The Lowry

A riverside arts centre with theatre, dance and family sessions. Expect big-scale productions, youth dance projects, classical plays and comedy nights. Regular workshops for under 5s and community showcases. Easy to reach near Salford Quays.

The Lowry stages a mix of touring theatre and in-house dance alongside community and youth work. You’ll find major shows like Matthew Bourne and classic plays next to comedy gigs and Scratch Nights that spotlight local talent. The building sits by the water and feels busy without being stuffy. Weekends often host family sessions and classes for little ones, while weekdays bring rehearsals, festivals and youth showcases. Programming leans dance and theatre but includes spoken word, comedy and creative workshops, so there’s usually something for different ages and tastes.