Burnley Empire | |
![]() Empire Theatre, Burnley | |
| |
Former names | Empire Music Hall |
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Address | Cow Lane Burnley, BB111NN United Kingdom |
Owner | Burnley Empire Trust |
Designation | Grade II listed |
Current use | In Need of Restoration |
Construction | |
Opened | 1894 |
Closed | 1995 |
Rebuilt | 1911 Bertie Crewe |
Architect | 1894 George Birkbeck Rawcliffe - 1911 Bertie Crewe |
Website | |
burnleyempiretrust |
The Empire Theatre, built in 1894 and also known as the Burnley Empire, is a Grade II listed building located in Burnley, Lancashire. Built on the site of a former spinning mill, it is currently dilapidated but owned and managed by Burnley Empire Trust. [1]
It is currently the last surviving purpose-built theatre/variety hall in Lancashire's northern cotton towns and has been on the Theatre Trust's at risk register since it was created in 2006. [2]
The Empire Theatre was opened as a variety hall by local stationer William Horner (1841–1922) who also ran the nearby Victoria Opera House. [1] It was designed by local architect George Birkbeck Rawcliffe with an innovative dual staircase, described by the local Burnley Express newspaper, as a "double helix."
The theatre was extensively rebuilt in 1911 by celebrated London architect William Robert ‘Bertie’ Crewe, who was responsible for the design of the Paris Alhambra & the Shaftsbury Theatre and would go on to renovate the Palace Theatre in Manchester. It had a rather impressive capacity of 2,100 and featured richly formed plasterwork in the classical style which is still a principal feature of interest.
From 1938 to 1970 the building was used as a cinema.
The theatre eventually became a bingo hall and closed for the final time in 1995. [2]
The Burnley Empire Trust, initially Burnley Empire Limited, was formed in 2018 to purchase the Empire Theatre from the Duchy of Lancaster after it was deemed to be " Bona Vacantia". With support from the Theatres Trust, National Trust & Theatresearch they initially set about stabilisation works. After securing grants they commissioned various viability studies to idenitify the work needed to restore the theatre to its former glory. [2]
The world famous escapologist Harry Houdini staged a breakout from the local police cells on 9 December 1902 to advertise his show at the Empire. [1] His show ran for six nights and he was noted to have escaped from three sets of bracelets on the stage. [3]
A young unknown Charlie Chaplin was discovered at the Empire before he moved to Hollywood. [4]
Margot Fonteyn and Gracie Fields have also trodden the boards. [5]
In February 2024, local band the milltown brothers visited the Empire for a promotional photo & video shoot to support the theatre. [6]