Manchester, The Lowry Theatre

One of the paradoxes of Manchester is that although it is some 40 miles inland, it had its own docks capable of taking medium to large ships.  That this is possible is thanks to the Manchester Ship Canal, which was opened in 1893 and was intended to service the burgeoning commercial value of Manchester.  In that it was successful in bringing raw goods etc. into Manchester, but exports were not always forthcoming back down the canal and it was never as successful as had been hoped.  Today many of the docks have been converted and the most notable success is the area now known as Salford Quays.  This boasts many new houses and apartments, which sit around the old dock basins, providing iconic views and vistas.

It is also home to the Lowry theatre.  This actually has two theatres, plus a small studio.  In addition (as you might expect from the name) there is a permanent Lowry exhibition with rotating themes and exhibits, plus ans excellent photography gallery.

But the building itself is also a star and it has taken me many attempts to try to capture its essence.  Here are the results.

The atrium style foyer

Staircases emerge unexpectedly

A dramatic multi level interior

Dramatic use of colour and materials

Capturing the dramatic aspects of the building

The massive ‘feet’ of the entrance

Steel vs. that Manchester rain…..

All the proportions are impressive

Reflections

The theatre and one of its neighbours

Curves and straight lines

Angle shot of the entrance

Approach to the entrance

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