1. Palace Theatre

0

Manchester, XGM

Cancel

Open app

Search

Palace Theatre

4.0 (42 reviews)
Closed • 12:00 pm - 11:00 PM

Palace Theatre Photos

Recommended Reviews - Palace Theatre

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Saffy K.

Based on my last experience I'd give it 1 star but overall I know that would be super unfair. For a long time I think I romanticised the idea of this venue, it could do no wrong but the reality is it's not actually all that. The building is stunning and steeped in history, that itself is profoundly beautiful but reflecting on the actual experience of seeing a show here, it can be hit or miss. Pros: Many, many amazing shows passing through The building itself The history The stage Location Cloak room Concession prices on tickets Merchandise stall for those that want a souvenir Cons: Can be very noisy during a show (can hear the dryers from the toilets, mobile phone interference affecting the speakers, ushers don't really tell noisy customers off) Limited leg room Certain areas have very restricted views e.g. mid/back of the stalls Expensive drinks and snacks Tickets can be overpriced I'm an avid theatre goer and have seen so many classics here, I will not stop going but I think things needs to be tightened up. Going to the theatre is a real treat, anything that brings the experience down needs addressing.

Avenue Q set
Adam C.

A beautiful grand old theatre, with the capability of staging some of the biggest and grandest shows out there. The seating is somewhat old, so is cramped in parts, especially in the circle and upper circle, but given that the building is listed, it's not likely these are to be changed, but they have made efforts to make more of the theatre accessible for the lesser abled etc. The costs within the theatre are hilariously high. There are multiple bars and lounges, which is pleasant, but the tiniest pot of ice cream you can imagine is £3.50, and even bottled water is more than £2.50 for the smallest size. Other refreshments and confectionery are equally extortionate, meaning that even though you can now "order from your seat" (by holding a menu in the air to get someone's attention) the Sainsbury's Local across the road does a roaring trade when a show is on at the Palace! There is nearby parking available via NCPs and street parking, as well as some cheaper parking a short walk away.

Andy H.

Palace Theatre Manchester city centre I have been coming to this theatre for over seven years now and every production I have seen here has been wonderful!! The theatre has got a lot of character inside. The seats aren't all that comfortable but what do you expect. This theatre has had lots of West End productions such as Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Priscilla Queen of the desert, the list just go on

if you've seen Godfather 3......
james b.

Now this is a proper theatre! Feels haunted? Check! Gives you vertigo? Check! Red velvet and gold EVERYWHERE? Check There's something about going to an old theatre that the new young pretenders could never hope to replicate. The drama, the romance, the scary toilets, it just can't be beaten. I've only been the once but I did it right and went to see Bill Bailey ("Halal, is it meat you're looking for?"!!! Genius). I enjoyed the whole experience, the seats where a little small and if you end up high in the cheap seats as I did, it takes a little time to relax and convince yourself that you aren't going to fall to your death, but as long as the act is engaging enough such small problems will quickly dissipate.

Wicked at the Palace Theatre
Chris T.

Im a huge fan of Musicals, and thank you for the Palace Theatre for bringing so many good shows to Manchester. Manchester Theatres seem to do really well in getting the great shows what they have in the West End and sometimes gets shows prior to them going to the West End. Ive seen numerous shows at this wonderful theatre including Joseph and his amazing dreamcoat,Mamma Mia,Les Miserables,Wicked,Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and loads more. The Theatre itself is very grand and is set on 3 levels, the stalls, circle and upper tier, we always go for the stalls tickets, but the prices range from low to high depending where you want to sit, the best thing to do if you can is to visit the box office which is open from 12pm-6pm monday to friday and they will tell you what is available at what cost and make sure to book early to get a great view! The whole of the theatre is very well run from the ushers to the box office staff, The seating in the theatre isn't that bad compared to some theatres I've been in and seem to be quite comfy. I will continue to visit this wonderful theatre to see more of the wonderful they bring for years and years to come.

Jonny Q.

Ahhh, the theatre - a lot more expensive than the cinema but a hundred times longer lasting in the good vibes stakes. Memories of a great day out come flooding back of childhood concerts,live plays and the excitement and anticipation building up before and after a great performance. The Palace is probably in the top few playhouses in Manchester, along with the Opera house and Royal exchange and a ticket to a show equates into a really great day/night out. Like all theatres, it's safe to say that they were built in a bygone age when toilet space was limited, fire regulations were non existent (each route to your seat is like a labyrinth) and everyone was some sort of dwarf creature - judging by the leg room. The design of the the theatre is also that with fairly decent seats (at a fairly hefty price), you're still missing a small part of the stage. Saying that, all these points are what makes it so quaint and enjoyable. You just wouldn't get the same atmosphere if you were at a multiplex on a retail park. Tickets are best bought online for the Palace and a lot of the big shows tour each year - recently in town there's been Lion King, Green Days American Idiot, Wicked (which was what I went to see), Joseph... etc etc - so everything pretty much from the West End and Broadway. There's a bar on site selling crappy beers and mini bottles of crappy wine. You should get enough time before and during the break to use the Cornerhouse across the road which is much more chilled out and has great food and drinks. If you're after food beforehand then check out Mr Coopers, Gorilla or Zouk.

Ashley F.

For me this really is Manchester's most charming theatre with a grand opera house (or gaudy music hall - depending on your view) crammed into a relatively small space but rising high into the vaults. I've seen opera, musicals, theatre, contemporary dance and this time, Avenue Q all performed expansively on this improbable stage. Affordable and central, it it always a great treat.

James B.

What a fantastic night at the Palace Theatre, sat comfy in the VIP lounge having drinks and nibbles before the show. The Bodyguard was brilliant from start to finish very emotional. Well done Alexandra Burke and the rest of the cast. Truly amazing.

See all

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Kirsten P.
14
426
387

17 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Andy H.
169
340
2440

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of james b.
13
489
477

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chris T.
1157
333
2633

13 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jonny Q.
3526
901
3685

13 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Paul R.
39
76
468

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Rachel W.
10
351
396

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

19 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sophie T.
24
47
10

14 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

19 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

19 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Gavin L.
106
57
1

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sharon G.
2
108
27

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

Review Highlights - Palace Theatre

“Lucky for us they seem to get the best shows around and my favourites include Wicked, Lion King and Rock of Ages.”

Mentioned in 4 reviews

Read more highlights

Verify this business for free

Get access to customer & competitor insights.

Verify this business

The Ruby Lounge

The Ruby Lounge

4.0(23 reviews)
0.6 mi•Northern Quarter
•££

I have a sore head. It's not good but it's the price you pay for a great night out. Ruby Lounge…read moretotally exceeded expectations. Me, planning, making a decision is a rare thing. My suggestion was actually a hit. I did my indecisive alterego very proud. There are many quality club nights organised by the Lost and Found name and this was no exception. Dance off, being £1 entry, sold it for me. Doubles for £3, a range of sambucas £1.50? Messy. Dance off saw a battle between three major DJs, strangerways, good vibrations and juicy DJs playing a mix of Joy Division, The Temptations and Dr Dre. Amazing combination. Ruby Lounge is renown for it's quality club nights and live music. The venue is perfect, with an adequate dance floor, a stage to match and plenty of seating on a slightly raised level for a chill out. Another great Northern Quarter location that needs to become a regular thing for me.

I think this might be a strip club. In fact I'm pretty sure. Well, it wasn't when I was in the Ruby…read moreLounge last night for a Lost and Found gig which is why I felt comfortable to take my boyf in with me. The gig was billed as The Cribs Aftershow but it was basically just a gig- most of the spectators were either in one of the four bands, looked like they should be or were girl groupies who were way too impressed with themselves that they were getting backstage. The sofas and high backed armchairs in the main bar area were nice touches, there were a few mirror balls around too. Plus velvet curtains - hello, strip club? Then you turn to the grimy stage area with the big grill up between the bands and the crowd. That said, no one went past the pillar anyway. Too cool to stand right at the front. Alright drinks prices - get some of their cheap vodka mixers or flavoured sambucas otherwise you'll run out of money quickly. After the bands they had Gareth Brooks from Xfm DJIng but we didn't end up staying.

Photos
The Ruby Lounge - Website

Website

The Ruby Lounge
The Ruby Lounge

See all

The Star and Garter

The Star and Garter

4.1(21 reviews)
0.6 mi•Piccadilly
•£

This place is absolute legend. Nothing fancy about it…read more Doesn't need to be. It's a proper venue for dancing and checking out bands. This is about as old school Manchester as you can get. They've been doing The Smiths Disco (first Friday every month) for a long time and it is the greatest night ever. Can't say enough good things about this club.

Housed on Fairfield Street, behind Piccadilly Station, the Star & Garter is a red brick pub that…read morelooks like a crime scene from a Hitchcock thriller. It was featured in the 50s film noir Hell is A City and since then, seems to have gone from chic to shabby with little investment or TLC. The carpets are frayed, the seats are grubby and the walls upstairs are painted chocolate. Endearingly, none of this seems to bother the students and regulars who flock there for the monthly Smiths nights and occasional rock and punk gigs. The gigs are housed upstairs on the first floor - where there's a small stage and bar - whilst the club nights straddle the ground and first floor. Drinks are cheap and cheerful and there's a long-running indie night every Saturday called Smile. You might hear the odd Brian Wilson song but you're more likely to hear everything from Pulp and Placebo to Belle and Sebastian. In short, the Star & Garter is a venue that's more about the music and the people than the ambience or the interior. Which takes us right back to Pulp and..... A Little Soul: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XMDfMaKDa0

Photos
The Star and Garter
The Star and Garter - From www.starandgarter.co.uk

From www.starandgarter.co.uk

The Star and Garter - The Star and Garter pub

See all

The Star and Garter pub

The Warehouse Project

The Warehouse Project

3.2(13 reviews)
0.6 mi•Piccadilly
•£££

Jumping jeepers it's Warehouse season again!!! Stop what…read moreyou're doing, quit your your job, postpone the divorce, you don't want to miss a thing! From now until February if anyone needs me I'll be in a big dark tunnel under the railway station throwing out some shapes to the best DJs in the world and hugging people I would normally cross the street to avoid- it don't get no better than this Jon Boy! One of my greatest claims to fame took place here when Mike from Groove Armada dedicated Superstylin' to yours truly on my birthday after getting me and my friends in as a thank you for taking them around the old man bars of Liverpool after striking up an unlikely friendship in Cream. Tis a strange feeling indeed to spend an evening being asked by strangers if you are "THE Jay". I am SO the Jay.

You can't get better than this when it comes to clubbing in Manchester. Whilst still living…read moreLiverpool I often came to Manchester clubbing and thought 'so where is everyone?', I found them ALL here! Yes hidden away in a dark underground car park under Piccadilly train station there are around 2000 whistling shape throwers that gather every week or so from the month of September through till Febuary every year. The Warehouse Project makes you feel like you truly are part of an underground scene again ......although in recent years it seems to have secured a few sponsorship deals (kinda ruins it). But hey this place is somewhere you can let your hair down and lose yourself (or lose your shoes if your like me ....no seriously is quite embarrassing when people are congratulating your other half for going home to get you another pair of shoes due to the fact you have lost them indefinitely down the side of a speaker). I would recommend that if you want to know what Manchester really has to offer you wiggle your way down to the Warehouse Project and party with the best of 'em.

Photos
The Warehouse Project - Http://www.thewarehouseproject.com/

Http://www.thewarehouseproject.com/

The Warehouse Project
The Warehouse Project

See all

Band on the Wall

Band on the Wall

4.3(26 reviews)
0.8 mi•Northern Quarter
•££

Cam, Ry, and Olly were great & friendly bartenders. Very respectful and made great drinks!!!…read more Sully, Cal, and Greg, on the other hand, were rude and were incapable of manning the bar. Will not be coming back. (due to the fact that I live in America, not Manchester)

Hallelujah! After…read morefour years of redevelopment, not-for-proft charity Inner City Music finally re-opened the doors of Band on The Wall last September. Aside from redecoration and a spacious chill out area, the main difference to the legendary music venue is the stage. There's a spanking new state of the art PA system installed, new lights, new audio-visual equipment and for the jazz fans amongst you, a concert grand piano. What's more, the venue looks set to make local funk, soul, blues, jazz, hip hop and world music fans extremely happy with a packed programme of live shows and deejays most nights of the week. They've already had gigs from Breakestra, Nitin Sawhney and The Mad Professor and Southern soul legend Candi Staton is set to grace the stage in April. The show you have to reserve a ticket for however, is 27 March when 10 piece band Introducing will be attempting to recreate DJ Shadow's seminal Entroducing album live. Yup, that's note for note, loop for loop, for the very first time, live AND in front of an audience! Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmzHRGoKca0&feature=related

Photos
Band on the Wall - Great stage for Jessie Royal

Great stage for Jessie Royal

Band on the Wall - Dead Skeletons at Band On The Wall, November 2013

Dead Skeletons at Band On The Wall, November 2013

Band on the Wall - Irish musician playing some really neat songs!

See all

Irish musician playing some really neat songs!

The Deaf Institute - Downstairs bar

The Deaf Institute

4.2(42 reviews)
0.4 mi•Oxford Road Corridor
•££

A quirky establishment with an upstairs dining area and downstairs bar. The food is 90% vegan,…read morewhich was nice because they had creative options for everyone! We had the BBQ Jackfruit dog, which was a vegan sausage topped with BBQ pulled jackfruit, vegan chipotle mayo, and jalapeno's. It was absolutely delicious! The sausage was not dry, as sometimes happens with vegan sausages, and the combinations of flavors was great. We also got the vegan Mac n Cheese; it was listed under bigs, but the portion size was disappointingly very small. It also tasted a bit grainy, not the best potato cheese I've had. They are allergen friendly, but make sure you make all your allergens known! The mac n cheese does have coconut milk in it. They also have Ice Shack Vegan ice creams, which is a bonus!

It doesn't have the same history as The Roadhouse, Night & Day or Manchester Academy but The Deaf…read moreInstitute is probably my favourite venue in Manchester these days. They have great club nights and a truly eclectic range of gigs from emerging punk-funk and disco groups like Yacht and The XX to established underground pop bands like Broadcast. Even better, most of the gigs take place in an intimate room with high ceilings, cleverly stacked seating and standing room for about 300 people. I went to see Detroit protest singer Rodriguez on Monday evening and had a fantastic night. The atmosphere was great, the acoustics were fab and the drinks were mighty fine. Being a long-term country and Americana gal, I also fell in love with the Good Dolly and Bad Dolly wallpaper in the ladies toilets! The only disadvantage is, I'm still a little hungover!

Photos
The Deaf Institute
The Deaf Institute
The Deaf Institute

See all

Matt and Phreds - Kyla brooks singing some sexy jazz numbers!

Matt and Phreds

4.1(68 reviews)
0.6 mi•Northern Quarter
•££

Totally lucked out on a Monday night and there was a New Orleans Jazz band playing. The food was…read moremeh bar food for the US but since we were in the middle of the U.K. It was glorious. Having to go up to the bar to place every single order was a bit cumbersome but they brought it to you when it was ready. If you are looking for a fun dive kinda spot in Manchester with live music it's a must go.

I was lucky enough to catch the Paul Farr band at Matt and Phred's last night. It's safe to say…read morethat I entered what Howard Moon and Vince Noir would refer to as a 'jazz trance'. My word, if you get the opportunity to catch these guys when they play again on the 17th August (they play here quite regularly and it's always free entry) or at the Cinnamon Club you really must - even non-jazz fans would thoroughly enjoy their awesome musical prowess, it's absolutely universal to appreciate the percussive banter between the awe-inspiringly superb drummer and the creative percussionist armed with an absolute arsenal of unusual instruments. The guitarist has worked with the likes of Tom Jones and Lily Allen and along with the fabulous bassist, they're all just mind-bendingly supreme. The pedant and I (have I introduced you to him before?) popped in for some cocktails while the Thursday salsa classes were still going on, and I tell you, if you're remotely nervous about salsa you must join this group. Beginners are from 7-8, improvers from 8-9 and everyone was having an awesome time. The teachers seemed very sweet. The pedant took on a Dave Walsh special pizza, a great combination of anchovies, chorizo and spring onions, and if you get the opportunity (and are comfortable in your masculinity) try out a Pixie's Potion cocktail. It might look girly, but it contains absinthe. Talk about a kick and a half. As well as this, I had no idea Matt and Phred's did fresh-baked cakes - they look amazing. And the bar staff, as always, were truly magical. There's a wonderful cosy atmosphere to Matt and Phred's, and had we not had any pressing errands the next day the pedant and I could have stayed there all night. It's one of those places where whoever you're with, you constantly find yourselves looking back and forth at one another and smiling in agreement at the joy of seeing incredible music in such a cool little place. I'm making a late New Year's resolution. Visit Matt and Phred's far more often. Like on a weekly or fortnightly basis perhaps? I'd best start saving up for all those caipirinhas...

Photos
Matt and Phreds - Sounded really great.

Sounded really great.

Matt and Phreds
Matt and Phreds

See all

O2 Ritz Manchester

O2 Ritz Manchester

3.3(43 reviews)
0.1 mi
•££

Back in the 40s and 50s, The Ritz must have been Manchester's most glamerous music venue. As well…read moreas platforming visiting acts like Frank Sinatra, it was unique in having curved walls, a fantastic balcony, and a sprung dancefloor. Whilst it still makes a wonderful music venue - hosting occasional gigs by bands like Babyshambles, Arctic Monkeys and Klaxons - The Ritz's main occupation these days seems to be hosting cheesy club nights. Every Monday, there's weekly student night Dirty Stop Out with rock, pop and metal deejays, every Wednesday there's 70s night Love Train and every Saturday there's Party in The Town playing bad music from the 70s to Take That. All three nights seem to be a hit with students and singles but I've personally no desire to go somewhere there's (A) a surplus amount of Alcopops and (B) big groups of horny, intoxicated stag and hen parties. I prefer to remember The Ritz as the place Sinatra once glided across the stage crooning 'In The Wee Small Hours'. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XdN4SDYwyc&feature=related

First off I like a nice sticky floor,it gives a gig a much better atmosphere,and as i'm only ever…read moregoing to go to a Metal gig, a sticky floor is a must. The Ritz has sticky floors,and it is also a decent place to watch a band or 3,why the hell anyone would want to go to a club night here is beyond me. Although saying that why anyone would go to a club night anywhere is beyond me,I have an irrational hatred of disc jockeys and lines for the toilet.. Where was I? Oh yes the Ritz,if the gig I went to was crap then it might've got a worse review,but as it was the gig was one of the best I have been to in 21 years of gigging. German Thrash,the king of music. I was prepared to give the place 4 stars but then I remembered the bar prices, if you want to rip off club goers fine,but don't rip off those that have already spent £20 to watch a band. There really is no need to charge £17 for two pints and a JD and coke!! In summary,good for gigs,bad for club nights,and stupid pricing policy.

Photos
O2 Ritz Manchester - Sophie Ellis Bexter at the Ritz

Sophie Ellis Bexter at the Ritz

O2 Ritz Manchester - The F.U.R.S

The F.U.R.S

O2 Ritz Manchester

See all

Palace Theatre - theater - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...