Contact Theatre
Theatre on Oxford Road producing new and experimental work with strong student ties.
Contact is where you go if you want to see work that hasn't been tested elsewhere. The theatre sits near the university campus and a lot of the programming is created in partnership with drama courses and emerging companies. The main auditorium is modular - the stage and seating can be reconfigured depending on what the production needs, which means you might walk in to find it set up as theatre-in-the-round or a proscenium stage.
The work ranges from student productions to professional commissions, and there's usually something on that's worth catching. Prices are reasonable and the box office staff know the programming well enough to point you toward what matches your interests. There's also gallery space for visual art exhibitions, which rotates throughout the year.
It's within walking distance of Deansgate station if you're coming from the city centre. The venue has a small bar and cafe area. If you're interested in seeing theatre that's still finding its shape rather than polished touring productions, this is the right address.