Empire (Rotherham)
- Theatre ID2385
- Built / Converted1913
- Dates of use
- 1913 - 1921
- Current stateExtant
- Current useconverted to other use (nightclub/warehouse)
- AddressWestgate (High Street Corner), Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England
Details
The theatre occupies a large corner site. The foyer block, largely separate from the auditorium is in a free Classical style, faced in white faience which is in remarkably good condition. Prominent stage house. The tall auditorium was altered as a cinema in 1921, but retained three levels. In 1974 the circle and balcony were closed off with just the stalls in use, again as a cinema. In 1978 the stage area was partitioned and sublet, the stalls cinema reduced in size and the balcony (top level) re-opened with a wall at the end as a 314-seat cinema. Both closed in 1990. No trace of the Empire remains in the nightclub or bar but remains may possibly survive in the upper levels.
- Other namesEssoldo, Classic, Cannon
-
Events
- 1913 - 1921 Use:
- 1913 Design/Construction:
- Chadwick & Watson - Architect
- 1921 Alteration: extensively altered to cinema
- Unknown - Architect
- 1974 Alteration: circle and balcony closed off
- Unknown - Architect
- 1978 Alteration: converted to cinema
- Unknown - Architect
- 1954 Owner/Management: Essoldo
- 1972 - 1990 Owner/Management: Classic-Cannon
- Capacities
- Later: 1948: 1143 1978: 314 & 294
- Listings
- Grade Not listed
- Stage type
- Rake
-
Dimensions
- Proscenium width: 9.84m




