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Empire

1542

The original design drawings (displayed on site) show a differently composed and more decorative façade than that now seen. They also show an auditorium with no balcony but with a raked stage for variety acts. A balcony was added in 1920.

The Empire was probably a cine-variety from about 1912 to 1920 and thereafter dedicated cinema. It is now owned by the local authority and again has mixed use as a cinema and theatre, having reopened in 2003 after refurbishment and improvements. The major building change was the creation of a single-storey extension on the front of the theatre over the wide pavement. This provides a roomy bar and exhibition space with full disabled access and facilities. The entire theatre has been refurbished and re-roofed and the legends EMPIRE THEATRE on the façade and EMPIRE PALACE on the rear elevation have been restored.

As now seen, the theatre has a modest thinly classical pedimented façade, in front of which the fully glazed foyer extension has pedestalled doric columns supporting a broad, shallow-arched pediment.

The auditorium is intimate with one balcony; a slightly raked stage with 10 hemp sets; two dressing rooms.

Built / Converted
1912
Dates of use
  • 1913 : Until when not known. 1920s; c.1980 continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre (Theatre and cinema)
Address
Front Street, Consett, Durham, DH8 5AB, England
Website-
Further details
Other names
Empire Palace
Events
  • Owner/Management: Consett Theatres Ltd, owners
  • 1912 - 1913 Design/Construction: Array
    Joseph W Wardle
    - Architect
  • 1913 Use: Until when not known. 1920s; c.1980 continuing
  • 1920 Alteration: new circle installed
    Howard Hill
    - Architect
  • 1920 Owner/Management: Consett Electric Theatres, owners
  • 1929 Alteration: operating box installed
    Murray & Hurd
    - Architect
  • 1936 Owner/Management: Consett Cinemas, owners
  • 1966 Alteration: converted for cinema and bingo
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 2003 Alteration: total refurbishment and improved front of house facilities
    Cullen & Nightingale
    - Architect
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    878
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    1914: 928
    1921: 1207
    1930: 1205
    1951: 1100
    1980: 589
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    535
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
Proscenium slight rake
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: Depth: 6m
Proscenium width: 11.28m
Height to grid: 6.1m
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -