Opened in 1912, this delightful Edwardian Theatre retains all of the charm of its music hall origins including the sweeping grand staircase to the Circle, alongside many original features such as the regency-style domes on the boxes and the ornately-decorated billboard frames on the proscenium arch.

A major extension in the early 1980s created the separate Dixon Studio performing space on the first floor and a purpose-built, spacious bar area within the main entrance area.

The programme consists of a varied mix between week-long, major national tours of drama and comedy plays, such as The Woman in Black, The Pitmen Painters, Black Coffee, Art and The Play That Goes Wrong, and one-night appearances by stand-up comedians, live bands, intimate classical recitals, and a monthly film showing (the theatre was a picture-house for a brief period in the 1930s). A number of local and regional amateur dramatic groups also regularly perform to packed houses in both the main auditorium and the studio space.

 

In recent years the venue has hosted some of the top names in entertainment such as Robert Powell, Warwick Davis, Michael Palin, Simon Callow, Russell Kane, Michael McIntyre, Freddy Kempf, Denise Van Outen, and many others.

HQT&H manages the Palace Theatre on behalf of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Main Auditorium: 603 seated
Dixon Studio: 100 seated

Audiences from South Essex

Annual audiences of over 90,000

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