free hit counter
Burnley empire Theatre, march 13 | Oblivion State Urban Exploration

Post a thread

Post a thread in one of the forums

Browse the forums

Browse threads and contribute to reports

Contact Staff

Contact the team

Burnley empire Theatre, march 13

scrappy

Oblivion State Member
OS Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2013
Messages
268
Reaction score
109
Points
43
Location
preston
did this about 4 years ago originally, and to say the least access was mission impossible style back then! so this time round it was a bit easier! all photos from this month.

History:-The Empire Theatre of Varieties was opened on 29th October 1894. It was designed by architect G.A. Rawcliffe, and could seat 1,500 in orchestra stalls, dress circle and gallery levels.

In 1909, it was taken over by James Pringle and films were then part of the programme. The auditorium was reconstructed in 1911, to the plans of noted theatre architect Bertie Crewe and seating increased to 1,808. Re-opening on 11th September 1911, it then remained the leading theatre in Burnley until 1930.

New owners took over and it was converted into Burnley’s ‘Superior Talkie Theatre’. Some use was made of the stage over the years, but it was mainly now used as a cinema.

The Empire Theatre was closed in June 1955, but reopened under the independent Buxton Cinemas chain in December 1955. Sold to the Star Cinemas chain in December 1958, it became a bingo club in the mid-1960’s, when the bingo operation was transfered from the nearby Palace-Hippodrome Theatre.

The last use of the stage at the Empire Theatre was on 29th October 1966, after a weeks run of the Burnley Light Opera Company production of “The Merry Widowâ€. In the 1990’s it became a Gala Bingo Club, and remained so until they moved to a purpose built bingo club in another part of town in 1995.

The Empire Theatre was designated a Grade II Listed building by English Heritage in 1996. In 2011, the building still stands unused.

8604836121_d5f7624737_z.jpg


8605912506_7efb3c4616_z.jpg


8603071467_c76453204d_z.jpg


8603055547_5a6a024241_z.jpg


8603044715_568c71e696_z.jpg


8603135191_d125720978_z.jpg


8603126895_e4cb664fcb_z.jpg


as you can see this has a new wall fitted

8604213560_66a89019d4_z.jpg


it was hining the cheap seats

8604209220_d6e5e0dc89_z.jpg


8603105617_c757b4929f_z.jpg


on the roof

8603898337_128cc53c8f_z.jpg


 

Silent Night

Full Member
OS Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2012
Messages
648
Reaction score
2
Points
18
nooiiiiice i like that bootyful building inside some great shots there (y)

 
Joined
Feb 10, 2013
Messages
966
Reaction score
96
Points
63
That looks really nice inside compared to the outside! Great report, thanks (y)

 

skeleton key

Full Member
OS Member
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
4,213
Reaction score
31
Points
48
Thats lovely that great write up and pic :cool2:

Love the look of the place too and hope it gets sorted (y)

Very nice share thank you buddy (y)

 

Shush

Oblivion State Member
OS Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2012
Messages
922
Reaction score
0
Points
16
Blimey Scrappy, what a damn good explore! and what beautiful pictures, they're enough to grab anyones attention (y)

 

silverainbow

O.S Friend AAA
OS Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2010
Messages
843
Reaction score
7
Points
38
Very nice indeed, great mix of brilliant write up and some stunning pics, thanks for posting !

(y)

 

Wevsky

The Pototao King
OS Full member
Joined
Apr 29, 2010
Messages
2,411
Reaction score
92
Points
48
Location
Planet Thanet
Considering the outside its still got some nice features inside mate good job

 

Shush

Oblivion State Member
OS Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2012
Messages
922
Reaction score
0
Points
16
just come back for another look, I really like this :)

 
S

Scattergun

Guest
Now this is quality :) What a wonderful looking place, with a nice wee bit of history too. I loves me history. You've captured it well mate, what a shame to see such a magnificent theatre go to waste like that!

 

klempner69

OS Member
OS Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2013
Messages
462
Reaction score
89
Points
43
Age
65
What a tragedy to let this happen to a lovely old place like this..lovely shots too bud. :cool2:

 

scrappy

Oblivion State Member
OS Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2013
Messages
268
Reaction score
109
Points
43
Location
preston
thanks guys, it really is a great building and suffering a lot from dry rot, and a shame but all these lights have been taken! which i was a little gutted about

4274691883_4faea5deef_z.jpg


 

Wevsky

The Pototao King
OS Full member
Joined
Apr 29, 2010
Messages
2,411
Reaction score
92
Points
48
Location
Planet Thanet
Took the liberty of editing your title mate bit of a typo with the word theatre (y)

 

scrappy

Oblivion State Member
OS Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2013
Messages
268
Reaction score
109
Points
43
Location
preston
thanks mate, didnt notice it myself :lol:

 
Top