The Empire Theatre, Leicester Square
Introduction - The First Empire Theatre - Opening Night Programme and Feature - Second Empire Theatre - Third and Present Empire Theatre - The 1962 Rebuild - Some Early Empire Theatre Programmes
Other Leicester Square Theatres and Cinemas
Above - Leicester Square with the Empire Theatre to the left - From an early Postcard.
The Empire Theatre is situated in the former theatreland area of London's Leicester Square. The Theatre originally opened with a production of the play 'Chilperic' on the 17th of April 1884.
Although much altered and rebuilt since it first opened, and today in use as a Cinema and Casino, the Empire is one of many Theatres which have graced Leicester Square over the years, which, sadly, is mostly surrounded by shops, hotels, and offices today, although several Cinemas do remain.
Other Theatres situated in Leicester Square in the past were the Alhambra Theatre, since demolished and rebuilt as the Odeon Cinema, the Leicester Square Theatre, since demolished and soon to be replaced by an Hotel and Cinema, and Daly's Theatre, since demolished and replaced by a Cinema. The London Hippodrome is also on the edge of the Square, but is today in use as a Casino. The only remaining Theatre in this former theatreland area of Leicester Square, and still in it's original live theatre use, is the Prince of Wales Theatre.
A history of all the incarnations of the Empire Theatre follows, and an article on the original opening night of the Empire Theatre in 1884 can be seen below.
The First Empire Theatre (1884)
Above - The original Empire Theatre, Leicester Square from a 1904 variety programme cover - Courtesy Roger Fox.
The
first Empire Theatre was designed by Thomas
Verity and opened in 1884 with a production of 'Chilperic' which was a 'Grand Musical Spectacular'
by Florimund Herve. The Empire later became a Music
Hall called 'The Empire Theatre of Varieties,' in 1887.
Right - Images of the first Empire Theatre - From the Illustrated London News, April 1884 - Courtesy Alfred Mason. - Click to enlarge.
A new vestibule and side entrance were added to the Theatre in 1893 by Frank T. Verity, and a few years later, in 1898, the building was renamed The Empire Theatre again, see programme below.
Above - Details from a variety / music hall production at the original Empire Theatre in 1904 - Courtesy Roger Fox.
The Theatre's last stage performance in this form would be 'Lady Be Good' in 1927. The Theatre was then closed on the 22nd January 1927 and subsequently demolished for the construction of a new Super Cinema on the site, details below.
The Second Empire Theatre (1928)
Above - The Empire, Leicester Square during the showing of a series of films billed as 'It's All Laughter Week!' - From 'The Bioscope', November 1930.
The
second Empire Theatre was built as a 'super cinema' with stage facilities, and opened on
the 8th of November 1928 with the 1916 silent film 'Trelawny of the Wells' See opening Souvenir Programme here.
The Weekly Kinema Guide reported on the new Empire Theatre, and the history of its site, in their 12th of January 1930 edition saying:- 'The luxurious New Empire, which in the opinion of many is the world's most beautiful picture theatre, stands on a site that has for centuries been of considerable historical and romantic interest.
Right - The Second Empire Theatre - From The Weekly Kinema Guide, 12th of January 1930.
Originally a tilt yard where knightly tournaments were held, the site was utilised by the Earl of Leicester in 1630 for building a palatial residence known as Leicester House. Here the children of Charles the First stayed for some time, to be followed later by the Queen of Bohemia who died there in 1662.
Another distinguished occupier of Leicester House was Colbert, the French Ambassador, and it was here that he was visited by the famous diarist Pepys.
After a period of occupation by Prince Eugene, the historic house was taken by George, Prince of Wales, who set up there an opposition court to his father, George the First. At this time Addison's "Cato" was performed in the house with Prince George himself as "Portuis." When the Prince became king his son followed his footsteps and maintained a special court of his own. Thus did Leicester House become known as "The Pouting Place of Princes."
George the Third was proclaimed king there but after this event the mansion seems to have been deserted by royalty as a residence and Sir Ashton Lever acquired it for his notable museum.
Above - The Auditorium of the 1928 Empire, Leicester Square - From an Advertisement for Waring & Gillow Ltd, Decorations, Furnishings, Carpets and Draperies, in the Bioscope of March 27th 1929.
In 1884 a theatre was built on the site and opened as "The Empire" with a piece entitled "Chilperic" by H. B. Farnie. Herbert Standing was in the title role and many well-known British and Continental artistes were in the cast.
The promenade of the Empire became one of the most popular meeting-places in London and the theatre had hundreds of very distinguished patrons. It was on the Empire promenade, by the way, that the first and one of the most dramatic suffragette demonstrations occurred. How much has happened since those stormy days and how much more freedom women have gained!
Left - The Empire Theatre as it appeared in 1884 - From The Weekly Kinema Guide, 12th of January 1930.
Many splendid ballets and first-class variety turns appeared on the stage of the Empire, but the coming of revue led to a decline in the popularity of the music-hall.
Then came the moving picture which swept all before it and led to the acquiring of the old Empire site as a super cinema. It is interesting to note in this connection that the firm associated with the first showing of films at the Empire was Goldwyn, which now forms part of the Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer Corporation, the present enterprising owners of the theatre. It is the latter who established at the Empire the first noon to midnight film entertainment that London has had.
Right - The Empire, Leicester Square whilst showing the film 'A Free Soul' with Norma Shearer, Clark Gable, and Lionel Barrymore - From the Bioscope, October 7th 1931.
The last stage performance given at the old Empire was "Lady Be Good." The new and even more comfortable house opened with an outstanding film version of "Trelawny of the Wells" and two members of the original play cast were present at that memorable first-night of the cinema. These were the Earl of Rosslyn and Aubrey Fitzgerald. What memories they must have had of the old building! - Maurice Deverenx.'
The above text in quotes was first published in The Weekly Kinema Guide, 12th of January 1930.
Above - The Opening Souvenir Programme for the Empire, Leicester Square, November 8th 1928 - Courtesy Ron Knee. A typed note included with the programme said:- '1928 - The MGM Empire opened on November 8, 1928 and immediately became a London landmark. The premiere programme featured a silent picture, TRELAWNY OF THE WELLS, starring Norma Shearer. Sound was in its infancy, but the screen did speak on opening night - a newsreel and special greetings from the stars.'
Cine-variety was presented at the
Empire for several years during the late 1940s and early 1950s, the
live shows were very elaborate affairs with a large cast and a large
pit orchestra, and were similar to shows presented at Radio City Music
Hall, New York. At normal West
End Cinema ticket prices this type of entertainment was very good
value for money. The programmes were issued free of charge.
Right - A Cine-Variety Programme Cover for the Empire Theatre, Leicester Square in March 1950 - Courtesy Alan Chudley -Click to see the Programme enlarged.
The Empire had a large auditorium at that date, also a large stage, albeit, on a different axis to Leicester Square than the original Empire. Sir Alfred Butt, had insisted on the retention of a stage as a condition of sale when he sold the original Empire in 1927. The stage lighting for the shows was mainly overhead spot bars with Strand Patt 76 Acting area floods and booms of Stand Patt 50a pageant lamps from the wings, which gave very effective lighting. Unusually for a West End Theatre, the house stage lighting switchboard, was not the usual Strand make but a Blackburn & Starling job.
This second Empire Theatre was closed in May 1961 after a 76 week run of 'Ben Hur' and the interior was then completely reconstructed, details below.
Some of the above information on the Second Empire Theatre was kindly sent in by Alan Chudley.
The Third Empire Theatre (1962)
Above - Three faces of the Empire, Leicester Square. Left: 1884 - the original Empire opens. Centre: 1928 - the MGM Empire opens with a Norma Shearer 'silent.' Right: 1959 - start of the 76-week run of "Ben-Hur," which closed the old Empire in a blaze of glory.
The
Empire Theatre of 1962 was the third incarnation of
this iconic building in London's Leicester Square. The Theatre, which opened on the 19th December 1962 with the film 'Jumbo', also had a ballroom situated
in the basement, in what was formerly the Stalls of the second Empire Theatre. Today the former ballroom site is in use as a Casino.
Right - The Gala Opening Programme for the New Empire Theatre in 1962 - Click to see a Special Feature on this programme.
A Special Feature on the reconstruction and opening of the third incarnation of the Empire Theatre in 1962 can be seen here. The Theatre was later split into two large screen cinemas but remained pretty much in its original form, and even today is one of Leicester Square's major Cinemas.
The Empire, Leicester Square is currently (2017) run by Cineworld whose own website for the Theatre can be found here.
There now follows details of the opening of the original Empire Theatre, Leicester Square in 1884.
The Empire Theatre's Opening Programme, Thursday, April 17, 1884
The
EMPIRE Theatre (Shown Right) now stands on the site where once
stood the stately Leicester House of 1636; whose architect, if not Inigo
Jones himself, was certainly a pupil of his school; and in the neighbourhood
lived the Sidneys, the Saviles, the Sunderlands, Newton and Swift, Hogarth,
Sir Joshua Reynolds, John Hunter, Cruickshank, the surgeon, Chalks Bell,
the author of "The Anatomy of Expression," Kosciusko and La
Guiceiola and Dibdin, who did much for the navy with his fine sea songs;
the home of the Sydneys, the last resting place of James the First's
unhappy daughter, the - Queen of Hearts," the nursery and court
of the first three Princes of Wales of the Hanoverian line, is swept
away completely; Leicester Place standing on part of its site. The home
of Hogarth, once the " Golden Head," has become Archbishop
Tenison's Schools; and Sir Joshua's house, Puttick and Simpson's sale
rooms.
Till the days of Charles II., Leicester Square, then called Leicester Fields, was open country the only building being Leicester House, on the north side of the square.
The grounds in which it stood were then most extensive, including on the south side all that part now occupied by Castle Street, Hemming's Row, &,c., as far as the King's Mews, and on the north the gardens reached to Gerrard Street, Soho.
Above - Leicester Square in about 1750 - From 'Old and New London' 1897. The site of the Empire Theatre is at top centre of the image.
This house was built between 1632 and 1636 by Robert Sydney, Earl of
Leicester, whose father, Robert, was the brother of the famous Sir Philip
Sydney, killed at the battle of Zutphen. Here, Lady -Elizabeth Princess
Palatine, (Queen of Bohemia, whose fascinations earned her the title
of Queen of Beauty, spent the last days of her unhappy and romantic
life.
Right - An Early 20th century postcard of Leicester Square showing the Empire Theatre (top left) and the Alhambra Theatre (far right).
From 1712 to 1760, Leicester House was the palace of the Princes of Wales, and from their constant family quarrels was most happily named by Pennant "the pouting place of princes." During this period a passage was built connecting Leicester with Savile House. of which we shall speak directly.
In 1718, the Prince of Wales, afterwards George II, having quarrelled with his father and been commanded to quit St. James's, purchased Leicester House. Here in 1721, his son, the "bloody, butcher " of Culloden was born.
When George II, in his turn quarrelled with his eldest son Frederick, the latter took up his abode and held his court in Leicester House, doing everything he could to vex and annoy his father from thence. During his residence here the first performance was given within these walls which were soon to become the resting place of "shows" innumerable. The play given was Addison's " Cato," the Prince's eldest son, afterwards George III, sustaining the character of Portius. In 1751, Frederick died here.
Leicester
House was subsequently, occupied by private persons and then passed
into the hands of Sir Ashton Lever, who there opened his "Holophusikon,"
which was a museum of curiosities of all kinds, including all the objects
of interest collected by Captain Cook. He at first charged five shillings
and threepence admission, then half-a-crown; but all to no purpose,
the show was a failure.
Left - The original site of Leicester Square - From 'Old and New London' 1897.
He therefore applied to Parliament for permission to dispose of it by lottery in 36,000 shares, at a guinea a piece; he however, sold but 8,000 and the museum passed into the hands of the winner, Mr. Parkinson. He lowered his charge to one shilling, but all ill vain, it still had no success, and the contents were disposed of under the hammer.
Leicester
House -was pulled down in 1791, and on part of its site was erected
the famous Burford's panorama.
An artist, of the name of Bobert Barker, standing one day on Calton Hill, Edinboro', admiring the view, was suddenly struck with the thought of reproducing the panorama before him on canvas, making the spectator occupy. a central position similar to that in which he himself stood, and trusting to perspective to reproduce the distances. The result was an exhibition of the " Panorama of Edinboro' and its Environs," at 25, Haymarket, in 1791. The show was an enormous success, and was followed by another of "London and Westminster, giving a correct view of the three bridges," by the same artist, exhibited at 28, Castle Street. A building was now erected by public Subscription, at the end of Cranbourn Street, on part of the site of Leicester House, and opened in June 1793, by a panorama of the "Fleet at Spithead," which was succeeded in 1794 by another, entitled " The glorious First of June," shewing Lord Howe's great victory over the French, with the correct positions of all the ships. The panorama now became an institution, and all the important events of the times were reproduced there, including the wars of Napoleon, the final attack on the wars in China, the -Artic discoveries of Franklin and Parry, the explorations at Nineveh, by Layard, and many others. The panorama passed from the hands, of Robert Barker to those of his son, Henry Aston Barker, who was succeeded by his pupil and painter, John Burford, from whom it descended to his son Robert.
Right - A Report for a magistrates hearing on the proposed use of Saville House for Musical Entertainments, Printed in the Globe newspaper, Saturday Evening, October 13, 1849. - Courtesy Colin Charman. - Click to enlarge.
Savile
House, called also Ailesbury House, stood adjoining Leicester House
on the west. In 1698, it belonged to the eccentric Lord Carmarthen,
son of the Duke of Leeds with whom lodged Peter the Great, whilst he
was in London. Indeed, these two seem to have been singularly fitted
for each other's society, for Lord Carmarthen, besides being an amateur
sailor and ship builder, was, like his guest, a most immoderate brandy
drinker and altogether a rough customer.
The house passed into the Saviles by the marriage of Charles, third and last Earl of Ailesbury,with Lady Ann Saville, daughter of the second Marquis of Halifax. In 1790, the house was in the of that Lord George Savile who brought in the Catholic Relief Bill, which led to the Gordon riots, during which, Savile House was attacked by the mob and all the costly furniture books, and pictures, were buried in the square; they even tore up the railings of the house and used them for weapons.
Savile House was rebuilt early in the present century, and on the 14th February, 1806, Miss Linwood brought her famous gallery of pictures in needlework here, from the Hanover Square Rooms. The pictures, which numbered at last 64, remained here till April, 1846, when they were sold by, Christie and Manson the exhibitor just having died at the age of 90. These pictures were copies of some of the most famous ancient and modern masters, and, were all worked on linen in coloured worsteds, by the exhibitor; she had finished two or three before she was 20, and completed the last at 75 years of age.
Henceforward, all sorts of exhibitions occupied the premises from time to time; such as Mdme. Warton's unequalled tableaux vivants and poses plastiques. The title of the house was then "The Walhalla;" however the abode of bliss conducted its proprietor but to the Bankruptcy Court. Then came Risley's Panorama of the Mississippi, Gompertz' Panorama of the Arctic Regions, in 1849 Cambon's Paris, Versailles and St. Cloud, and C. Marshall's Grand Tour of Europe in 1851. Moreover, the Lapland giantess, who stood 7 feet 2 inches-whether she was still growing, though, does not appear, -Joseph Grantonio, the Italian giant, who topped the lady by five inches, was 5 feet 5 inches round the waist, and could cover a crown piece with his thum, and a negro entertainment - precursor of Haverly's - by real blacks from the American cotton plantations, all appeared here in the Exhibition year. A collection of Greek and Etruscan antiquities was exhibited here in 1852, together with Madame Fortunne, a bearded Geneva woman, with her child. Cantelo's egg hatching apparatus, Auguste Reinham's industrious fleas, and Brees' panorama of New Zealand occupied the building from 1849 to 1853, when a Living Marionette Theatre," Professor Krosso and a German troupe of athletes appealed to the public for patronage. Here, too, came Reiner, with an anatomical and ethnological museum of wax works, similar to that of Kban. In 1854, George Payne exhibited his "Nights in the Land of Gold," and in 1855, Montari his royal waxworks.
But
alas! a lighted candle having been applied to an escape of gas in the
cellars, Savile House, which was then called (1865)
the " Eldorado " Music Hall was burned to the ground together
with Ward's Furniture Manufactory; Stagg and Mantle's establishment
which had formed part of the original Savile House was only saved by
the great exertions of the fire brigade.
Right - This page features details of the Empire Theatre in its three major guises, including the ERA review of its openings - 1884 - 1887 - 1962 - Click the to view the page.
The space cleared by the fire remained unoccupied till within the last few years, when the ground was acquired by some enterprising foreigners and a Panorama was erected thereon, which however did not prove a pecuniary success. It was then decided to convert the building into a Theatre, from designs by Mr. Thomas Verity, F.R. I.B.A., who proposed carrying out the work in the Moorish style of architecture, with Japanese fittings, and the Theatre was partially built. Messrs. J. & A. E. Bull, Architects, 35, Craven Street, were subsequently .commissioned to complete the work, and are to be credited with having produced one of the most palatial, comfortable, elegant and safe theatres that the metropolis can now boast of, comprising in all its details, every modern improvement and device for securing comfort, convenience and safety. The elevation towards the square (but for the exception of a crown placed immediately under the large pediment surmounting the building and the words, "The Empire Theatre" in gold, and a light iron verandah and shelter of tasteful appearance), remains as originally designed by the French architect to the Panorama Company, and is bold and characteristic. The Entrance Hall and Vestibule, with its staircase, are strikingly beautiful; the latter, with its column, pilasters and dado, are of scagliola, relieved with gilt capitals and panels in the renaissance style of architecture, which indeed is that in which the whole of the interior of the building has been designed.
The
Grand Tier or Dress Circle is on the same level as the Vestibule. This
tier consists of four rows of seats, surrounded by Private Boxes, the
rich crimson velvet hangings of which give a warmth and richness to
the lower portion of the theatre.
Right - Images of the Empire Theatre - From the Illustrated London News, April 1884 - Courtesy Alfred Mason. - Click to enlarge.
The
design of the curve at this level with one row of seats projecting beyond
the line of the tier above it, is very much like a horse-shoe, the size
of the Auditorium and Proscenium opening being both ample, the line
of sight is not interfered with, and from every seat a good and complete
view of the stage can be obtained. Behind the Private Boxes there is
a corridor 8 feet 6 inches wide, but it is on the Balcony level where
the most ample space is allowed for promenade. This indeed is a noble
area, with a magnificent Foyer, elevated a few steps above and behind
it. This level is approached by the Grand Staircase direct from the
Entrance Hall and Vestibule, and will undoubtedly prove a most popular
portion of the building. It is estimated that at least 300 people could
promenade here with an entirely uninterrupted view of the stage. The
Foyer is, as we have said, at the rear, and is approached from this
level by another handsome staircase. It is a magnificent apartment,
45 feet by 43 by 30 feet high. Its ceiling is supported by marble columns
and pilasters with gilded capitals, and surmounted by marble entablatures,
the whole of the room has a dado of the same material, the floor is
of tiled mosaic pavement of suitable design. Very excellent stained
grass windows with portraits and ideal representations, overlook Leicester
Square. The panels and entablatures of ceiling are painted with subjects
representing Comedy., Tragedy, &-c. A novel effect to this charming
Foyer has been obtained by inserting at each end between...
Above - Cast Details from 'Chilperic' On The Empire Theatre's Opening Night , Thursday, April 17, 1884
Above - Cast Details from 'Chilperic' On The Empire Theatre's Opening Night , Thursday, April 17, 1884
...the
pilasters, large panels of plate glass from floor to ceiling, thus giving
the effect of interminable dimensions. In the angles of the Foyer are
tastefully fitted Refreshment Buffets. Altogether the effect on first
entering this charming and unique gallery is most pleasing, and it will
without doubt, excite the keenest admiration. The Gallery tier is approached
by a corridor from Lisle Street, 8 feet 6 inches wide, arid a single
flight of stairs, and strange as it may appear, is only about 15 feet
above the level of Lisle Street. There is a fireproof exit from the
Gallery on the opposite side, carried right across, but not communicating
in any way with the Stage. This will only be used as an extra exit.
Descending, on either side of Proscenium opening immediately behind
the Stage Boxes, is a staircase with steps five feet wide, which communicates
with every portion of the building from the Gallery to the Orchestra
Stalls, thus precluding any possibility of crushing. The more than ample
arrangements for exit will enable the audience from every part of the
house to leave the Theatre without inconvenience in the space of about
three minutes. The Orchestra Stalls are 180 in number, whilst 106 seats
are reserved as Pit Stalls, leaving a capacious Pit proper, and Promenade
12 feet wide, accomodating 550 people. The Pit is approached by a wide
corridor and from Leicester Square front. In connection with this portion
of the Theatre, and immediately under the Vestibule Hall and principal
staircase to Foyer, is a large Pit Saloon, with spacious Retiring Rooms
and Lavatories. These, as a matter of fact, are supplied on each level
or tier, and fitted with every convenience.
The general effect of the Auditorium on ascending the principal staircase leading from Vestibule is most pleasing. The soffit of the Gallery, divided into panels by the girders, and tastefully painted - representing figurers - first attracts the eye; and then, as one glances round, one cannot, but be struck with the warmth, cosiness, and general comfort of the whole building.
The
acoustic properties have been proved to be admirable. The height of
the tiers appear to be exactly correct, thus obviating what has proved
to be so many mistakes in many of our more modern theatres, through
a fallacious notion that ventilation is accelerated by a higher soffit.
The Proscenium arch and frieze are very elegantly decorated, and its
solid gilding is a conspicuous feature. It is 32 feet wide, and 35 feet
high. The ceiling of the Auditorium is circular, and surrounded by an
elaborately decorated cornice and arcade, and supported by caryatides
and columns. From its centre hangs a sunburner containing 510 lights.
This is ample for illuminating the entire Theatre, but extra gas brackets
are provided for the Balcony tier and the outer walls of each corridor
and staircases. This, of course, gives additional security to the public
in case of any disarrangement of the gas apparatus. The ceiling is skilfully
arranged to appear domical, and is painted to represent the " Triumph
of Love." The entire length of the Auditorium from Proscenium front
to back of Pit is 83 feet and the width from wall to wall 88 feet, whilst
the height from Orchestra Stalls to centre of ceiling is 51 feet. The
system for properly ventilating the Auditorium and Foyer is that of
Tobins, and the sun burners which most materially assist to exhaust
the vitiated atmosphere.
All the Tiers and Corridors are of fire-proof construction. The wood-framing
dividing the boxes, and also all combustible materials have been coated
with the Cyarite or Asbestos fireproof liquid, and with the exception
of the Upholstery, the entire building may thus be said to be fire-resisting.
All the requirements of the Board of Works have been most strictly carried
out, and there will not be found in the whole of the metropolis, a Theatre
safer or more easily understood in regard to its exits, than the Empire
Theatre.
Right - Click to see some Empire Theatre Programmes from 1894, 1896, 1897, 1899, and 1908.
With regard to the stage and the appointments generally behind, it appears that everything has been done for the comfort and convenience of each person engaged in the building. The dressing rooms, with water laid on and fitted with lavatories, lockers, and other conveniences, are numerous and airy.
The property-room, scene docks, music and ballet
rooms, flies, gridiron, &c., are all models of their respective
kinds, whilst the stage itself is one of the largest and best in London,
being 77 feet wide by 50 feet deep. The green-room is at the back of
the stage, but when required for any particular spectacular display,
it can be added to the stage.
Messrs. G. H. and A. Bywaters were contractors for the whole of the works under the able assistance of their manager, Mr. M. A Taylor, and Mr. Clarke as Clerk of Works.
The Decorative Plastering has been executed by Jackson & Sons.
The Scagliola by Bellman and Ivey.
The Stained GIass by Bell and Beckham.
The, Mosaic by Simpson and Sons.
The Painted Decorations, Draperies, and Upholstery Work by Jetley.
The Gas Fittings by Vaughan & Brown.
The Sun Lights by Strode and Co.
The Candelabra by Joubert & CO.
Oil Lamps by Browne & Co., Piccadilly.
The Chairs and Upholstery by Stewart and Co, and Storey Bros.
The Floral Decoration by Dick Radclyffe & CO., High Holborn. The Sanitary fittings by George Jennings. The Firemains by Shand and Mason.
The Stage and Fittings by Charman.
Other Pages that may be of Interest