
The Empire Theatre that stands today was opened in March 1925 and it has the widest auditorium in Europe and with a seating capacity 2,381 is one of the largest two tier theatres in the country. The first production in the new theatre was a revue called 'Better Days'. In 1965, the Empire played host to the Beatles and the theatre was packed, but most who attended couldn't hear a single not that they sang because the screams were so loud!
Thanks to a refurbishment in 1998 and extension of the stage by 20 feet, the Empire was chosen by Disney to launch their first ever tour of the UK with 'Beauty and the Beast. The theatre was closed for six weeks for them to build the sets and to rehearse. It then had a successful four week run, selling more tickets than any other show at the theatre.
Productions at the theatre include: 'The Rat Pack', Crazy For You', ' One Night In Istanbul', ' The Hobbit', ' Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'.