Lowry Theatre

Lowry Theatre is a popular theatre and arts centre located in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, near the Manchester Ship Canal and MediaCityUK, home to BBC North and ITV Granada. The theatre is named after the famous L. S. Lowry, a renowned artist known for his paintings of industrial landscapes and city life, often depicting scenes of Manchester and Salford. The Lowry Theatre is part of the Salford Quays development, which also includes the Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry Outlet. The theatre has hosted various performances, including productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

● History

The Lowry Theatre was opened in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth II, with a ceremony attended by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and other dignitaries, including the Mayor of Salford and the Leader of the Opposition, William Hague. The theatre was designed by Michael Wilford, a renowned architect who also designed the Stuttgart State Theatre and the British Embassy in Berlin. The Lowry Theatre was built on the site of the former Manchester Docks, which were closed in the 1980s, and the theatre's design reflects the area's industrial heritage, with its steel and glass façade and canal-side location, near the Manchester Ship Canal and Trafford Park. The theatre has since become a major cultural venue in the North West of England, hosting performances by companies such as the English National Opera, Royal Opera, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

● Architecture

The Lowry Theatre's design is a notable example of postmodern architecture, with its bold and colourful façade, designed by Michael Wilford and James Stirling. The theatre's design was influenced by the industrial architecture of the surrounding area, including the Manchester Ship Canal and the Salford Docks. The building features a large atrium and a canal-side walkway, offering stunning views of the Manchester Ship Canal and the Salford Quays area, which is also home to the Imperial War Museum North and the MediaCityUK complex. The theatre's design has been praised by architects and critics, including Prince Charles, who has spoken about the importance of sustainable architecture and urban planning, as seen in the Poundbury development in Dorchester, Dorset. The Lowry Theatre has also been compared to other notable theatres and arts centres, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

● Performance Venues

The Lowry Theatre features three main performance venues, including the Lyric Theatre, the Quays Theatre, and the Studio. The Lyric Theatre is the largest of the three venues, with a seating capacity of over 1,700, and has hosted productions by companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, and English National Opera. The Quays Theatre is a more intimate venue, with a seating capacity of around 440, and has hosted productions by companies such as the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. The Studio is a small, flexible venue that can be used for a variety of performances, including theatre, dance, and music productions, and has hosted events such as the Manchester International Festival and the Salford Arts Festival. The theatre has also hosted performances by notable artists and companies, including Ballet Rambert, Northern Ballet, and the Hallé Orchestra.

● Notable Events

The Lowry Theatre has hosted a wide range of notable events, including the Manchester International Festival, the Salford Arts Festival, and the BBC Proms in the Park. The theatre has also hosted performances by notable artists and companies, including Bryan Ferry, Elton John, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2011, the theatre hosted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, which were presented by Gary Lineker and Sue Barker. The theatre has also hosted events such as the Commonwealth Games cultural programme and the Rugby League World Cup opening ceremony, which featured performances by artists such as Leona Lewis and Russell Watson. The Lowry Theatre has also been used as a filming location for television shows and films, including Coronation Street and Shameless.

● Operations

The Lowry Theatre is operated by The Lowry, a charitable trust that is responsible for the management and programming of the theatre. The theatre is funded by a combination of public and private sources, including Arts Council England, Salford City Council, and private donations. The theatre has a strong commitment to community engagement and outreach, and offers a range of education and participation programmes for young people and adults, including workshops and masterclasses led by artists and practitioners from companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. The theatre also has a café and restaurant on site, which offers a range of food and drink options, including local produce and speciality teas. The Lowry Theatre is also a popular venue for conferences and events, and has hosted events such as the Labour Party conference and the Conservative Party conference, which have featured speeches by politicians such as Tony Blair and David Cameron.