Right in front of you is the Palace Theatre, Manchester-easy to spot with its pale stone façade on the busy corner of Oxford Street and Whitworth Street. Just look for that tall, blocky building with big banners advertising the latest shows and the black and gold “Palace Theatre” sign above the main entrance. It has an old-school charm with tall pillars and the theatre’s name gleaming down at you, almost calling you in with the promise of a great night out.
Can you imagine standing here back in 1891, people in fancy hats and the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages passing by? The Palace Theatre was brand new and it proudly showed off its shiny walls and grand entrance, designed by architect Alfred Darbyshire at the price of £40,500-which, in those days, was a small fortune!
Inside, the “Grand Old Lady of Oxford Street” once fit nearly twice as many people as today. Between the spectacular decorations by the famous Frank Matcham and the handy little pass door he put in-so the manager wouldn’t have to dash through the Manchester rain to get backstage-comfort was a priority. Imagine thunder rumbling outside while inside, the theatre glowed with lights and excitement.
Over the years, the Palace weathered more drama than some of its performers. During the Manchester Blitz in 1940, a German bomb hit the building. The theatre survived, though not without a few new battle scars. It was close to shutting down in the 1970s, but support rolled in and she came roaring back, redone and ready for more showbiz.
Today, the Palace Theatre is one of the largest and grandest stages outside of London. From the Royal Opera to ballet, musicals, comedy, and legends like Judy Garland and Laurel and Hardy, its stage has seen it all. Can you hear that applause echoing around you? Even if you can’t spot a celebrity walking by, you’re definitely standing on star-studded ground.
And here’s a bit of theatrical irony: When the Palace first opened, its launch production-Cleopatra-flopped! For years, it couldn’t draw big crowds. But as soon as they added more popular acts, it became a hit, showing the people of Manchester simply have great taste. So, next time you see the Palace’s doors open, why not step inside? You never know what magic’s waiting behind the curtain.
