The theatre was designed by architect Leon Lempert Jr. based on the grand theatres of the era, specifically modeled after the Orpheum circuit houses.
In its early decades, the venue hosted vaudeville legends including Bob Hope, Milton Berle, and Sarah Bernhardt.
The structure originally featured a basement-level 'rathskeller' and an ornate lobby designed for the social elite of 1914 Manchester.
It underwent a significant multi-million dollar renovation in the early 2000s to restore its gilded interior and modernize stage technology.
The Palace Theatre Trust was formed in 1984 specifically to save the building from demolition and transform it into a community-supported nonprofit organization.
The Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a nonprofit performing arts center originally constructed in 1914 as a vaudeville venue. It is an authentic example of a preserved historic playhouse, featuring ornate 20th-century architecture and a seating capacity of approximately 880. The venue hosts a year-round rotation of Broadway-style musicals, comedies, concerts, and educational youth programs. It serves as the primary home for the Palace Theatre Trust, which manages the facility to maintain community access to professional live entertainment. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its role as a cultural anchor in downtown Manchester. The stage dimensions and technical capabilities support large-scale theatrical productions despite the venue's intimate vintage scale.
The historic, gilded lobby area under the original chandelier.
Book tickets for the 'Palace Youth Theatre' productions if you are interested in seeing local emerging talent.
Check the balcony seating options if you prefer a panoramic view of the historic architectural details and the proscenium arch.
Arrive early to explore the lobby, which retains much of the original early 20th-century aesthetic.
Do not wait until the day of the show to purchase tickets for popular musicals, as they frequently sell out in advance.
Operates year-round with a primary season running from fall through spring; typically dark on Mondays unless a special event is scheduled.
Business casual dress is typically recommended; refrain from recording or photography during live performances.
