The History
The Theatre opened on Monday the 29th of October 1894 with a variety show and could originally seat 1,935 people. 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.
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 Empire Theatre was designated a Grade II Listed building by English Heritage in 1996. In 2015, the building still stands unused and in a great state of disrepair.
The Explore
So after a couple weeks of none-stop exploring I finally grew some balls and decided to use the new entry point (Wasn't easy in the slightest) after getting in and getting very dirty found a few areas I've never been before (The Roof, behind the stage, attic)
After a good 2 hours inside we decided to do the roof which turned out bad as my legs went through the floor and were dangling through but other than nearly dying it was fun.
ENJOY!!
The Theatre opened on Monday the 29th of October 1894 with a variety show and could originally seat 1,935 people. 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.
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 Empire Theatre was designated a Grade II Listed building by English Heritage in 1996. In 2015, the building still stands unused and in a great state of disrepair.
The Explore
So after a couple weeks of none-stop exploring I finally grew some balls and decided to use the new entry point (Wasn't easy in the slightest) after getting in and getting very dirty found a few areas I've never been before (The Roof, behind the stage, attic)
After a good 2 hours inside we decided to do the roof which turned out bad as my legs went through the floor and were dangling through but other than nearly dying it was fun.
ENJOY!!
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