The Palace Theatre has a capacity of 1998 seats, including 838 seats in the Stalls, 649 seats in the Circle and 511 seats in the Grand Tier. Use our interactive seating plan to view 546 seat reviews and 419 photos of views from seat.
Originally opening in 1891, the Palace Theatre of Varieties had an immense capacity of 3,675. Hosting stars such as Harry Lauder, Lillie Langtry and Charlie Chaplin, it was one of the most prolific Music Hall venues. In 1913, the building was renovated under architect Bertie Crew and reopened after seven months with a performance from Harry Houdini. After renovations, the seating capacity was reduced to 2,600 and played host to revues, large-scale musicals and pantomimes. From the 1940’s onwards, the Palace Theatre saw radio stars, ballet, concerts and plays such as Hamlet grace the stage.
In the late 1970’s, the Palace Theatre underwent major refurbishment, which extended the stage and dressing rooms to accommodate companies such as the Covent Garden Opera and Kirov Ballet. The auditorium and Front of House were restored to their original Edwardian décor. In 1981, the theatre opened with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar and has since hosted touring productions such as Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast and Victoria Wood.
Built across three tiers including the Stalls, Circle and Grand Tier, the venue now has a capacity of around 1,900 seats. The Stalls is the largest section, with approximately 750 seats offering great views of the stage. The Circle seats over 600 people, whilst the Grand Tier seats a more modest 510. In the heart of Manchester, the Palace Theatre is one of the city’s most prolific venues.
Good seats on a budget can be found towards the rear of each section, particularly in the Circle. The Grand Tier overhang slightly affects the view, but this is dependent on the production. Good value seats can also be found towards the ends of rows, where there may not necessarily be restrictions but the seat may be angled towards the stage.
Seats in the mid-front of each section, specifically in rows C-H, offer the best overall views in the theatre as they are usually devoid of restrictions. Sit in the Stalls to feel close to the stage or in the front few rows of the Circle for a large-scale musical.
Absolutely amazing central seat on the front row. Probably one of the best seats in the whole theatre. Decent amount of legroom and a perfect clear view of the entire stage. Would definitely sit here again. More
Saw Wicked Wicked on 11 December 2018
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Slight side view but an amazing seat. Plenty of legroom as this was the front row. Had a clear unobstructed view and was great to see all the little details on the sets and costumes. I would sit here again. More
Visited 06 November 2018
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Absolutely amazing seat in the stalls, as it's an aisle seat you can see the stage perfectly even if someone tall sits in front of you. This seat is a slight side view but you still have a clear view for the whole show. The seats in the stalls have plenty... More
Visited 10 October 2018
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