Library Theatre, Manchester, and Forum Theatre, Wythenshawe

When Manchester Central Library was opened in 1934 it included an exhibition hall and also a large lecture hall - the idea was that the building could also serve as a centre for cultural activities as well as library services. The lecture hall was formally converted into a theatre under the Manchester Corporation Act of 1946 and in a city that was increasingly dominated by cinemas and variety theatres, this was seen as a step towards establishing a serious civic theatre. The Library Theatre opened under the director Andre van Gyseghem, who managed the Manchester Intimate Theatre Group, and the first performance was 'The Seagull' by Anton Chekov on 11 February 1947. In August 1952 the City Council Libraries Committee took direct control of the theatre through its officer, the City Librarian.

The success of the Library Theatre led to the establishment of a second civic theatre in Wythenshawe in 1971. The Forum Theatre was part of a purpose-built civic centre that also included two community halls, a library and a swimming bath. The new theatre produced more accessible entertainment intended to appeal to ordinary working people and so complemented the more 'high-brow' productions staged at the Library Theatre.

The transformation of Central Library 2010-2014 saw the removal of the Library Theatre Company to The Lowry at Salford Quays and then on to a new permanent home in partnership with the Cornerhouse visual arts and independent film centre. The new complex - called HOME and situated off Whitworth Street West - was opened in 2015 and combines theatre studios, cinema screens and exhibition spaces.