Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre stands on Oxford Street in Manchester, at the corner with Whitworth Street. It is one of the city’s main theatres and shares its management with the Opera House on Quay Street. The building was designed by Alfred Darbyshire and opened in May 1891. Its original capacity was 3,675, though this has since been reduced to 1,955. The theatre has been altered and redecorated several times, most notably by Frank Matcham in the 1890s and Bertie Crewe in 1913. A German bomb struck the theatre during the Manchester Blitz in 1940. The Palace Theatre is one of the largest and best-equipped theatres outside London. It has hosted major touring musicals, opera and ballet, as well as comedy acts and one-night concerts. The theatre has welcomed performers such as Danny Kaye, Gracie Fields, Judy Garland and Noël Coward. It has premiered West End and Broadway shows, including The Producers, Les Misérables and Hamilton. In 2009 it became home to the first UK tour of The Book of Mormon outside London. The theatre also staged the world première of Rufus Wainwright’s opera Prima Donna during the 2009 Manchester International Festival. Inside, the theatre offers a grand auditorium with ornate decorations and comfortable seating. The stage is large enough to accommodate major productions, and the backstage facilities have been improved over the years. The auditorium itself has been reduced in size but retains its historic character. The theatre’s location on Oxford Street places it at the heart of Manchester’s cultural quarter. Visitors can reach it easily by public transport and combine a visit with nearby galleries and concert halls.