Liverpool Empire Theatre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Liverpool Empire Theatre |
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The Empire Theatre in 2018
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| General information | |
| Type | Theatre |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| Address | Lime Street |
| Town or city | Liverpool, England |
| Coordinates | 53°24′32″N 2°58′41″W / 53.4089°N 2.9781°W |
| Groundbreaking | 1924 |
| Completed | 1925 |
| Opened | 9 March 1925 |
| Renovated | 1977, 1999 |
| Client | Moss Empires |
| Owner | Ambassador Theatre Group |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Steel frame |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | W. and T. R. Milburn |
| Other information | |
| Seating capacity | 2,348 |
The Liverpool Empire Theatre is a famous theatre located on Lime Street in Liverpool, England. It's a very special place for shows and performances. This theatre, which opened in 1925, is actually the second one built on this spot. It has the biggest two-tier (meaning two levels of seats) audience area in the United Kingdom, with space for 2,348 people!
Contents
History of the Theatre
The first theatre on this site was called the "New Prince of Wales Theatre and Opera House." It opened on October 15, 1866, and was the largest theatre in Liverpool at that time. Less than a year later, on July 29, 1867, its name changed to the "Royal Alexandra Theatre and Opera House." This was to honor Princess Alexandra, who was the Princess of Wales.
In 1894, this theatre closed down. However, it reopened the next year under new owners, Empire Theatre (Liverpool) Ltd. In 1896, the theatre was sold for £30,000, which was a lot of money back then! It was then renamed "The Empire." This first theatre closed for good on February 16, 1924, and was taken down.
The current Liverpool Empire Theatre opened its doors on March 9, 1925. In 1977, the theatre was still owned by a company called Moss Empires. They were planning to sell it. Two years later, in 1979, Merseyside County Council bought it. Over the next two years, a lot of money (about £680,000) was spent to make the backstage areas better and to make the stage and orchestra pit bigger.
The theatre had another big makeover in 1999. This included making the stage even larger and improving things for the audience. By 2002, the theatre was owned by Clear Channel Entertainment. In that same year, a new part was added to the north side of the building.
Theatre Design and Features
Outside Look of the Theatre
The theatre was designed by architects W. and T. R. Milburn for Moss Empires. The beautiful carvings and decorations inside were made by E. O. Griffiths. The building has a strong steel frame. The front of the theatre is made of Portland stone, and the other parts are made of brick. The style of the front is called free Neoclassical, which means it looks like old Greek and Roman buildings but with a modern twist.
The front of the theatre has five main sections. The middle three sections are taller than the two on the sides. On the ground floor, you'll find the entrance doors. Above them is a steel roof-like structure called a canopy. It's decorated with round designs and patterned bands. The floor above the ground floor has the balcony, with single and double Ionic columns. Between these columns are windows that are set back. Above this is a decorative border with tooth-like shapes and a top section. The side sections on the first floor have windows with decorative frames, next to flat, thin columns. Above these is a plain wall.
Inside the Theatre
When you enter, you step into the main lobby on the ground floor. Stairs on both sides of the lobby lead up to the balcony seats. The seats inside are angled both to the sides and to the back. This helps everyone have a better view of the stage. The inside decorations are in a style called Louis XVI style. It has many interesting decorations, including carved elephant statues that look like they are holding up parts of the building.
Protecting the Theatre
The Liverpool Empire Theatre is a very important building. It was officially listed as a Grade II listed building on October 16, 1990. This means it's protected because of its special history and design. When it first opened, its design was thought to be very modern, especially because of how the seats were angled. It has 2,350 seats, making its two-tier audience area the largest in Britain. The theatre is also located in the William Brown Street Conservation Area, which is a special area protected for its historical buildings.
Famous Performances and Performers
Early Shows and Stars
The first theatre on this site hosted many famous performers. These included George Formby Sr., Harry Tate, Dan Leno, Florrie Forde, The Two Bobs, and Wilson, Keppel and Betty. The very first show in the current Liverpool Empire Theatre was called Better Days. It starred Stanley Lupino, Maisie Gay, and Ruth French.
Many other famous people have performed here over the years. These include Fred Astaire and his sister Adele Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Mae West, Laurel and Hardy, Roy Rogers and his horse Trigger, Charlton Heston, Sarah Bernhardt, Henry Irving, Vesta Tilley, and Arthur Askey.
Music Legends on Stage
In 1957, a local pop group called The Quarrymen performed at the theatre. They came back in 1959, but by then they had changed their name to "Johnny and the Moondogs." They returned to the Empire again in 1962, and this time they were called The Beatles! The Beatles played at the Empire for the last time on December 5, 1965.
The Rolling Stones also performed at the Empire Theatre on September 25, 1966. They shared the stage with Ike & Tina Turner and The Yardbirds.
During the 1970s, two special "Royal Command Performances" were held at the Empire. These are shows where members of the Royal Family attend. In 2007, the theatre hosted the Royal Variety Performance. This was to celebrate Liverpool being named the European Capital of Culture for the next year.
Many other famous singers and musicians have performed here. These include Johnny Mathis, The Carpenters, Neil Sedaka, The Osmonds, Tommy Steel, Adam Faith, Bruce Forsyth, Victoria Wood, Morecambe and Wise, Ken Dodd, Shirley Bassey, Kylie Minogue, Kate Bush, Elton John, Cilla Black, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Chuck Berry, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynyrn, Rush, Wishbone Ash, The Police, Queen, Santana, Iron Maiden, Genesis, Steve Hillage, and Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. A funny story about Steve Harley is that during a concert in 1976, he fell off the stage and into the orchestra pit! But he kept performing as if nothing had happened, even though he broke three ribs.
The Empire Theatre Today
The Empire Theatre is still a very busy place today. It hosts all kinds of shows, including musicals, pop concerts, comedians, plays, opera, and even wrestling! Some people say the theatre is haunted by at least two ghosts. One is believed to be a former painter at the theatre named Len. The other is said to be a girl, about nine or ten years old, dressed in Victorian clothes. As of 2011, the Empire is part of the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), which owns many theatres.
Every year, a musical is put on at the theatre by young people who take part in "Stage Experience." This is a two-week summer school where local youngsters get to perform a full musical with a professional team. This program started in 2007 with Summer Holiday. Other musicals they have performed include The Wiz (2008), Bugsy Malone (2009), Fame (2010), West Side Story (2011), Annie (2012), Grease (2013), Cats (2014), and Rent (2019).
See also
In Spanish: Empire Theatre (Liverpool) para niños
