Performance and Artistic Events
Located in the heart of Manchester, the RNCM offers a selection of fully accessible, purpose-built spaces for hire.
Whether you’re planning an intimate performance, large-scale production, live recording, or cultural event, our venues provide an exceptional environment that combines outstanding acoustics, flexible staging, professional technical facilities, and experienced in-house support.
As one of the UK’s busiest live music venues, we have hosted everyone from Adele and Adam Buxton to Manchester International Festival and Question Time.
RNCM Theatre
The RNCM Theatre boasts one of the largest black box stages in Manchester, with ample wing space, an orchestra pit, a dedicated lighting box and room for a sound desk in addition to its seated capacity. Recording, PA and AV facilities are available for events of all sizes, and we can provide a full house lighting rig and engineer. The space also benefits from extensive backstage facilities, alongside easy flat-floor loading access and parking for buses and trucks.
Seating Capacity and Room Layout
Seating: 600 with an additional 50 seats available if the orchestral pit is not in use.
Room Layout: Theatre style
Stage Dimensions
- Proscenium Opening: 13.72m
- Proscenium Height: 6.10m
- Depth of Stage: 8.53m
- Depth of Rear Stage: 9.84m
RNCM Concert Hall
This unique octagonal performance space combines outstanding acoustics with exceptional technical and backstage facilities. It houses a Hradetsky Four Manual Concert Organ, a range of dressing room facilities suitable for very large ensembles, including a private soloists’ room, a dedicated lighting box, discrete multicore runs and fly motors for efficient rigging. The venue also offers easy flat-floor loading access, with parking available for buses and trucks.
Seating Capacity
Lower and Upper Hall: 443
Balconies: 165
Stage Seats: 120
Standard Audience Layouts
Lower and Upper Hall seating: 443
Lower and Upper Hall seating plus Balconies: 598
Lower and Upper Hall plus Balconies and Stage seats: 710
Other Spaces
The RNCM has a number of additional smaller spaces available, including the Carole Nash Recital Room (100 floor), Forman Lecture Theatre (150 tiered), and Studio 8 (40 floor). Contact us for full information.
Carole Nash Recital Room
Forman Lecture Theatre
Studio 8
Enquiries
For more information, including pricing, equipment, and seating plans, please contact:
Paul Cobban
Events Manager
T 0161 907 5289
E [email protected]
FAQs
Where is the RNCM?
The RNCM is conveniently located on Oxford Road, just one mile from Manchester city centre. For full directions and travel information, visit our Getting Here page.
How accessible is the RNCM?
The RNCM is fully accessible with lifts to all venues, accessible seating, toilets, and (limited) blue badge parking. Full details can be found on our Access page. If you need to get in touch, please email [email protected] or contact reception on 0161 907 5200.
What is parking like at the RNCM?
Please note that there is no public car parking available at the RNCM on weekdays and Saturdays before 5pm. Daytime visitors are advised to use nearby public car parks.
We have limited blue badge spaces within our surface car park that can be pre-booked by customers at [email protected] (these are subject to availability). There is also limited on street provision for disabled parking on Rosamond Street West, adjacent to the main car park entrance.
Where do I find technical/set-up information?
Please email Paul Cobban, Events Manager, for full technical information at [email protected] or call 0161 907 5289.
Do I need to hire technicians?
Depending on the space and technical requirements of your event, support from our in-house team may be required. We will advise on this during the booking process.
Can I hire musicians for my event?
Yes. Through the RNCM Artist Agency, we can connect you with talented musicians for performances and events.
Can I arrange a site visit before booking?
Yes. We would be happy to show you our facilities and discuss your event requirements in more detail. Please email Paul Cobban, Events Manager, at [email protected] or call 0161 907 5289.