Palace Theatre, Manchester

These days, the Palace Theatre usually stages the sort of overblown, overpriced shows that I can't afford or really be bothered to go and see. However, I still love an excuse to visit the place, mainly because it's a beautiful old building with such a wonderful history; the stage has hosted everyone from Noel Coward, Laurel and Hardy and Frank Sinatra to Connie Fisher!

There's three (I think) tiers of seating under the ornate red and gold ceiling. And you get quite a good view from all of them - unless you're unlucky enough to get stuck behind a pillar, although they usually warn you about that! However, the higher you go, the steepier things get. So if you're nervous about heights, I'd try and stick to the stalls!

There are a few bars and stalls selling merchandise and sweets. But as you'd probably expect from a theatre of this size and scale, you'll have to pay a pretty penny if you want to buy something! Still, the staff are lovely - I love the way they still wear traditional waistcoats and bow ties!

Even though it doesn't really stage the shows I love (with the exception of Rocky Horror!), what I like most about the Palace is that it continues to draw in the crowds and entertain them, just as it did when it was first built in 1891.

Unlike in my home country, I'm not a regular theatre-goer in Britain, for one reason or another. The productions I saw at the Palace Theatre were Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker (by the Chisinau Ballet) and Rufus Wainwright's opera flick, Prima Donna. The audience's acoustic is generally good, and the seats are rather comfortable. What is memorable, of course, is the interior building design and decor. It is a what can be called traditional Victorian theatre, so feel free to imagine ladies and gentlemen in elegant frocks enjoying the latest in entertainment.

To this day Palace Theatre attracts the same kind of ladies and gentlemen, although the frocks have changed dramatically since the 19th c. So did the entertainment. The theatre is a regular venue for West End shows, ballets, and rock operas.

This is a very old traditional theatre and is one of my favourite in the UK. It plays host to many of the main west end productions that tour the country every month. Most shows usually play here for about a week but the more popular shows and the annual pantomime can play for up to about three months at a time.
The seats are quite comfortable in all areas of the theatre (and i have sat in each of the different levels of the theatre).

Has quite a few decent things on, & is a nice old theatre, though if you sit in some of the higher seats & are prone to vertigo you may not like it!!

I have visited the Palace Theatre many times since my childhood and I have always enjoyed a variety of shows that have made me laugh and cry, depending on the production. Even as an adult I still love going to see the Pantomimes, a true British tradition that should be experienced by all. Parking is close by and theatre goers can receive a discount on their car park ticket, which is a bonus. The atmosphere for me has always been good, if not great and the productions are enjoyable and you always come out thinking why you hadn’t visited sooner!

Me and my girls have had some wonderful times at the Palace theatre, we usually go to see pantomimes and we have enjoyed every single one.
The prices of the tickets are very reasonable and they are cheaper if you get a family tickets which can be obtained on the internet or you can pay at the door.
If you show your tickets when you go to the pay desk they will give you a discount parking ticket on the carpark next door to the Palace.
Treat the Kids to a christmas play, but remember to take in your own drinks and sweets as they charge such a lot if you buy them at the Palace. they do not check bags when you go in, so take a large bag full of goodies and save yourself a fortune.
There are shows on here throughout the year, and we have never seen a bad one yet.
The Palace theatre is so conveniently located, just a short walk from the centre.

The place to go if you want to see latest big production on tour: eg Buddy, Chicago etc - these will usually stay in the theatre for a week before moving on. The Xmas show (something like Beauty and the Beast) will be in for longer - 3 months perhaps. The style of the theatre is quite traditional - a proscenium arch with three levels of seating. It’s a big old barn of a place and expect to pay quite a lot for good seats. Cheaper seats can really put you quite far away from the action.

OLD STYLE THEATRE WITH 3 TIER VIEWING . THE TOP TIER IS THE CHEAPEST BUT THERE CAN BE A RESTRICTED VIEW. THE TOILETS ARE MORE EASILY ACCESSIBLE IF YOU ARE UP ON THE TOP STAND.THERE ARE DIFFERENT SHOW ALL YEAR ROUND AND YOU CAN USUALLY GET TICKETS ON TICKET MASTER WEBSITE,ALWAYS CHECK THE THEATRE’S OWN LAYOUT BEFORE YOU BOOK THOUGH, TICKETMASTER DONT SHOW YOU WHERE YOU WILL BE SITTING.

Convieniently located in the heart of the city centre, close to train, tram and bus stops. Theres no excuse to not see a performance at the Palace. With shows such as Flashdance, Beauty & The Beast, Mary Poppins - its a sure fire delight for everyone!

Gets good acts, but a little tired in the decor when you compare it to Manc’s other great theatres.

Another traditional theatre - rumoured to be closing for a massive refurbishment plan (led by the city council) - though I don’t see why the City should put funds into the commercially run theatre (though these are only rumours so I could be completely wrong).

That apart, it’s what you expect from a theatre that shows mainly west end touring shows. Nothing much of interest to me but if you like mainstream / West End shows and you like them big - then this place is for you.
LAst time I went was to see Jesus Christ Super Star - the musical in the 80s - it was a magical night.

I’ve been to see a few things at the Palace in Manchester and have always enjoyed it throughly, that said, and I’m not sure whether it’s the same now, but if you don’t like heights and you have seats up high, they’re on an angle which can effect your enjoyment as a friend of mine who suffers from Vertigo found out to her cost. Just walking to her seat was an experience in itself !! So if in doubt, book lower tickets !! That said, it’s a wonderful theatre and I’ve visited a few times with the family or with adult friends and have been treated well on all occasions by their members of staff. It’s not a huge theatre, but that adds to its charm in my opinion and is quite cosy for the likes of pantos for example.

I love this theatre and the great atmosphere here.

Ive been to see lots of different types of productions here including ones with my little girl.

Theres parking just round the corner on Portland Street and its just over the road from Oxford Road train station. The tram stop at St Peters Square is only a few minutes up the road too so its very accessible.

The theatre, bar and toilets are always clean and tidy and my daughter loves the staff with the ice cream that appear in the interval at family shows.

The staff are always polite, friendly and helpful and its a great venue.

The Palace is probably Manchester prime venue when it comes to theatre productions. Located on Oxford Road the venue is easily accessible by car, train, bus and also on foot. It is eas to find due to the red neon Palace Theatre sign which stretches high above the theatre itself into the sky. For those who wish to make an evening/night of it there are plenty of bars and restaurants also located nearby.
The theatre itself is beautiful inside and the atmosphere is great, with three tiers and also side balconies to sit in with varying ticket prices for each area. There is also a bar inside for use before and during breaks in the productions. The only problem really is the lack of legroom some of the seats provide, but all in all a great venue.

i had such a fun night!! will definatly go back

Great time had by all. If you like musicals then the palace is the place. Bit exspensive for drinks but lovely atmosphere and friendly staff.

great place for pantos and shows…recently went to footloose and plan on seeing thriller show there. All shows are well priced and oxford road short trip away and nice drink in the cornerhouse over the road

I love going to see shows here, it is a lovely theatre, easy to get to, reasonably priced. This is where the main musicals and shows come to, so if you want to see one of those then this is the place to come.

Fantastic old time theatre but a hop and a skip from Oxford Road Station and directly opposite the cornerhouse. I’ve seen a number of shows here ranging from Miss Saigon (wish I’d ‘Miss’ed it…I just couldn’t stomach it) to Monkey: Journey to the West (‘sick’ as my daughter would call it).
It’s no place for those who like leg room combined with a ‘gnats bladder’ and the same would apply to those with a touch of Vertigo. It’s practically built on a ski slope, designed I guess to pack as many Victorians into the theatre as was legally possible at the time. This may cause one or two problems and indeed for the Monkey show half the audience couldn’t read the subtitles (“subtitles you say?...in a staged show??”) but for me it’s adds to the charm. No Bridgewater hall or Lowry ergonomics here. With a couple of bars to whet your appetite and a perfect spot on Oxford road everyone should try and see at least one show here (though I’ll easily admit musicals are not to everybody’s taste).

Located in the city center, this theatre always puts on a number of quality plays and concerts especially stand up comedians. Normally, you'll get artists or plays touring the country. Compared to the majority of theatres, this one is relatively cheap. On other hand, tickets tend to get sold out easily, so the best way to get hold of tickets is by buying them from usual ticket agents. You can also pick up some tickets from the door if you want to take a chance. It's located right in the middle of city centre near two train stations and next to the major oxford road. Highly recommended for anyone who is in manchester to visit.