Palace Theatre Manchester

The Palace Theatre Manchester is one of the city’s most established and prestigious venues, with a history dating back to 1891. Following a major refurbishment in the late 20th century, it has become a leading destination for touring productions, hosting major shows including Jesus Christ Superstar and a wide range of West End performances.

The theatre is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment, with a number of accessibility features in place to support visitors with additional needs. While the building retains its historic structure, thoughtful adaptations help make the experience more accessible.

Accessible parking is available nearby, with a small number of bays located outside the stage door entrance, as well as additional spaces on surrounding streets including Oxford Street, Whitworth Street and Great Bridgewater Street.

Lift access is available within the venue, providing access from the ground floor to the Circle level. This allows step-free access to key areas including the Circle Bar and selected seating locations. Rear Circle Row R is one of the most accessible seating areas, as it can be reached via lift without steps.

The theatre offers four designated wheelchair spaces with companion seating, all located in the Circle (Row R). These should be booked in advance to ensure availability. Additional seating at the back of the Circle is suitable for visitors with limited mobility, and aisle seats in Rows Q and R are recommended for those transferring from a wheelchair.

Accessible toilet facilities are located on the Circle level and include emergency pull cords for added support and reassurance.

Seating throughout the theatre is traditional, with an average width of approximately 17.7 inches. Booster seats are available for use in the Stalls area, which can be requested on arrival, although availability may vary.

To support visitors with visual impairments, the theatre offers audio described performances and occasional touch tours. For those who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, both Mobile Connect and hearing loop systems are available, allowing audio to be enhanced or streamed directly to personal devices. Captioned and BSL interpreted performances are also held regularly, with recommended seating areas to ensure a clear view of interpreters and caption screens.

Overall, while the Palace Theatre Manchester has some limitations due to its traditional layout, the availability of lift access, accessible seating, and support services helps create a more inclusive and mobility friendly theatre experience.