Empire (Wisbech)

• Theatre ID
  493
• Built / Converted
  1932
• Dates of use
  • 1932 - 1970
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Bingo (bingo, cinema and some live use)
• Address
  Blackfriars Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1AT, England

Details

A virtually mint cinéariety built in 1932. The foyers and auditorium are remarkably complete with an impressive array of Arts Deco plaster decoration and joinery. The proscenium arch is angular with reeded and prismatic ornaments, flanked by clustered organ pipes and recessed boxes. The balcony front is adorned with Aztec-like plaques. Main elevation in three bays, the centre higher with tall canted bay window and Art Deco pinnacle. Geometrical glazing bars to steel windows. A jewel of its time. Bingo and films in recent years.

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• Events
  • 1932 - 1970 Use:
  • 1932 Design/Construction:
    • Ward & Woolnough - Architect
  • 1973 Owner/Management: Ladbrokes
  • 1979 Owner/Management: Jacobs Theatre & Leisure Group (Norman G Jacobs)
• Capacities
  • Original: 1100
  • Later: 1991: 800
  • Current: 722
• Listings
  • Grade II
• Stage type
  • Proscenium raked 1:40
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Width SL: 17.9m SR: 14.9m
  • Proscenium width: 10.6m
  • Height to grid: 7.6m
  • Orchestra pit: Original 20 - 9.14m x 1.22m