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 186 seat reviews and 112 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.
The fact that the safety railings are narrow and painted brown is helpful in ignoring them, unlike shiny, thick gold ones in other theatres. Seat was comfortable. Leg room is fine - there is actually an aisle in front of the row and you can put your ... More
Saw Miss Saigon Miss Saigon on 21 April 2018
The circle is close to the stage so you get a good clear view of the action with no overhang. However the leg room is very cramped as is warned on your ticket. The rake isn't great so depending on how tall the person in front is will affect how good ... More
Saw Miss Saigon Miss Saigon on 17 April 2018
Being so close to the stage you don't miss anything although the view is slightly side on, depending on the show and the set you may miss some things but not much. The seat is comfortable and if there's no row in front there's plenty of leg room.... More
Saw Miss Saigon Miss Saigon on 10 April 2018
