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Palace Theatre Manchester

The Palace Theatre of Varieties opened on Whit Monday 1891. In the late 1970’s the Palace Theatre underwent a major refurbishment and re-opened in 1981 with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar and has since then retained its position as the premier provincial touring venue.

We believe that the joy of live performances should be accessible to all, and we're committed to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy entertainment in a comfortable, inclusive, and welcoming environment.

Getting around

Access parking

There are 2 bays outside the stage door bar entrance and there is on-street parking on oxford street up to Pizza Express. There are also bays on Whitworth Street, Whitworth Street west (after Gorilla and the Ritz), and on Great Bridgewater Street.

Lift

The Circle Bar at the Palace Theatre is accessible and can be accessed via a lift on the ground floor or ask us for At Seat Service when you arrive.

Rear Circle, row R can be accessed without steps but is reached via lift from the ground floor. 

Step free access and wheelchairs

We have four wheelchair spaces and companion seats Circle R 8&9, R12&13, R 33&34 and R37&38. 

We hold some seats at the back of the circle for customers with limited mobility. We recommend booking aisle seats on rows Q and R for transferring from a wheelchair.

Accessible toilets

Accessible Toilets can be found on the circle level at The Palace Theatre. There is an emergency pull cord in the accessible toilets should you need assistance from a member of staff.

Enjoying the show

Seat dimensions

The seats at The Palace Theatre are 17.7 inches wide on average.

Booster seats are available for customers to use in the stalls. Please speak to a member of staff upon arrival if you would like to use one (please note: there might be a hire charge which will need to be paid).

These are only available in the stalls. Booster seats are not permitted on any other level of the theatre.

Services for blind, partially sighted or otherwise visually impaired audiences

Information about our venue’s audio description, touch tours and other visual services can be found on our Visual Impairment Services page. We recommend seats in the AA-C area for customers who require a closer view of the stage.

For Audio Described shows, please book tickets through the Access Line for best availability or book tickets in the centre stalls area. Touch Tours may also be available to accompany Audio Described performances. This will be advertised on the website or brochure page for each show. For Hearing Loop users, The signal will work best in the centre stalls area.

Services for D/deaf and hard of hearing audiences

Information about our venue’s hearing enhancement systems (MobileConnect and The Loop system), signed performances and other hearing services can be found on our Hearing Assistance Services page. We have a number of BSL and captioned performances throughout the season.

For Captioned performances, we recommend seats in the centre of the stalls and to not book limited view seats or seats too far back due to the venue overhang. Seats with the best view of the captioning units are held back from general sale and set aside for patrons who require a good view of the screens. Please contact us for more information if required.

Interpreted show (BSL)

All upcoming Audio Described, Captioned, BSL Interpreted and Relaxed performances are listed on our Assisted Performances page.

Resources & help

Useful links

For any resources such as Symbol Resources or links to our Euan's Guide page, please see our Additional Resources

An Audio-Introduction for The Palace Theatre and Opera House is available on Soundcloud, please click here. To watch a video about our Audio Described Performances click here.

Further information and questions

Details of company-wide Access Services are available in our Access Section. Any other questions please see our FAQ’s.

Contact us

Please see our page for details

Upcoming access performances

Matilda The Musical

Musicals

Palace Theatre Manchester

Thu 26 Mar - Sat 25 Apr 2026

Waitress

Musicals

Palace Theatre Manchester

Tue 26 May - Sat 30 May 2026

See all access performances

Access Membership Scheme

Join our free scheme to:

  • Book tickets for accessible seats online

  • Book essential companion tickets if eligible

  • Receive information on access performances

More Info

Upcoming access performances

Matilda The Musical

Musicals

Palace Theatre Manchester

Thu 26 Mar - Sat 25 Apr 2026

Waitress

Musicals

Palace Theatre Manchester

Tue 26 May - Sat 30 May 2026

See all access performances

We believe that the joy of live performances should be accessible to all, and we're committed to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy entertainment in a comfortable, inclusive, and welcoming environment.