Palace Theatre Manchester

About the Palace Theatre

Originally opening in 1891, Manchester’s Palace Theatre of Varieties had an immense capacity of 3,675. Hosting stars such as Lillie Langtry and Charlie Chaplin, it was one of the UK’s 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. Over the 20th century, it has hosted a variety of entertainment including ballets, concerts and plays.

By the late 1970s, waning audience numbers threatened the Palace Theatre with closure, and it subsequently underwent major refurbishment before re-opening in 1981. The stage and dressing rooms were extended to accommodate companies such as the Covent Garden Opera and Kirov Ballet, and the auditorium and Front of House were restored to their original Edwardian décor.

Now owned by ATG along with its sister venue, Opera House Manchester, the Palace Theatre has established itself as a major receiving house for touring plays, musicals and entertainment. Its present capacity is just under 2,000 and since 1990, productions such as Les Misérables and The Book of Mormon have had their UK regional premieres at the venue.