First opened on October 29, 1894, the theatre is the last purpose-built Edwardian theatre in East Lancashire as well as being Burnley’s only music hall.
It is believed that the Empire hosted the first-ever film featuring escapologist Harry Houdini, while it also attracted international events and festivals.Originally built as a Music Hall of Variety the Empire went on to operate as a cinema then Bingo Hall, until its closure in 1995.
The Burnley Empire was built in 1894 by local Architect G B Rawcliffe, with the auditorium reconstructed in 1911 by renowned theatre designer and architect Bertie Crewe.Volunteers are working hard to restore the once-proud Burnley Empire after years of neglect.
Source: Look inside the former Burnley Empire theatre – LancsLive