Welcome TO
Rotherham's Historic Empire Theatre
Unforgettable live performances in the heart of Rotherham...
Empire gallery latest
About Empire Theatre, Rotherham
Our Rich History
Empire Theatre has a storied past, originally opening in 1913 as a variety venue. With its stunning Italian Renaissance design, it has captivated audiences for over a century.
The theatre occupies a large corner site. The foyer block, largely separate from the auditorium is in a free Classical style, faced in white faience which is in remarkably good condition. Prominent stage house. The tall auditorium was altered as a cinema in 1921, but retained three levels. In 1974 the circle and balcony were closed off with just the stalls in use, again as a cinema. In 1978 the stage area was partitioned and sublet, the stalls cinema reduced in size and the balcony (top level) re-opened with a wall at the end as a 314-seat cinema. Both closed in 1990.