Manchester theatres have begun announcing temporary closures after people were advised to avoid going out.

The Ambassador Theatre Group, which owns Manchester Opera House and The Palace, said it was suspending all shows with immediate effect.

The Lowry theatre in Salford has also announced it will close from tomorrow, although tonight's scheduled performance of The Tina Turner Experience will go ahead as planned.

Arts centre HOME, at First Street, will also close from tomorrow.

The small independent theatre Hope Mill in Ancoats is the latest to close to the public for the time being.

The news comes in the wake of the government's advice for people to not attend pubs, restaurants, gig venues and theatres to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Mark Cornell, CEO of the Ambassador Theatre Group, said: "We understand that this decision comes as a disappointment, and a massive inconvenience for those of you already on the way to a venue this evening, but ultimately we all want the same thing: the health and safety of our communities, and we believe this is the correct decision to make.

"Given the current ambiguity and lack of clarity as to how long our theatres may be closed for, we hope to provide you with an update within the next 48 hours regarding the exchange of tickets. We will be consulting with industry bodies including the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre and the government over the immediate future.

"For now, we would like to thank you for your understanding and patience, and to recognise the incredible efforts and support of our producers, partners and customers over this difficult period."

The Lowry said it would be closed between Tuesday March 17 until at least Tuesday March 31.

The theatre, which is a registered charity, today issued a plea for people to consider donating the cost of their ticket for cancelled events.

In a statement issued online today, The Lowry wrote: "The theatre industry is facing unprecedented hardship due to coronavirus restrictions on social interaction.

"Patrons WILL be entitled to a refund - but we are asking you to consider 'donating' the cost of your ticket to support us through this difficult time by not asking for that refund."

Other performances that will be affected by The Lowry's closure include The Tiger Who Came to Tea; Milton Jones: Milton Impossible; and Clinton Baptiste.

(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)

Dave Moutry, director and CEO of HOME, said its closure would be at least until the end of March.

"The health and safety of our staff, visitors, artists and volunteers is of the utmost importance to us, and we believe given the current national landscape it is not viable to remain open to the public at this time."

He added: "During this period, it is critical that we continue to support our staff, artists and creative partners. We will be working closely with our peers across the city and indeed the country and we are determined that Manchester's incredible culture will emerge from this challenge stronger and more vibrant than ever."

Ticket holders will be contacted over the next few days to organise refunds, he added.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Hope Mill Theatre, the tiny cultural hub on the New Islington and Ancoats border, has taken the 'difficult decision' to close to the public with immediate effect, cancelling its current run of Zorro.

The theatre's statement said: "Hope Mill Theatre has only been in operation just over four years, and through the ups and downs of operating a small, independent venue we have faced many challenges but none so unsettling and dangerous as this.

"The venue recently became a charity but receives no government or arts funding to allow us to operate.

"We rely solely on ticket sales and bar income to continue our work.

"At this time our employees have to be our main priority and continuing to support them through this period of financial unrest.

"We are constantly moved by the support of our loyal and supportive audiences and what is clear is that now more than ever we ask you to continue to support, not only our beloved venue, but our beloved arts community as we move into unknown territory."

The Royal Exchange theatre has yet to release a statement about whether it will remain open, but last night's performance of Rockets and Blue Lights was cancelled.

The closures follows a huge spate of event cancellations and postponed appearances, including Louis Tomlinson, The Manchester Duck Race, and Planet Earth II.

Restaurants have also begun to close their doors and switch to delivery services - The Creameries and Siop Shop have both shared the news today.