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Palace Theatre Manchester

What’s On at Palace Theatre

Palace Theatre Manchester is the room where it happens in 2023! Top of the venue’s events schedule is the massively popular musical Hamilton. This award-winning show has been playing to sold-out audiences in London since 2018 and now embarks on its first-ever UK tour. It opens in November and plays through to February 2024. Make sure you book tickets now because it will be one of the most popular shows all year.

Other shows to look out for are Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar in September, starring Julian Clary as Herod. This iconic rock musical is the perfect show to blow the roof off before Hamilton’s tenure!

If 2023 wasn’t exciting enough, we recommend looking ahead to 2024 for the very best West End shows on tour. Wicked, Sister Act and the London Palladium’s The Wizard of Oz top the calendar of events at the Palace Theatre.

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 events 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The box office is open on performance days 90 minutes before the show is due to begin.
The theatre is open up to 90 minutes before the beginning of the day’s first scheduled performance. It is worth arriving as early as possible to avoid queues at the entrance and enjoy a relaxing drink before the show.
There is a bar on every level of the theatre serving pre-show and interval drinks and refreshments. All bars serve a range of wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and snacks.

The bespoke Ambassador Lounge package is also available to book when buying tickets online. Please note the Ambassador Lounge is not step-free at this venue.
A cloakroom is in the theatre foyer. Patrons can store bags and coats here during a performance for a small fee.
Rudy’s Neapolitan serves a menu inspired by classic Naples pizza in a relaxed environment. The independent chain’s Peter Street branch is just 8 minutes’ walk from the Palace, making it a great choice for pre-theatre dining. For those who enjoy fusion food, Australasia in Deansgate is also close by, offering Australian dishes influenced by Southeast Asian and Japanese flavours.
Premier Inn (City Centre) is less than five minutes’ walk from the theatre and a fantastic choice for those who want cheap and convenient accommodation after a show. If you’d like a more luxurious overnight stay, try the 5-star Hotel Gotham; located in the Art Deco building that used to house Midland Bank, this characterful hotel is just ten minutes away from the Palace Theatre.
Customers can contact the box office team by calling 0333 009 6690.

Past Shows At Palace Theatre

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