Palace Theatre
A leading provincial theatre hosting spectacular musicals, opera, ballet, and concerts in a grand, historic setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the magic of musicals
Palace Theatre
Best Time
Experience the magic of musicals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A leading provincial theatre hosting spectacular musicals, opera, ballet, and concerts in a grand, historic setting.
"The best live musical I've ever seen. A joyous & super sparkly production!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Expect moderate queues for security checks before ticket scanning. Aim to arrive well before the show start time. :ticket:
🍹 Pre-order Interval Drinks
Save time during the interval by ordering and paying for your drinks beforehand. :wine_glass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Stalls
Experience a dazzling spectacle of song, dance, and modern pop hits telling a tragic love story. Exceptional production values!
Jason Donovan in Concert
Stage
A joyous and super sparkly production filled with smiles and palpable excitement. A truly spectacular performance.
The Stalls Seating
Stalls
Enjoy decent legroom and comfy seats, even if they are a bit narrow. Great views are possible even from 'limited view' seats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Show Times vs. Door Times
Booking & Seating Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Place Theatre Manchester
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Expect moderate queues for security checks before ticket scanning. Aim to arrive well before the show start time. :ticket:
🍹 Pre-order Interval Drinks
Save time during the interval by ordering and paying for your drinks beforehand. :wine_glass:
Palace theatre bag checks
Palace theatre best seats stalls
🪑 Check Seat Views
Even 'limited view' seats can offer a great experience. Research your specific seat for the best perspective. :seat:
🚻 Unique Toilet Location
Note that male & female toilets are located on either side of the stalls, not off the bar area. :toilet:
Palace theatre times - doors or show start?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Expect moderate queues for security checks before ticket scanning. Aim to arrive well before the show start time. :ticket:
🍹 Pre-order Interval Drinks
Save time during the interval by ordering and paying for your drinks beforehand. :wine_glass:
🪑 Check Seat Views
Even 'limited view' seats can offer a great experience. Research your specific seat for the best perspective. :seat:
🚻 Unique Toilet Location
Note that male & female toilets are located on either side of the stalls, not off the bar area. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Palace Theatre for its spectacular productions, particularly musicals like Moulin Rouge!, highlighting exceptional singing, dancing, and staging. The staff are frequently commended for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a positive atmosphere. While some note the theatre's age and slightly cramped seating, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it for a memorable night out.
"My youngest daughter gave me a gift voucher for ATG theatre tickets last year for my birthday and I used it to buy great center stage seats, 13 rows from the stage in the stalls, for my wife and I to see the fantastic Moulin Rouge musical tonight.
It's a large theatre with a 2,000 seating capacity. There were moderate queues on the pavement outside waiting to go though security checks prior to having our online tickets scanned before entering the large foyer. From there we went down to the stall bars to have some pre-show drinks, ordered & prepaid for our interval drinks, which we took to our seats once the doors into the stalls were opened, about 25 mins before the start of the show.
Unusually the male & female toilets were actually located on either side of the stalls and not off the bar or front lobby. There was decent leg room in front of tired but comfy seats and although they were pretty narrow, they weren't the narrowest theatre seats we have sat in.
Some of the artists came onto the stage shortly before the show to strike some poses and peek at the audience from behind the giant Moulin Rouge sign that dominated the large & deep stage - it was a very unique and great pre-start to the show
The show followed the story line of the Baz Loman Moulin Rouge film set in Paris around 1900 starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. It told the tragic story of Satine, a courtesan & star of the Moulin Rouge, through fantastic song & dance sets with modern pop hits and witty dialogue interjected with lyrics from recent pop songs. The singing, dancing, music, costumes, sets and production were all exceptional and the show just flew by with hit after hit songs being played.
The lighting, sound & sets were very good and the audience were invited to get up from their seats to join in with a few songs for the encore section, which lasted about 5 minutes before the cast took a well deserved standing ovation in their curtain call."
Hong Lee
"We went to see Moulin Rouge! and overall had a great experience. The theatre is showing its age in places and the seating is a little cramped, but all adds to the ambience. The drinks I feel are overpriced and I was slightly flummoxed when our drinks to seat arrived in a paper take out bag, but I cannot fault the staff's enthusiasm to help."
Wendy Endeacott-Key
"The best live musical Ive ever seen. Well done to all the performers. Moulin rouge love story a must watch for all"
Leing streboR
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Palace Theatre is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Many bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short walk from major train and tube stations. Check local transport websites for the most up-to-date route information.
While on-street parking can be limited and expensive, there are several car parks within walking distance of the theatre. It's often recommended to use public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Many visitors opt for public transport due to convenience and cost. The theatre is well-served by various bus and underground lines, making it an easy commute for most.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Show times listed as '19:30' typically refer to the show's start time. Doors usually open about 25-30 minutes before the performance begins, allowing time for security and seating.
It's highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for popular shows like musicals, as they can sell out. While some tickets might be available on the door, availability is not guaranteed.
Concessions and discounts can vary depending on the show and booking period. It's best to check the official theatre website or ticketing partners for any available offers.
Upon arrival, you'll go through security checks, followed by scanning of your online tickets. Having your tickets ready on your phone or printed can speed up the process.
Don't be deterred by 'limited view' labels. Many visitors report excellent experiences and no missed action from these seats, as the theatre's design often provides good sightlines.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The stalls offer decent legroom and generally comfortable seats, though they can be a bit narrow. The overall ambience of the theatre adds to the experience.
Unusually, the male and female toilets are located on either side of the stalls, rather than off the bar or front lobby areas.
There are bar areas in the foyer where you can purchase pre-show drinks. Pre-ordering interval drinks is also an option to save time.
The theatre generally aims to be accessible. It's advisable to contact the theatre directly in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs and arrangements.
The atmosphere is typically electric, especially for musicals. Audiences often respond enthusiastically, with standing ovations for spectacular performances.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The theatre primarily offers drinks at its bars. For a full meal, it's best to dine at one of the many restaurants in the surrounding area before or after the show.
Some visitors find the drinks to be a bit overpriced. Pre-ordering interval drinks might offer a slight convenience, but be prepared for typical theatre bar pricing.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the auditorium. It's best to consume any refreshments before entering.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography, especially flash photography, is typically not allowed during performances to avoid disturbing the cast and audience. Check with staff for specific rules regarding pre-show photos.
The grand foyer and the theatre's exterior often make for great photo opportunities. Capturing the ornate architecture can be a highlight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families include arriving early to allow ample time for entry and settling in, which can be crucial with children. Consider pre-ordering drinks to avoid long waits during the interval. While seating can be a bit narrow, the excitement of a live performance often makes up for it. Ensure you check the theatre's policies on prams and booster seats if needed.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilizing public transport to reach the theatre is generally more economical than driving and parking. Researching off-peak travel times can also lead to savings on your journey. Many visitors find that the overall experience of a live performance at the Palace Theatre offers great value for money, even with these considerations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Palace Theatre Experience
When attending a show, it's wise to be prepared for the typical theatre experience. This includes navigating security checks upon entry and being mindful of the show's start time versus when doors open. Many patrons find pre-ordering interval drinks a useful strategy to maximize their time and avoid queues during the break. The theatre's staff are frequently praised for their enthusiasm and helpfulness, contributing positively to the visitor experience.
While the theatre offers a memorable setting for live performances, some aspects, like seating comfort and drink prices, are common points of discussion among visitors. However, the overall consensus leans towards a positive experience, with the quality of the productions often overshadowing minor drawbacks. It remains a premier destination for entertainment, drawing crowds for its diverse programming and historic setting.
Navigating Seating and Views
It's always a good idea to research your specific seat if possible. Online seating charts and reviews from previous attendees can offer insights into potential obstructions or the angle of the stage. For those concerned about missing parts of the show, opting for central seats in the stalls or dress circle usually guarantees the best overall view. However, the theatre's design is generally well-regarded, ensuring that most seats offer a satisfactory experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit