Palace Theatre Manchester, Manchester, UK — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Affectionately known as the "Grand Old Lady of Oxford Street," the Palace Theatre has been dazzling Manchester audiences since its doors first opened on May 18, 1891. Designed by architect Alfred Darbyshire and built at a cost of 40,500 pounds, the theatre launched with a spectacular production of the ballet "Cleopatra" that set the tone for over a century of theatrical excellence. In its heyday, the Palace could pack in an astonishing 3,675 people, though today's more comfortable seating brings the capacity to 1,955. The theatre received a glamorous makeover from the legendary theatre architect Frank Matcham, who redecorated and enhanced the interiors in 1896 and again in 1899, adding the ornate Victorian details that still make jaws drop today. Originally named the Manchester Palace of Varieties, the theatre started life as a variety venue before evolving into one of the UK's premier touring theatre destinations. Through two world wars, changing entertainment tastes, and the rise and fall of countless theatrical trends, the Palace has adapted and endured. The building's ornate Victorian architecture creates an atmosphere that transforms every performance into an event, whether it's a West End musical, a stand-up comedy show, or a classical concert. Questo's Manchester adventures pass right by this magnificent survivor, where the golden age of theatre still glows in every gilded detail and velvet curtain.