Empire (Ashbourne)

• Theatre ID
  837
• Built / Converted
  1912
• Dates of use
  • 1912 - 1960
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  converted to other use (Multi-purpose hall)
• Address
  King Edward Street, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England

Details

Opened as a cinéariety in 1912, it was converted to a ballroom in 1960 and a bar and refreshment room later added on stage right. Two storey façe with rendered ground floor, boarded above, with a two-storey projection containing the entrance, and projection room over. The original main structure was of corrugated iron but the stage is now partly enclosed by brickwork. The interior has been altered for ballroom use with a dance floor level with the original stage and new stage built on top. The ceiling was originally pitched and boarded and has been replaced by a curved slatted lining. Proscenium arch with fibrous plaster ornamented frame. The present chandeliers (and the piano) came from the Derby Albert Ballroom. An interesting cinéariety house. It is a pity that so much of the original interior has been obliterated.

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• Other names
  Empire Ballroom
• Events
  • 1912 - 1960 Use:
  • 1912 Design/Construction:
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1960 Alteration: converted to ballroom; floor levelled with stage; new stage built on top
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1912 Owner/Management: Stebbings, lessee
  • 1914 Owner/Management: Mrs Stebbings (as widow), lessee
  • 1920 Owner/Management: Mrs Stebbings, owner
  • 1940 Owner/Management: F S Bromwich, owner
  • 1960 Owner/Management: John Shemilt, owner
  • Owner/Management: Cotes Viyella, owner
  • Owner/Management: Richard Cooper
  • 1994 Owner/Management: Mansetter Development, owner
  • 1994 Owner/Management: Empire Club, lessees
• Capacities
  • Original: 500
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Rake
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 3.26m (11ft 8in)
  • Proscenium width: 6m (19ft 10in)