Empire (Douglas)

• Theatre ID
  1126
• Built / Converted
  1893
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  converted to other use (Disco)
• Address
  Regent Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, Other

Details

Built by the photographer S. Lees, it opened as a theatre with balcony above shops. In 1896 W Rennison’s submitted plans show an auditorium consisting of a simple horseshoe tier supported by columns. It was converted to cinema in 1907 and altered in 1913 - it is this interior with stage and balcony which may be seen today. Cinema ceased in 1929 owing to licensing difficulties, since which time it has seen various club/restaurant uses. The building retains its altered 3-bay façe and two shops below, but the area will be redeveloped in the near future (2004).

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• Other names
  Mona Theatre, Bijou Theatre, Empire Electric Theatre, Empire Picture Hall
• Events
  • 1893 Design/Construction:
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1893 Owner/Management: S Lees
  • 1896 Alteration: new exits created
    • W Rennison - Architect
  • 1896 Owner/Management: Thomas Cain
  • 1905 Owner/Management: Charles Dare
  • 1907 Alteration:
    • Re-equipped as Electric Theatre - Architect
  • 1913 Alteration: alterations
    • George Kay & Sons - Architect
  • 2004 Owner/Management: Mr Croft
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Proscenium flat
• Dimensions
  • Building dimensions: 39ft x 51ft