The Palace Theatre in Manchester is a commercial theater that promotes large scale touring shows. It is a popular venue for western musicals such as ?Les Miserables?, ?Cats? and ?Miss Saigon?.
The history of Palace Theater in Manchester dates back to the Greek immigrant Victor Charas, who had a desire to run a grand theatre. Besides all the ups and downs, this theatre still remains a heritage for all kinds of theatrical performances in Manchester. With a grand opening on 18th May 1891, the first ballet ?Cleopatra? was performed to a capacity audience.
Until 2004, it was the home of Les Mis?rables for eighteen years. However, its initial elitist presentations failed to gain popular appeal resulting in poor ticket sales. Then, bowing to the inevitable economic pressures, it broadened its scope to include more popular performers and performances. This turned out to be a successful move.
Today Palace Theatre is a beautifully restored 870-seat professional performing arts center. In an area that once had 22 theatres, this historic building is now the sole survivor of ?The Great White Way?. Palace theatre is once again a center of cultural activity and Victor Charas? vision remains alive.
The theatre also produces Christmas Pantomimes, which is part of a great British tradition. It has seen television personalities in leading roles and also been witness to shows hosted by big celebrities such as Victoria Wood, Les Dawson and Morecambe & Wise. It is now one of the best-equipped and popular theatres outside London with record-breaking crowds thronging to see its shows.
Prices of tickets range from around ?30.00 to ?5.00 and are also dependent on the show and seat. However, booking several months ahead is recommended for some popular shows at the Palace Theater in Manchester.
