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.

Links: www.manchestertheatres.co.uk, Theatres Trust, Wikipedia