Dancehouse Theatre

I'd been meaning to go to the Dancehouse for ages. But it was only when one of my favourite comedians performed there recently that I finally got around to it.

To be honest, I was a little disappointed. From the outside, it's such a beautiful Art Deco building. And while there are a few pretty original features, like the decorative lift, much of the place needs a bit of TLC. Inside the auditorium, the seats are all faded whereas out on the stairwell, soulless white paint has removed all this historic venue's character.

It wasn't just the building that disappointed me, though. It was just little things, like a lack of air conditioning or proper ventilation in the auditorium, which wouldn't really matter on a cold day, but it was humid and stifling when we went. Also the bar is shockingly expensive! There's nothing on draught and it was £8 for two spirits and mixers!

Obviously, with this being a theatre, I would go again if someone I desperately wanted to see was performing. But there are much nicer venues to see comedy in Manchester.

I cant believe this place is still here. My grandma told me stories of when she used to go to dances there. And its still going strong.
i havent been to a show here but i have been to dance class and its a lovely place and very nostalgic. I love places with a bit o history behind them and this is just that!

Really nice venue. Dance studio / school in the day time, various types of shows mainly at weekends - depending on time of year. Former Studios cinema (which closed in the 80s).
The main auditorium is the last of the remaining cinemas as the others were ripped out - I imagine it was the former circle - but revamped.

Shame they no longer have films on but I AM aiming to contribute next year to add film to their programme.

Entrance needs a bit of a tidy up and they could do with some entrance lighting as it always seems a tad dark.

Great space though - just needs more alternative shows.

Bar is small-ish but pleasant enough for the venue.

The Dancehouse Theatre is a great little venue located on Oxford Road. Its right near the station and along the bus route so easy to access by both bus and train. With its big noticeable sign its not hard to find on foot or by car either. The theatre itself is a nice size, not particularly big but does hold quite a few people. This, along with the proximity of the stage to the audience adds to the atmosphere and makes the venue seem much more intimate than many other theatres. I really enjoyed the show i watched here and wouldnt definitely visit again.

I’ve seen a couple of gigs in here (comedy ones I should mention) and it’s a decent venue, despite it’s rather forlorn (yet cool) entrance which usually has dozens of budding dance/ballet creatures nervously and excitedly pre bending their legs in anticipation of an audition of some sort.
As the name suggests this theatre, for the most part, plays host to dance shows rather than an out and out music venue (the academy is a short hop and a skip down Oxford Road).
It’s been around since the early nineties and amongst the many dance/ballet shows (through the Northern Ballet school) many a comedian have plowed their cheeky brand of entertainment through these doors (the likes of Russell Brand and Johhny Vegas).
With a decent bar and a bus stop directly outside the entrance, the Dancehouse Theatre is a fine venue for this end of the city.

Great sized auditorium, bar prices are expensive and they have no draught beer. Staff are friendly, there is a cafe and vending machines on the 1st flr, bar and auditorium are on the 2nd flr. There’s signs saying no glasses to be taken into the auditorium but most people flout this, and take bottles and glasses in anyway. I’ve never been into this place before last night-as I thought it was a ballet school, well it is during the day, but most nights they have comedians or plays on.

This is a great looking old building. The staff and ushers are very friendly. a good selection of drinks and snacks are available to purchase before and in show intervals. Why not have a tasty ice cream in the break. This place is great if your into musicals as the have some real show belting musicals. Usually a well known cast