LOWRY’s Quays Theatre gets a plush new look thanks to award

The next time you take your seat at The Lowry’s Quays Theatre, you might notice something different—because all 440 seats have had a well-deserved refresh!

Thanks to a generous £74,816 grant from Biffa Award, the theatre’s seating has been reupholstered with new padding and fabric, bringing extra comfort to audiences just in time for the venue’s 25th anniversary.

After nearly 25 years of performances, laughter, and standing ovations, the seats were ready for an upgrade.

Now, whether you’re catching a play, a dance show, or a comedy gig, you can settle in and enjoy the experience in freshly refurbished comfort.

LOWRY

With new padding and fabric installed between July and December 2024, visitors can now sit back and enjoy theatre, dance, comedy, and drama in plush, upgraded comfort.

This incredible revamp was made possible through Biffa Award’s Cultural Facilities theme, which helps create engaging and inspiring spaces for communities.

Sustainability was also a key focus, with old materials responsibly disposed of and repurposed wherever possible.

Gwen Oakden, LOWRY’s Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Development

Gwen Oakden, Lowry’s Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Development: “It is so important that our audiences are able to enjoy our world-class performing arts programme in a comfortable and welcoming space.

“For many visitors to the Quays Theatre, this is their first experience of live performance – often to see a family show or as part of a school trip. We really want it to be the best experience possible, and for them to begin a lifelong relationship with Lowry.

“As a registered charity, without the generous support of this Biffa Award, for which we’re hugely grateful, we couldn’t have carried out this important work for our audiences.

“As we head into our 25th Anniversary year, we are delighted to be able to welcome audiences and visitors can enjoy the beautiful and revived Quays Theatre.”

Rachel Maidment, Biffa Award Grants Manager

Rachel Maidment, Biffa Award Grants Manager, added: “We are delighted to have supported The Lowry in refurbishing the Quays Theatre seating, ensuring audiences can continue to enjoy performances in comfort.

“Through Biffa Award’s Cultural Facilities theme, we fund projects that provide engaging and inspiring spaces for communities. The Lowry is a key cultural venue, and we’re proud that our funding, made possible through the Landfill Communities Fund, has helped enhance the experience for visitors for years to come.”

So next time you take your seat at The Lowry, know that you’re sitting in a piece of history—revamped for the future!

You can find out more about what’s happening at LOWRY by clicking here