hoyle does with them!
If theatre isn’t really your thing, Contact also runs club nights, occasional live music events and art exhibitions. There’s a lovely bar too, which is a great place to meet friends for a sneaky cocktail!

When I first discovered I’d be living in the shadow of this huge concrete building I couldn’t really make up my mind about the whacky architecture. I’m still undecided. I think I like it.
I’ve been to see a couple of things here including my department’s German play in which some of my friends are lecturers were starring. The little theatre was a perfect size for the number of people and I was surprised to see so many unfamiliar faces who came to see a German play the theatre who had no link to the University. I think tickets for this, and the other events I’ve been to, were around £5 each — cheaper than a cinema ticket!
I know that they put on quite a few LGBT events throughout the year, the theatre’s café is the venue of choice for the University’s LGBT coffee mornings and it seems that this month is LGBT History Month at the theatre (see website for details).
Whatever you think of the architecture (Rebecca, I like the ‘Duplo castle’ idea!) I’d recommend popping into the Contact to discover something you wouldn’t see anywhere else in town. Having low funds is no excuse not to, as there are also occasional free events and performances including writing workshops and a regular art market.

I LOVE the design of Contact! I love that it looks like an upside-​down rocket, a Duplo castle, a bastardised grain silo with ideas above its station. It’s mad, and it stands out from the crowd.
The programme of events here also stands out from the crowd. Yes, it’s a theatre, but you’ve come to the wrong place if you’re after hard-​boiled dramatic affairs and perfect prose. At Contact you’re far more likely to come across a poetry slam, or a modern dance collective, or an original play by a young and dynamic company. Contact champions new young names and voices, and really pushes the envelope when it comes to the performances that they showcase. It’s also incredibly good value, at no more than £8 a performance.
As well as the ‘official’ performances they hold open mic nights and Verbally Challenged, their monthly scriptwriting competition, gives aspiring local playwrights the chance to get their work out there, and win £100 to boot. Those not quite at that level can attend workshops in writing, beatboxing, MCing and dance.
The café is really good, and a popular lunch spot for those on campus who fancy something different. My tips: bean burger, soup or contact pasta. Steer clear of the meaty burger; it is weirdly watery and doesn’t taste of anything…
Contact is a great asset to those who just want to see something new, or who are trying to develop their creative skills.

It would be very easy of me to criticise the design of this place… so I damn well will! It looks like a castle crossed with a giant whisk, and built by an architect with a strange fixation on lego. It’s probably one of the strangest looking buildings in Manchester, but it houses some quite innovative strategies to capture the minds of the young people around, and discover the latest talent of our generation.
You can usually find all sorts going on in here, and it can be a great place to head to for a unique night out, rather than the usual trawl of clubs and bars. There is a bar inside if you wish to relax, with or without attending one of the many shows they have on. An all round great addition to Manchester, and the fact that it is situated right on Oxford Road makes it especially accessible to the local students, which is never a bad thing in my book.

Trundling down oxford road you could be forgiven if you thought this building has fell onto the earth from space. Its two turrets peak above the roof of the academy, upon approaching to this alien infrastructure you’ll be taken aback by the vibrant music pumping out of the two doors.
Have a look inside and you’ll finally realise you’re in the contact theatre, one of the most hip and happening places for the next generation of actors. This is a very cool spot and some have been overcome by the diverse, vibrant, creative and inspiring scene. Described as a renowned artistic space you can see why. The theatre is home to some great shows full of local talent ranging in the arts from dance, open mic poetry, comedy and dance, not to mention a few more. Go along to most events and you’ll leave with a smile on your face if not just because of the great feel of the site. Also keep an eye out for free acts, a favourite of mine and my flatmates.

Contact Theatre has a strong commitment towards engaging new writers and performers, and to provide theatre that pushes boundaries, though it is not too experimental or avant garde. It is a very interesting space with a similar take on the industrial modernness of the Lowry in Salford Quays. Overall The Contact Theatre is one of the few places in the North West where you will find such on original melting pot of Arts like poetry, music and naturally… theatre. They also have workshops and have a good background of supporting new up and coming artists, some of which have been discovered in the many projects organised by Contact. They have also won many awards for being so «forward thinking» by embracing experimental and cultural diversity.
There are some exhibitions on throughout the year, mostly urban art and very different from what you will find at the Manchester Art Gallery if that is not your bag!
The Contact bar (which you can enjoy even if not going to see a play) is very laid back and a good spot for a chilled out drink, post performance or otherwise. There are also a few decent nights worth checking out, especially if you’re into an eclectic sound. A seriously good all round venue!

I recently went to see We Could Be Heros at the Contact. This was my first time there and I thought the play was fantastic– so well acted and lots of visuals and music to sweep you away :) I quite like the industrial moderness of the theatre itself, although thought the bar was a bit titchy. Apparantly sketch city has been hosted here and there are some noteworthy nights to look out for. The staff were laid back and helpful. Will defo go again!

OK so it looks like an Arabian biscuit factory designed by a man with a leisure centre fixation, built by man with three fingers but it actually provides a really good service to young people wanting to develop the creativity they have that has been neglected by standard education.
This is done through lots of fully interactive workshops and classes where self expression is encouraged and confidence is built (and people graffiti things) and rather than end up sounding like the cheesy leader of a new religion that lists Hollywood actors of considerable reputation amongst its members, I’ll instead leave the last word to Contact itself coz it like, talks to kids on their level an stuff innit–
” We are constantly exploring new ways to develop, to learn and to create exciting theatre. We bring together passions, fashions, moods, moves, sounds, networks, anger, engagement, words, rhythms, visions and visuals in our theatre. And we are always ready to add new things to the mix.“
Sounds alright then.

Contact is very much Youth Based, but does have a fairly exciting and innovative (though n ot too experimental or avant garde) programme and each season will present something to entice you in there.
Friendly atmosphere and very welcoming, unpretentious, and respectful towards it’s audience.
These days the bar is lacking something. Used to be lots of events there though not a lot happens in the bar these days — unless I go on the wrong nights. Pity cause it used to be ace. Highly recommended.

If you want to see interesting theatre there is nowhere better in Manchester.

Contact Theatre has a strong commitment towards putting on engaging new writers, and to providing theatre that pushes boundaries. It is a very interesting space, the acoustics work particularly well. Although, I would concur with a previous reviewer that the seating isn’t the most comfortable imaginable. The Contact bar is very laid back and a good spot for a chilled out drink, post performance or otherwise. The cocktails are good, and not too expensive either. There are also a few decent nights worth checking out, especially if you’re into an eclectic sound. Good all round venue.

I like the café bar in the contact which is called the Contact Lounge. Good place to link up with colleagues in the evenings for a drink for business or pleasure.
Furthermore, the lounge has a relaxed atmosphere complimented by the eclectic music policy. They bar staff are also very friendly and up to date with what’s happening upstairs in the threatre. Wireless internet connection is an added bonus.
PS. if you are driving avoid the car park because it very expensive but opt for Denmark Street and Acomb Street which is about 2 minutes walk away.

One of 5 theatres in Manchester, this is probably the most eye catching. Built like a contemporary castle this fortress type building is striking enough before the productions it shows. It mainly has performances of new writing, poetry for performance, some student shows and workshops. The contact is the perfect venue for local aspiring performers to display their talents and hope of developing them further. Often attended by agents, producers and directors on the hunt for new talent. Only downside is the scaffolded seating, my advice would be to take a cushion. The venue also has a very popular bar which you don’t need a ticket to enjoy!

I’ve never seen any theatre here, I’ve just spent time at the bar. It’s quite expensive (by student standards). Otherwise the atmosphere is alright. Good music though.