A first time visit to the O2 Apollo Manchester proved to be an all round good experience to see Nothing But Thieves in concert. Over the weeks leading up to the gig I had some email correspondence with the venue to understand parking options and to be honest, I didn’t expect a response however, with every email, a prompt and helpful reply was always received. Equally, on the day of the gig there was concern it may be cancelled due to band illness. In an attempt to find out whether the event was on or not I once again emailed the venue and in no time at all….. a reply was received. Excellent communication from the team at this venue. Car parking at the venue was great with two ample sized outdoor parks available immediately next to the arena. The carparks open one hour before the doors and is £10 cash to park. Great value parking 30 seconds walk away from the doors. Naturally as with any gig, the crowds were keen and the queues in the dark and rain were very long. Expecting it to take forever to get inside, as soon as the doors were opened, the queues moved fast and this did not seem to be at the compromise of security as checks were thorough. The O2 Apollo is clearly an old music and entertainment venue with some classic art deco styling. A small entrance area soon leads you into the theatre itself where bars and other facilities exist. Exiting the venue and the carpark afterwards was easy and fast. All in all, the Apollo proved to be a good venue for the gig with all staff found to be very helpful.

It was my first visit to the O2 Apollo Manchester, I thought it was great, like stepping back in time to an old Cinema, I was sat at the very back, last but one row. The sound was great, the Nick Masons sauce full of Secrets was great, the staff were great. There were two negatives, security were going to refuse me entry because they thought I was drunk, I was able to explain I had a health issue, but it was OK for folk to get drunk inside, seated near me some folk were getting up during the show to get beer maybe 8 or 10 times, nearly falling down the steps, I thought that once the show started we should have remained seated, showsome respect to the Act and to fellow audience. I did not let it spoil my evening, I still had a great time.

Little theatre on the outskirts of the city centre.. If you are visiting just be aware there is very little to see and do around the theatre... just a small pub... for pre show drinks... pleasant enough It's an old theatre and it looks very nostalgic from the outside... and reminds you of an old cinema inside... But don't be fooled... it's an amazing place to see a show especially a music event because the sound inside it amazing I sat on the on the lower level of the theatre and enjoyed good view of the stage... The seat was comfortable enough but the arm rest was broken and your feet stick to the floor.. Guess another indication of the age of the place This didn't deter from having a good time Toilet facilities are available... Bar available The staff are more than happy to help and support... Very polite and friendly... Would I return... Yes...

My first time to the O2 Apollo and it was overall a great experience. The circle bar has a queue system which works really well and moves quickly, the seats were comfortable-I was a a comedy gig sat in the circle and could hear perfectly and see. The staff were friendly and helpful. At the end of the gig there were big crowds waiting to get out but again, dealt with quite well and didn't have to wait long.

Beautiful venue with excellent views of the artist. Lovely staff being really helpful. Disappointed to learn of the mandatory markup on the merch, an extra £15 on a T-Shirt is a little excessive in comparison to other venues.

Such a brilliant venue. Massive space & the environment was great! The security were outside with us fans while we queued early (I queued 7 hours!) for the gig and kept us safe. They also offered plastic bags to sit on which was so helpful for a rainy day. I would love to go to this venue again! Thankyou so much to the brilliant security.

Visited to watch The Dead South perform om 28.10.23, ample sized room with accessible toilets. Bar has extortionate prices though, £8 for a pint. Good acoustics for music.

I’ve been here three times now for Ice Nine Kills and Coheed and Cambria and it’s an awesome venue! The size allows for big shows but it still feels intimate. The sound is good too. It’s a close walk from Kentish Town station and there’s a Kebab shop next door (pictured) to the O2 Apollo that will do cloaking cheaper and allows bigger items than the O2 does, just FYI.

Great venue, good view of the stage from The circle. Drink were quite expensive and it’s pretty hard to park nearby. The staff working the door were excellent and managed the queues really well.

The Apollo is a great place to watch gigs. Not too far from the stage at any point. The venue has good parking close by if you're coming from out of town. Great atmosphere too!

Nice venue, well organised and easy to find your way around during a show. Toilets were well kept. Wait times for drinks were low. Acoustics were great, comfortable temperature, comfortable seating. Only knocked off a star due to the price of drinks. Had one and swapped to water as I’d bankrupt myself if I had relaxed. The hooch was £5 for half pint. Also could have done with a bin for people to drop plastic cups into. They were collecting around the edges. Maybe making it clear in the email ticket that the show starts at 8 and doors open at 7 would give people the opportunity to slowly gather rather than queue outside

Concert venue just outside central Manchester with good facilities. Parking can be an issue as there is no dedicated large car park. I parked at the NCP Circle Square which was about a 15 min walk away. Toilets are small, even the men had to queue! Staff were very friendly and helpful. Concert sound is good. Overall a great little venue.

Limited car park alongside the Apollo venue which was advertised at £7 , but us actually £10. Still a lot cheaper than other Manchester car parks. If it rains you will need to avoid massive puddles and muddy ground; as thr ground is rough and the edges are just soil. Huge queues waiting to enter as doors didnt open on time. Be prepared to have your ticket and bag checked several times on entry. Safety is important, but I wasn't expecting to have to get my phone out a number of times within the space of 2 minutes. Large open area for standing shows with a slight raking , so you have a chance of seeing the band. Seating on the balcony was available. Venue gets hot and stuffy. Bar and merch area was rammed and inadequate number of toilets for ladies in foyer. Acoustics were good, impressed with sound and lighting. Not a venue I would rush back to. As someone with a left sided weakness; I knew I was taking a risk going to a standing gig. I expected to be able to lean on a wall or find somewhere to perch for a short time as needed. The venue was rammed and the walls at the side was the only narrow gap to access the bar, toilets or cloakroom, so it was not possible to lean on the wall, as this was the only way to move around the venue and I'd have been in the way. There were no staff visible to discuss this. I'm aware that I could have booked the balcony , but I hoped to be with my friends. I had to leave before the end. Queuing outside for an hour; standing for another 45 minutes before the gig started , meant I was on my feet from 6.30 until after 10.45. If I had been aware of the fact that the gig wouldn't start till after 8.15, I would have arrived much later. Poor information regarding the timings. The gig was excellent, the venue not so good.

It's not changed for years, which is nice in some ways as it's like strolling back in time. The floor is sticky from whatever over the years but the view of the stage is still pretty good. The bar in the circle upstairs is the one to go to as it employs a queuing system so you are not having to compete with others to get someone behind the bar's attention. The cost of drinks was actually not extortionate either. The acoustics in the place are not brilliant but it was never really designed to have bands performing in it. The entrance can get a little busy as you are being checked by security but things kept moving so overall not a concern. Didn't venture into the toilets.

I attend a lot of gigs, first time here. This is a nice small venue, seating was fine if a little cramped and sound was great. My only gripe is that the queue was massive and I would have thought the door staff would have let people enter earlier.

Had a really nice time watching Nashville reunion, got some amazing photo shots, The only issue I had was that the cloak room was not open so couldn't put my back pack or goody bags out the way whilst enjoying the concert

Another great night to remember!! There really should be a safe supply of buses and taxis outside ready to get the crowd home. A shuttle bus at £2 each to town would be suffice?!!

Fabulous traditional theatre. Superb place to watch live music / comedy / pantomime etc. Can't go wrong with a visit here. 15 mins walk from Picadilly train station. There's a small pub behind the theatre serving drinks before the doors open. Food and drink available inside. Wonderful place. Car parking is a bit hard though as the car parks are small.

Another superb gig by Nick Mason and associates. Terrific that Syd Barrett is still remembered/appreciated as Pink Floyd's creator. R.I.P. Syd and Many Thanks !

Went to see Nine Inch Nails - what a gig. Standing again; so fab. Was so loud the floor was bouncing. Absolutely fantastic gig!!! So good to be able to see live bands again!!!!

Went to visit Melanie Martinez on her Portals Tour and couldn’t be happier with my experience at the O2 Apollo - from the moment you step in to the second you walk out every second feels special! The concert hall is moderately sized but that makes every concert held there feel that little bit more intimate with the artist compared to arena tours! I can’t wait to come back and visit for my next concert and would highly recommend visiting if you’re interested in up and coming artists / smaller concerts & performances.

Almost everything was perfect. We had a great view of the stage, even sat right at the back of the circle, and we were surprised how the massive queue on the way in to the venue went down so quickly. Loses 1 star because it's like a million quid for a pint.

Doesn't look much from outside but it's really traditional and great as a small venue. Big bar upstairs and lots more toilets than downstairs to avoid the queues. Ricky Gervais was brilliant too.

Went to go see a concert here and I think it was the perfect size, we easily managed to get about 5M away from the stage despite entering late and there was still just enough of a crowd for a good atmosphere yet not too many so you could actually get close to the band. Staff were friendly and getting in was really simple and easy. One of the best concert venues I've been too

The theatre caters well to a smaller audience. The staff are polite and helpful. Although the concert hall was packed, it wasn't stifling. The toilets were clean and the wait at the bar wasn't long. The parking is plentiful, but cars are forced to double park, so there may be a wait to get out. You can pay for parking by cash or card.

Went to see Greta Van Fleet - very well organised event! Plenty of helpful security and staff. Not sure if it's because I'm Welsh but I thought the drinks were well pricey - over £13 for 2 pints!! Does feel a bit grotty and run down but didn't spoil the evening overall

Staff were really friendly and polite all around the venue, drinks are priced okay given its a music venue and the layout of the venue is brilliant for gigs! Top tip, go to the pub next door for a drink about and hour/half an hour before the gig for a very cheap tipple.

Such brilliant music venue. Went to see ub40 here. Amazing. We had seats in the circle. All security checks carried out by staff on arrival. A brilliant venue.

Great historic venue, no bar queues, adequate toilets. Great sound set up. Thoroughly enjoyed watching Embrace

Went to the Flaming Lips gig and what a performance!! The venue was great and the atmosphere was amazing. The staff were amazing and can't be any more happier when the security helped us jump start the car as we were stuck after the gig. They were so helpful and we couldn't thank them enough.

Great venue with good layout. There was a bit of a log-jam issue near the bar/toilet area during the intermission, which was uncomfortable but it got sorted out quickly. There could be a dedicated or clearer queuing area outside too for non-O2 customers, too. The sound was amazing and loud but massively enjoyable as we watched The Flaming Lips! Amazing show, fantastic visuals, perfect venue.

Great for theatre and comedy shows. However it's an absolute nightmare for bands/gigs and needing drinks. Waited nearly 1 hour to buy drinks. Possibly down to poor management? Can't be sure. Beautiful inside though.

Went to see the Blossoms, venue is great but it felt a bit disorganised getting in. There was security on the door searching people and checking tickets which made the queue slow but I am happy for it as it increases safety. The problem we had was that we went as a couple and the security on the door split us up to do searches to a male queue and female queue, I get it and understand why, but I had both the tickets on my phone so it was a bit of a struggle finding my partner to get him in the venue. In terms of the actual venue, they serve massive double pints which is great to save you from going to the bar multiple times, the acoustics are good and the floor is slanted so if you are stood at the back / behind people you can still clearly see the stage. Good design!