Empire Theater, Liverpool

The Empire Theatre is situated on the corner of Lime Street and London Road, a two minute walk from the city’s main railway station, Liverpool Lime Street. The theatre is the second to be built at this location, and was opened in 1925. Throughout its 85 year history the Empire Theatre has hosted variety shows, musicals, pop concerts and even opera. Its two tier auditorium is the largest of its kind in the country, with a capacity of 2.350 people. A sell out crowd have witnessed two Royal Command Performances, a Royal Variety Performance in 2007, and even a performance from the city’s most famous musical sons, The Beatles.

The first theatre to stand on this spot opened in 1866, before being replaced by the current building sixty years later. A Neoclassical building typical of this area of the city, the second Empire Theatre was designed by W. and T.R. Milburn. The theatre is known for its ornate interior, designed in the Louis XVI style and featuring several unusual engravings. A Grade II listed building, the Empire theatre has been renovated and extended several times, and has become one of the region’s most successful venues. The theatre still hosts regular plays and touring musical productions.