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Empire Cinema NWC01_01_1868
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Empire Cinema NWC01_01_1868
Empire Cinema, Leicester Square, City of Westminster, Greater London. The auditorium of Screen 1 in the Empire Cinema.
The Empire Theatre first opened in 1884 and was designed by Thomas Verity. Its facade, entrance and auditorium were redeveloped in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Between 1928 and 1961, the auditorium had 3, 300 seats. After 1962, when the interior was redesigned by George Coles, the former stalls became a dance hall, later a casino. In the 1980s the cinema was converted into three screens: the original Screen 1 could seat 1, 330 people, the adjacent Ritz Cinema became Screen 2, and an area off the foyer was use as Screen 3. Screen 1 was subdivided in the early 21st century
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24857208
© Historic England Archive
1980s Auditorium Cinema Film Interior Rainbow Theatre Movie Premiere West End
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the grandeur and history of the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square, City of Westminster, Greater London. The image showcases the magnificent auditorium of Screen 1, which has witnessed countless premieres and film screenings throughout its storied existence. Originally opened in 1884 and designed by Thomas Verity, the Empire Theatre underwent several redevelopment phases in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to enhance its facade, entrance, and interior. From 1928 to 1961, this opulent auditorium boasted an impressive capacity of 3,300 seats. However, a significant transformation took place in 1962 when George Coles redesigned the interior. The former stalls were repurposed into a vibrant dance hall before later becoming a bustling casino. In the following decade - during the dynamic era of cinema - three screens emerged within this iconic venue: Screen 1 with seating for up to 1,330 people; Screen 2 housed in what was once known as Ritz Cinema; and Screen 3 located off the foyer area. As time progressed into the early years of the twenty-first century, changes were made again as Screen 1 was subdivided. Despite these alterations over time, this photograph immortalizes a moment frozen in history that reflects both nostalgia for classic cinema experiences and admiration for architectural splendor. Norman Walley's lens beautifully encapsulates not only an important landmark but also evokes memories of movie magic that have unfolded within these walls since its
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