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Theatres and Halls in Burnley, Lancashire Empire Theatre - Mechanics Centre - Palace Theatre - Gaiety Theatre - Theatre Royal - Victoria Opera House - Music Halls See also in this area - The Nelson Palace Theatre |
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The Empire Theatre of Varieties, St James Street, Burnley Later - The New Empire / Empire Music Hall / / Gala Bingo
Left - The auditorium of the Burnley Empire whilst in use for Bingo in 1982 - Courtesy Ted Bottle. The auditorium consists of stalls and pit on the ground floor, with balcony and gallery over, accommodating altogether about 1,500 persons. At the back of the pit and each gallery is a promenade. Each gallery has an independent stone staircase two yards wide (being twelve inches over the regulation width). These staircases are of a unique character, as they are both contained within the same walls and occupy only the ground floor of one, a scheme invented by the architect (Mr. G. B. Rawcliffe) in 1881, but never before put into practice. In addition to these ordinary stairs, there are iron emergency stairs outside the building from both galleries. The stalls and pit also have separate exits, as well as the stage, the latter having two exits to Newton-court (one 9ft. wide), and an iron bridge in addition communicating with the Victoria passages and Tanner-street. It will thus be seen that the matter of exit has been regarded as of primary importance in all departments. The stage and ceiling space over the entire building is fitted with sprinklers, fed direct from the Corporation mains. In addition to this a 500 gallon cistern with fire appliances is being fixed over the stage, in case of the mains being off. There are large refreshment rooms adjoining the staircases on each floor. The pit floor is of concrete with three wood block passages; the galleries are of iron and steel construction, covered by wood, plaster &c. A covered verandah will extend over the four principle entrances to serve as shelter to the public. The stage is very roomy, with a capital opening, and fitted up with all the modern appliances, traps &c., and with a large scene dock. The dressing-rooms are very comfortable, and will be appreciated by the artists. A crowded audience greeted the overture and the rise of the curtain on the opening night, and a somewhat lengthy programme was satisfactorily gone through. The artists engaged are Miss Jenny Valmore (who was compelled to sing five songs), J. C. Rich, Graceful Gertrella, Barcello and Millay, Miss Nellie Lovell, the Sisters Paris, Catawhela, Frank Coyne, and O'Conner and Brady.' The above text in quotes was first published in the Stage, 1st November 1894. In 1911 the respected Theatre Architect, Bertie Crewe reconstructed the auditorium with a new seating capacity of 2,100, and it is Crewe's auditorium that remains to this day despite several changes of use and recent serious neglect.
Above - The stage and auditorium of the Burnley Empire whilst in use for Bingo in 1982 - Courtesy Ted Bottle. In 1938 The Theatre was converted for cinema use by the Architects Lewis and Company of Liverpool, and the seating capacity was reduced to 1,808 in the process. Like so many other Theatres around the Country the Empire was eventually converted for Bingo use but even this ceased in 1995 and the Theatre, despite being a Grade II Listed building, has been empty ever since, and is in serious decline, and listed as one of the Theatres Trust's buildings at risk. There are some good internal photographs of the building in its current
condition here. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
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The Mechanics Theatre, Manchester Road, Burnley Formerly - The Mechanics Institute / Mechanics Arts & Entertainment Centre The Mechanics Theatre in Burnley was originally designed by the architect James Greene and opened as the Mechanics Institute in 1855 as a place for the social, cultural, and educational enhancement of the community. Having served the town for over a century the Mechanics was eventually wound up by its trustees in 1959. The building was then purchased by the Council in 1961 and was leased out to all manner of companies for various activities such as cabaret, bingo, and even a ballroom, until it finally closed in 1979. The building then fell into disrepair until in 1986 Burnley Borough Council redeveloped the building as an arts and entertainment centre by spending £250,000 on repairs to the structure, and adding a multipurpose Theatre on the first floor of the building with seating for 400 people. The Theatre was designed to be used by amateurs and professional touring companies, and could also be used for dances and exhibitions. On the ground floor of the building a tourist information centre was installed along with a box office for the Theatre, a display area and catering facilities. The basement was leased to Mid-Penine Arts. The Mechanics is a Grade II Listed building and the Theatre has a flat stage of 7.5 metres deep, with a proscenium opening of 8.7 metres, and a grid height of 6.2 metres. Burnley Mechanics is owned and operated by Burnley Council and you may like to visit the Theatre's own website here. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
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The Palace Hippodrome Theatre, Burnley
Above - The Palace Hippodrome Theatre, Burnley, during the run of 'The Sleedes' - Courtesy Geoff Lord The Palace Hippodrome Theatre, Burnley was built as part of the MacNaughten Vaudeville Circuit and opened with a musical burlesque called 'High Jinks or Fun on the Sands' on Monday, December the 7th 1907. The Theatre was designed by the architect Richard Horsfall from Halifax. The Theatre was built as a variety Theatre and although it was in constant competition with the nearby Empire Theatre it continued with this policy for many years.
Right - A postcard showing the Palace Hippodrome Theatre, Burnley, posted in 1919. The following year ABC took over the running of the Theatre and introduced Cine Variety there in January 1931, continuing with this policy until 1937 when Jess H. Linscott took over and began running variety shows again without film interludes. Linscott was also running the Victoria Theatre in the town at the same time, and was MD of the orchestra at the Palace, a busy man. Under Linscott the Theatre continued with variety until 1939 when it closed for a short period and was then taken over by ABC again, in September, who used the Theatre as a Cinema until 1941, when it returned to live theatre again under the management of the Butterworth circuit (FJB Theatres). Under Butterworth the Palace was used for variety, review, musicals, and even repertory seasons until July 1946 when the final performance of 'HP Sauce' was given. The Theatre was then taken over by the Marks Circuit who put on various productions for a short while but it was soon showing films again, although it was host to Sunday concerts and the occasional pantomime. Marks gave the Theatre up in 1954 and went dark for a while. But in October the same year it was taken over by the Buxton Circuit who redecorated the Theatre, which had become very tired looking by this time, and converted it for Cinemascope, although the stage equipment was retained for future use. In 1957 the Theatre was converted again so that it could show films or live theatre and reopened on December the 30th with the tour of 'Disc Doubles.' This was followed by the pantomime 'Cinderella' and then variety for 8 weeks. Buxton gave up the building in the summer and it then went back to films again under the management of Star Cinemas, although it did still show the odd live show as well, including pop concerts, pantomimes, and occasional twice nightly variety. In 1962 the Palace Theatre started to house Bingo nights at the weekends and films during the week, but did do a short run of live Theatre by local amateurs in 'Annie Get Your Gun' and a professional production of 'The Service Show' which turned out to be the last professional production at the Theatre. Then it went back to Bingo but did show amateur productions again in 1963 and 1964. However, after this Bingo went full time until in 1971 even that transferred to the Empire and the building was shut up and remained so until it was eventually demolished in 1974. The above information on the Palace Theatre was gleaned from an article by Geoff Lord in 'Old Theatres Magazine' issue 6, Geoff Lord worked at the Theatre for many years and was kind enough to let me display his photograph of the Theatre to accompany this article. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
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The Gaiety Theatre of Varieties and Opera House, Grimshaw Street and Parker Place, Burnley Formerly - Culeen’s Grand Circus - Later The Gaiety Theatre The Gaiety Theatre, Burnley opened on the 15th of September 1884 and was situated opposite the Cattle Market Hotel at the junction of Grimshaw Street and Parker Place on the site of what is now the magistrates court, which was itself built around 1930. The Theatre was originally built as Culeen’s Grand Circus and opened on the 22nd of February 1880. A notice in the ERA of the 21st of June 1884 advertises the opening of the Gaiety Theatre saying: Burnley Gaiety Theatre of Varieties and Opera House (late Culeen's Circus) - Licensed pursuant to Act of Parliament, - Mr Charles T. Owen, late Proprietor of the Royal Albert and the Royal Alexandra Music Halls, Glasgow, begs to inform the Profession that he has made arrangements with Mr T. Culeen to open the above building as a Variety Theatre on September 15th, 1884. All First-class Artistes in every Branch (Gymnasts excepted) please write in at once for vacant dates... Three days silence may be considered a polite negative. - The ERA 21st of June 1884. The ERA carried another short notice on the opening of the Gaiety in their 20th of September edition saying: 'Gaiety Theatre of Varieties - Manager, Mr C. Owen - This large and convenient house was opened on Monday last before a crowded audience. The Marchants, sketch artists; Mr Tom Coyne in Irish songs, N. C. Bostock, Miss Emily Rebus, the "Great" Emblow in his magical entertainment, and the Hibbs minstrel quartette appeared. - The ERA 20th September 1884.
The following year, 1887, Fred Fernandez, the brother of James Fernandez, and Acting Manager for Cheevers and Kennedy's 'Irish Elopement Company', put on his show of Songs and Dances at the Gaiety on November 21st 1887. (See cutting right). Fred Fernandez had previously put on 'For Gold' at the Theatre Royal, Burnley in September 1882. The Gaiety Theatre was demolished in 1916. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
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The Theatre Royal, Brown Street, Burnley Also known as Gillespie's Varieties Information on the Theatre Royal, Burnley is patchy but it seems to have been a reconstruction of a former Mill sometime in the mid 19th century and was situated next door to the Public Baths on Brown Street. In 1867, shortly after being altered and redecorated the Theatre was bought by the Burnley Corporation at auction and it was thought that it might be turned into offices but this didn't happen and the Theatre remained in use for many years afterwards. By 1884 the Manager at the Theatre Royal was John Gillespie and the Theatre was sometimes referred to in the press as Gillespie's Varieties. The last mentions in the Stage of the Theatre under this name were on the 28th of September 1888 and the 22nd of February 1889. The 1888 add read: 'Wanted for Gillespie's Varieties, Burnley. Music Hall Artists, Specialities, &c., for October 1st, 8th, and dates onwards.' And the February 1889 add read: 'Wanted for Gillespie's Varieties, Burnley, Music Hall Artists, Feb 25th onward.' However this season was not to last long because whilst still under Gillespie's management the Theatre was destroyed by fire on the morning of Thursday the 6th of June 1889 shortly after four o'clock. The fire was originally thought to have been started by someone smoking in the gallery but later turned out to have probably been arson as the seat of the fire was found to have originated in two separate places in the Theatre. The Stage reported on the fire in their June the 14th 1889 edition saying 'On Thursday morning in last week fire broke out in the T.R. Burnley, the property of Mr. James Gillespie, and in a very short time, despite the efforts of the local fire brigade, the building was completely gutted. 'The stage had been occupied on the Wednesday evening by Messrs. Whaling and Courtney's Variety Co, comprising the following artists: - The Courtney Brothers, Mr. Sam Stream, Mdme. Grace F. Valence, Mr. Robert Templeton, and Miss Violet Templeton, Mr. Harry Dawson, Messrs. Ray and Robins, Major Gans, and Mr. Harry Whaling. The variety performance concluded at 10.30 o'clock, and Mr. William
Gillespie (a son of the proprietor) locked up the place about an hour
later. At about ten minutes past four P.C. Croxford was coming along
Brown-street when he had his attention drawn to the building, which
was then found to be full of dense smoke. On the information being given
at the fire brigade station, the brigade soon mustered in full force. Shortly after the arrival of the brigade the roof began to burn through in several places, each giving way of the timbers being followed by the upleaping of the flames and dense showers of sparks. Some of the portions of the burning roof in its descent brought down the gallery with a crash. A part of the main wall at the rear, near to Bethesda school, also fell inwards. Eventually the fire began to give way, but it was nearly seven o'clock before it was fully extinguished, and firemen were left playing upon the still smoldering ruins for about an hour longer. It should be mentioned that the theatre was fitted up with sprinklers
and also hydrants, together with the necessary lengths of hose in case
of any emergency, but the fierce blaze along the front of the stage
made it impossible for anyone to get at the sprinklers and get them
to work, and when discovered the fire had already so damaged some of
the hose as to render it useless. A three-inch water pipe was also laid
along inside the theatre, to supply the fire extinguishing apparatus,
having been put in about eighteen mouths ago, but when the galleries
fell down this pipe was twisted up, and so the water ran to waste. After
making a careful examination of the rains under the stage, and in the
pay-boxes near the gallery steps, Superintendent Slater has come to
the conclusion that there are very clear indications of how the fire
originated. What is of greater importance he is absolutely certain that
the building was fired intentionally, and that two fires were set going
at the same time. Almost every particle of scenery and stage furniture
was consumed, including a valuable piano and harmonium. The company, who, with the exception of Mr. Sam Stream and Major Gana, had all saved their clothing and baskets through the energy and bravery of Mr. W. Gillespie, gave a concert and entertainment, under the patronage of the Mayor, at the Mechanics Institute, on Friday and Saturday evenings, and were fairly well patronised. Mr. Gilespie has borne up admirably under the loss, and much sympathy is felt for him amongst the licensed victuallers in the town and district. The total loss is estimated at about £3,000, no portion of which is covered by insurance.' The above text in quotes was first published in the Stage, June the 14th 1889. A few weeks later a letter in the Stage from Dawson, Tailor, and Co., Limited sort to correct some of this information saying: 'Sir - In your issue of June 14th you publish an account of the destruction by fire of the above theatre, and in that account you state that the theatre was fitted up with "sprinklers" which were of no use, as, owing to the fierceness of the blaze, it was impossible to get at them. As this statement is likely to be very much misunderstood, would you allow us to state that there were no "sprinklers" in the Burnley Theatre, but simply a system of perforated pipes over the stage, into which water had to be turned through a valve opened by hand. "Sprinklers" - or more correctly, "Automatic Sprinklers" - do not depend on human agency to bring them into operation. They are absolutely self-acting, the heat itself opening the sprinkler heads, which distribute a heavy and continuous shower of water on the very seat of the fire, at the same time sounding a loud alarm on a gong outside the building. The "Grinnell" Automatic Sprinkler is fitted in the new Theatre Royal, Bolton, the Theatre Royal, Blackburn, and the York Theatre belonging to the Corporation of that city, who adopted the system after careful investigation of its merits. In December last, the "Grinnell" acted most successfully at the Bolton Theatre in an explosion in the lime light room during a performance, and altogether it has put out nearly 500 actual fires. We must add that most of the large theatres in the United States are protected with Automatic Sprinklers. - We are, dear Sir, yours truly, Dowson, Taylor, and Co., Limited.' The above text in quotes was first published in the Stage, June the 28th 1889. Despite the fire the Theatre Royal may have been rebuilt or been considered for rebuilding as an advertisement appeared in the Stage in August 1908 saying that the Theatre Royal, Burnley, under the management of John Leopold Junior, was putting on plays by his father, John Leopold Senior, with his own Company, in 'The Houseboat' and a sketch called 'The Stadium.' However, no more adds appeared for the Theatre so what became of this idea is currently a mystery. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
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The Victoria Opera House, St. James' Street, Burnley Later - The Victoria Theatre
Right - A programme for 'The Maid of the Mountains' by the Burnley Light Opera Society at the Victoria Theatre, Burnley for the week beginning Monday, November the 6th 1950. The Stage Newspaper printed a review of the Theatre in their 13th of August 1886 edition saying: 'The handsome structure which has, within the last eighteen months, been rapidly erected and completed upon one of the most excellent sites in St. James' Street, the principal thoroughfare of the enterprising town of Burnley, promises to rival any of the Thespian houses at present standing in the County Palatine, and will hold its own with many of the finest in the provinces. Almost every conceivable improvement which could be brought to bear upon a building of this nature has been introduced in the construction and completion of this house, and the whole may, with judgment, be pronounced unique, the highest praise being due to the architect, Mr. G. B. Rawcliffe, of Burnley, for his untiring energy and undoubted skill in bringing about such a successful remit. The owners of the building are Messrs. Pemberton Bros., a local firm of upholsterers, who estimate to have spent £10,000 upon its construction. The style of the architecture of the frontage of the building is Italian, with Doric and Corinthian pilasters cornices and entabletures. The principal vestibule in St. James' Street, which is eleven feet wide, is paved with handsome Minton tiles, and is flanked on either aide with large mirrors, which cover the whole of the vestibule walls, and thus produce a grand effect, as the innumerable reflections of lamps, pilasters and statuary convey the idea of never-ending vistas of illuminated corridors. All the staircases, which are five feet wide and of stone, are made without corners, to prevent accidents. The sloping floor of the pit is twenty yards square, and above it are two tiers of galleries of the form known as "horse-shoe." The lower or dress circle is upholstered in crimson plush velvet, and extends round both sides of the house. To all parts of the house are separately attached refreshment and cloak rooms, lavatories, etc., and, in addition, a smoking balcony, which overhangs the river, can be reached from the dress circle. The proscenium and gallery fronts are of ornamental, fibrous plaster, from special designs by the architect. The upper part of the house is octagonal in shape, and is surmounted by a circular dome ceiling, so that the acoustic properties of the building should he excellent. The stage is fifty-seven feet wide, and thirty-nine feet deep, and is not a shade less than that of the Leeds' Grand, while underneath it are seven dressing roams (which average fourteen feet square), all fitted up with heating apparatus and hot and cold water, and each of which is ventilated by a special flue carried through to the ceiling. The roof of the stage is also supplied with several ventilators. The foul air of the auditorium is taken away by air-grids, placed under all the galleries, connected with flues running up the walls, the latter being carried into an iron trunk under the main ceiling and then branched into a large ventilator or patent extractor 8 feet in diameter, which is fixed under the centre gas light. The latter contains 171 jets. Fresh air is admitted by means of air-grids, 9 inches by 6 inches, placed under each window and connected with the atmosphere outside by a moveable air grating which can be regulated from the inside. The building throughout is heated on the low pressure system. The decorative colouring is chiefly confined to the woodwork and to the proscenium and gallery fronts, the latter being finished in cream and gold on a rich red ground. The walls are merely coloured, the plaster not being sufficiently dry to receive a more delicate and artistic handling. The building is practically fire-proof, the pit door being of concrete, 7 inches thick, and the galleries of iron construction. The woodwork is painted with fire-proof cyanite paint, and a hose and water supply are attached to each side of the stage, while the top of the proscenium is so arranged that if necessary a complete curtain of water can be made to fall and cut off the stage from the auditorium. In addition to the four ordinary staircases for egress, is an additional or emergency staircase to be used only in case of fire, and which is connected with the gallery and dress circle. The stage is amply supplied with wings, borders, chamber and other sets from the brush of Mr. J. T. Vennimore, and the appointments of the stage have been well catered for by Mr. J. Presley, the permanently engaged stage-carpenter. It will thus be readily seen that the Victoria Opera House, which will seat 2,000 persons, is sufficiently provided to satisfy all modern requirements. It only remains to be added that the management is in the hands of Mr. W. C. Horner, who is well-known to many provincial managers as a caterer for the local Mechanics' Hall, and who, without doubt, will spare no effort to render all the productions at this house both artistically and financially successful.' The above text in quotes was first published in the Stage, 13th August 1886. During the war, in November 1940, Burnely residents were delighted to find that the Victoria Theatre had become the temporary home of the Old Vic Company as it was deemed too unsafe for them to carry on in London. The Company remained at the Victoria Theatre through 1942, and in 1952 the Govenors of the Old Vic and Sadler's Wells placed a bronze plaque in the vestibule of the Victoria Theatre to show their appreciation, which was unveiled by Tyrone Guthrie on Friday the 7th of March 1952. According to the Lancashire
Telegraph, in February 1937 a variety
show was produced at the Victoria Theatre which was broadcast live on
national radio. Included in this production were 'The Four Aces' and
the 'Victoria Theatre Orchestra' conducted by Jess Linscott who would
become the manager of the Theatre in the 1940s and was still there when
it closed down in 1955. The Theatre was demolished later that year.
If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
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There are various mentions of Burnley Music Halls in the ERA archives but I have not followed them up yet. In 1860 - 1862 there was a Poet’s Corner Music Hall in Burnley, Proprietor J. Mosedale. In 1864 there was a Hall Inn Music Hall in Burnley, JM Mayes manager. In Sep 1866 there is mention of the New Market Music Hall, Burnley, proprietor John Sagar, to open on 10th Sep 1866 (confusing as to whether this was 1st opening.) In 1869 there was a People’s Music Hall in Burnley, established 1867, and possibly another name for the Theatre Royal. If you have any more information or images for these Music Halls that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
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Although
of a plain and unpretentious character both internally and externally,
the place is fitted up with the most modern appliances necessary for
the protection of the public as well as for their entertainment. The
stage and its fittings are of the most complete description, containing
all the usual paraphernalia of a first class theatre.
In
1930 the Theatre was bought by Herbert Hartley and W. B. Holt, both
of whom ran Theatres nearby, Hartley's 
In
May 
The
Victoria Opera House on St. James' Street, Burnley, took 18 months to
construct, cost £10,000, and was opened in August