The city boasts many top class theatres, including the Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann's Square (tel: (0161) 833 9833; website: www.royalexchange.co.uk), the Library Theatre, St Peter's Square (tel: (0161) 236 7110; website: www.librarytheatre.com) and the Opera House, Quay Street (tel: 0870 401 9000).

Away from the city centre, the Contact Theatre, Devas Street, off Oxford Road (tel: (0161) 274 0600; website: www.contact-theatre.org) and the Green Room, Whitworth Street West (tel: (0161) 615 0500; website: www.greenroomarts.org) are great places to see more experimental theatre and dance performances.

The impressive Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street (tel: (0161) 907 9000; website: www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk) is the home of the famous Hallé Orchestra and a great place to experience classical music performances.

There are some great comedy clubs dotted around the city, including the Frog and Bucket, 102 Oldham Street (tel: (0161) 236 9805; website: www.frogandbucket.com).

For quieter nights, head to the excellent Corner House Cinema, Oxford Road (tel: (0161) 200 1500; website: www.cornerhouse.org) for its great programme of art house cinema. For mainstream releases try the Odeon, Printworks, 27 Withy Grove (tel: 0871 2244 007; website: www.odeon.co.uk) multiscreen cinema.

For the latest information on club nights, theatre performances, gigs, cinema listings and restaurant reviews, check out the Manchester Evening News (website: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment).