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.
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.