The Lowry building is NOW OPEN for socially-distanced indoor performances (mid-week & weekends) and for gallery visitors (11am-4pm at weekends). Click here to read details of our re-opening programme.
Our priority will be to ensure that your visit is safe and enjoyable. Here are some of the COVID-19 prevention measures we will have in place across the building.
To read our statement regarding the new measures in place for Greater Manchester, click here.
COVID-19 safety measures - theatres
COVID-19 safety measures - galleries
We are 'See it Safely' Approved
We have been granted the use of Society Of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s ‘See It Safely’ mark. The mark certifies that we are complying with the latest Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, to ensure the safety of our staff and audiences.
We're OPEN!
The Lowry building is NOW OPEN for socially-distanced indoor performances (mid-week & weekends) and for gallery visitors (11am-4pm at weekends).
If you have an urgent query not related to a performance, exhibition or workshop, please click here to email our customer care team who will endeavour to reply as soon as possible.
COVID-19 prevention measures in place
Before your visit
Theatre
• Tickets will only be available in fixed groups of 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 tickets.
• Test and Trace details for all members of the party will be taken at the point of booking.
If your details change before you attend, please make us aware when you arrive at the venue. The NHS QR code app will be available to scan on arrival as well.
All contact information will be kept in line with our Privacy Policy and if required we may share your contact details with NHS Test and Trace.
• We will send you an email before your visit to ensure you have all the information you need in advance
Galleries
• You must book a free timed ticket for the Galleries before your visit.
When you arrive at the venue
Theatre
• There will be staggered arrival times to shows in the building to reduce queues, and temperature checks, Test & Trace and security controls will be in place.
• Staggered start times may not apply to outdoor performances with smaller capacities however we request that audiences arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time.
• All tickets must be bought in advance and e-tickets will be scanned at the entrance so please print these at home or show them on your mobile device.
• We will be following a strict non-admission policy for late comers so please allow plenty of time for your journey
Galleries
• You must arrive in your pre-booked time slot for the Galleries
Inside the building
Pre-show and interval drinks are available to book in advance from our box office and drinks can be collected in the main foyer on arrival. (You may remove your mask to consume your drink, at your seat only.)
• Face masks are mandatory at all times throughout the venue, include the Galleries and inside the auditorium during the performance. (Except when consuming drinks) Entry will be denied if face masks are not worn.
• Children under the age of 11 will not be required to wear face masks.
• The theatre and the galleries will be cleaned throughout the day and between every theatre show. Front of House areas will additionally be cleaned during shows, while audience members are in the auditorium.
• Sanitiser stations will be located at the entrance to the venue and throughout foyer and bar areas as well as the galleries and on entry to the auditorium.
• We would ask that all Gallery visitors and audience members abide by all instructions given by our staff as well as signage and notifications to ensure the safety of everyone in the building. Please observe social distancing at all times.
What do we need from our visitors and audiences
The show will be presented in exactly the same way as normal – with a full cast, set and costumes. The quality of the performance will not be compromised in any way.
What do we need from our audiences
Do not attend the venue and contact us immediately if you:
• believe you may be infected with COVID-19;
• have experienced symptoms in the last 14 days;
• have been in close proximity to anyone who has experienced symptoms in the last 14 days;
• have arrived in England in the last 14 days and are not covered by the exemption rules relating to self-isolation; or
• have been instructed to self-isolate.
All these regulations are designed to keep everyone safe and ensure that everyone has a great time. Please respect our staff at all times as they implement these measures for everyone’s wellbeing – and most importantly we hope you enjoy the show!
FAQs
Is there a reduced capacity for shows in the theatre?Read More
We have reduced the capacity of performances in the Lyric Theatre and tickets will only be available in fixed groups of 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 tickets. Each fixed group will be distanced from the other groups in the auditorium by more than 1 metre and face coverings must be worn at all times.
Will you keep my details for Test and Trace?Read More
Yes. We will collect Test and Trace date for all people in the party at the point of booking. If these details have changed, please inform us when you arrive at the venue. NHS app QR codes are also available to scan when you arrive.
Will I have to queue when I arrive at the building?Read More
We are operating a timed entry system for galleries and theatres. When you book a theatre ticket, you will be given a time when you should arrive at the venue. We would ask that you adhere to these staggered arrival times so we can keep maximum distance between audience members as they arrive.
Staggered start times may not apply to any site specific outdoor performances that we present with smaller capacities – but we ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the show.
Why have I been given a specific arrival time for the theatre performance?
We are operating a timed entry system in the building. Staggering arrival times allows us to keep maximum distance between audience members as they arrive.
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
All tickets must be bought in advance. To avoid queues you will be sent your tickets electronically and you can either print these at home or show them on your mobile device. Tickets are required for admission and will be scanned on arrival.
You will receive an email confirmation two days before the performance with a full update of information relating to your booking and the processes and procedures you can expect to see when visiting the venue.
Can I get a refund if I have symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate?
No one with symptoms or who has been asked to self-isolate should attend the venue. With that in mind, we have updated our terms and conditions so that you now have up to 24 hrs before a performance to return or exchange your tickets for these reasons.
If the show is cancelled will I get a full refund?
If we are required by any COVID-19 government guidance or restrictions to cancel a performance, tickets may be exchanged or refunded.
What if I have problem with my booking or e-ticket?
If you have any booking queries please email info@thelowry.com and a member of our team will be able to assist you.
Can I make a group or school booking?
In line with current government guidance the maximum number of tickets in one group will be 6.
Can I leave the performance/building once I have arrived?
We will be operating a strict no re-admission policy.
Will there be temperature checks?
We will be doing temperature checks on arrival. We would appreciate your patience and co-operation with our staff during this process.
What security measures will be in place?
We will be doing security checks when you arrive at the venue/performance and would ask that you do not bring large bags with you as cloakroom facilities will not be available.
We would ask for your patience and understanding with our staff when you arrive at the building as all of our procedures are in place to ensure your safety.
Will the cloakroom be available for pushchairs and buggies?
Wherever possible please do not bring pushchairs and buggies to the theatre. We will have a limited storage area adjacent to the cloakroom but this will not be manned and pushchairs and buggies will be left at the owners own risk. The cloakroom will not be open for coats and bags.
Will there be social distancing measures in the building?
We would ask that all visitors and audience members abide by all instructions given by our staff as well as signage and notifications to ensure the safety of everyone in the building. We will be asking audiences to maintain social distancing from all other households or support bubbles whilst at the venue.
How is air circulated around the theatre?
Our air handling units in The Lyric Theatre and galleries are fed by filtered fresh air. Used air is extracted to the outside and is not recirculated. Filters are changed as part of regular, routine maintenance and we have full control over the air system throughout the theatre via our building management system.
Can I buy food or drink at theatre performances or when the galleries open?
The Lowry Gift Shop and Tower Coffee Shop are both open at weekends for gallery visitors.
For theatre performances, we strongly advise you to order your pre-show and interval drinks in advance via our box office to avoid queues. Drinks can be collected from the main foyer prior to the performance.
Bars will not be open during the show.
Will I be able to buy a programme and merchandise for shows in the theatre?
Programmes and merchandise will both be available at the venue with contactless payments only.
For SIX the musical we would also encourage audiences to pre-order their programme when booking tickets for collection in the foyer on arrival.
Will I need to wear a mask?
Yes these are mandatory throughout the venue and this includes inside the galleries and inside the auditorium during the performance.
Entry will be denied if face masks are not worn, however we acknowledge there are exemptions. Please note face visors are not permitted, only face masks.
This policy will be reviewed in line with government guidelines in force at the time of the show however the current position is that face masks will be mandatory at all times (except whilst eating and drinking when with your household/support bubble only).
You will not be required to wear a face mask if you have an impairment, condition, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face mask; or putting on, wearing or removing a face mask would cause you severe distress.
In these cases, you should wear an exemption lanyard which can be downloaded here.
Children under the age of 11 will not be required to wear face masks.
For any outdoor events that the Lowry presents we would also ask that face masks are worn in respect of other audience members at the event.
How often will the theatre be cleaned and surfaces wiped?
The Galleries and the theatres will be cleaned throughout the day and between every show. Front of House areas will additionally be cleaned during shows, while audience members are in the auditorium.
Sanitiser stations will be located at the entrance to the venue and throughout foyer and bar areas as well as on entry to the auditorium
Toilets will be cleaned throughout the day, before, during and after shows.
If I am late can I still see the show?
We will be following a strict non-admission policy for late comers so please allow plenty of time for your journey.
Is the car park open?
The car park at Quayside Media City UK (formally Lowry Outlet) will be open and we ask that our audiences observe and adhere to their signage and guidance. Advance car park tickets are available from the Lowry at the point of purchase, and can be collected on arrival in the foyer.
The metrolink is operational and full details can be found on the TFGM website.
Can I use cash in the venue to make a purchase?
No, we will only be accepting card and contactless payments
What if I have specific access needs?
Just to confirm that you will not be required to wear a face mask if you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face mask; or putting on, wearing or removing a face mask would cause you severe distress. In these cases, you should wear an exemption lanyard which can be downloaded here.
For all other enquiries please call our access line on 0333 320 2838 or email: access@thelowry.com. We will respond to you query as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience during this busy time.
Will the theatre performance be affected or altered in any way by the COVID-19- regulations?
The performances will be presented in exactly the same way as normal – with a full cast, set and costumes. The quality of the performance will not be compromised in any way.
How will we exit the building/event at the end of the performance?
An usher will indicate when you are able to leave and we ask audience to maintain social distancing when leaving the performance, and please take any rubbish with you, or leave it in the bins provided.
What if I develop any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone with symptoms? When should I NOT attend the venue?
You should not attend the venue and contact us immediately if you:
• believe you may be infected with COVID-19;
• have experienced symptoms in the last 14 days;
• have been in close proximity to anyone who has experienced symptoms in the last 14 days;
• have arrived in England in the last 14 days and are not covered by the exemption rules relating to self-isolation; or
• have been instructed to self-isolate.
Any individual who considers themselves to be clinically extremely vulnerable or who is in the same household or support bubble as someone who considers themselves to be clinically extremely vulnerable is advised not to attend.
If you have any further queries please contact us at info@thelowry.com and a member of our team will be able to assist you.
Is there reduced capacity in the Galleries?
Yes, we have installed a one-way system for the Galleries and we will be managing reduced numbers, using pre-booked timed tickets, to ensure social distancing can be maintained throughout