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 307 seat reviews and 223 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.
Slight restriction on viewing on left hand side of stage due to rail at bottom of stairs but otherwise a brilliant view. Good legroom and on the aisle too. Be aware the stairs down to the row are very steep! More
Saw Les Misérables Les Misérables on 30 March 2019
View was very good from here. This musical had a few parts up high that were slightly cut off due to the overhang of the circle but it didn’t take away from the show. Legroom was fine for me and I had long legs. More
Saw Jersey Boys Jersey Boys on 11 February 2019
Good view of the stage, did not miss any parts and a good rake in the Circle so view not obscured by tall people in front. Legroom poor as is the case in the whole of the Circle, I am relatively short so just about manage but imagine not great for those... More
Visited 29 June 2018
