Built for the princely sum of £40,500, the Palace Theatre Manchester was opened in 1891 with a seating capacity of 3675. Over the next two decades Harry Lauder, Little Tich, Lillie Langtrey, Marie Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin would appear on its stage.
No lesser star than Harry Houdini appeared at the Palace Theatre after a renovation in 1913 which saw the capacity reduced to 2600. The 20’s and 30’s were characterised by full length musicals, extravagant revues and lavish pantomimes.
In 1940, the theatre was the subject of a direct hit during the Manchester Blitz.
The 1950’s and 60’s saw an incredibly diverse range of programming including Guys and Dolls, The Dancing Years, Hamlet to Look Back In Anger.
A major refurbishment took place in the 1970’s giving the venue extended stage facilities, more dressing room facilities to house productions from large opera and ballet companies. The refurbishment also saw the Edwardian splendour of the front of house and auditorium restored.
Since its re-opening in 1981 with a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar, the Palace Theatre Manchester has played host to Les Miserables, King Lear, Lucianno Pavarotti, Nicholas Nickleby, Victoria Wood and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia!, Miss Saigon, Wicked and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang amongst others.
The Palace Theatre is located on the corner or Oxford Street and Whitworth Street in Manchester.
FIND OUT WHAT’S ON AT THE PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER
Join our Mailing List to be kept informed of great Touring shows coming to the theatre.
