Palace Theatre [Manchester]
Theatre building in Manchester, United Kingdom, opened in 1891
theater in Manchester, Verenigd Koninkrijk
Palace Theatre
The Manchester Palace of Varieties
Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6FT, England
Descriptive text, I. p. 45 ; Block plan, I. p. 45 ; P'ront elevation, I. PL 66 ; Plan street level, I. PL 66; Plan 1st tier, I. PL 66 ; Plan area, I. p. 67 ; Longitudinal section, I. p. 67 ; Diagram of box-front line, III. p. 62 ; Skeleton plan of auditorium, III. PL opp. p. 62; Skeleton section of auditorium, III. PL opp. p. 62 ; Cost and dimensions, III. p. 18 ; References, III. pp. 34, 51.
Built 1891 as Manchester Palace of Varieties by Alfred Darbyshire and F. B. Smith. Used for music hall performances. 1896 alterations and redecoration by Frank Matcham. 1913 major auditorium rebuilding by Bertie Crewe. Subsequently mainly used for revues, musical performances and pantomimes. 1953 interior and exterior alterations. 1913 renamed Palace Theatre. 1979-1981 major refurbishment, extension of stage and pit. Re-opened 1981 with A. L. Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar. Currently used for touring performances of opera, ballet, musical, and drama performances. Originally 3675 seats, since 1913: 2600 seats.