The Play Mirrors Life...

Manchester is famous for its vibrant nightlife and boasts a number of excellent theatres including The Opera House on Quay Street. This Grade II listed building opened as the New Theatre in 1912, it was quickly renamed the New Queen’s Theatre in 1915 eventually becoming the Opera House in 1920. In 1979 it was converted into a bingo hall but was purchased by the Palace Theatre Trust who reinstated live performances in 1984. The building's facade is regarded as a tribute to Charles Robert Cockerell, who designed the Bank of England on King Street, see my earlier post here. Today, the theatre plays host to musicals, ballet, concerts and Christmas pantomimes. The inscription "The Play Mirrors Life" is featured on the front of the building.