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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Holloway Empire, 564, Holloway Road, Islington.
Above - The Holloway Empire Theatre - From a postcard - 1904. The Holloway Empire was designed by the respected theatre architect W. G. R. Sprague and built by Mr. Longden of Sheffield for Oswold Stole in 1899. The Theatre opened on the 4th of December 1899 with a capacity, on three levels, of 1,210. The stage was 65' Wide by 35' Deep. The ERA visited the Holloway Empire, shortly before it opened, and published a sketch and a review of the building just 2 days before it opened, in their 2nd of December 1899 edition saying: 'This new theatre of varieties will open its doors to the public on Monday evening next, the County Council having on Thursday confirmed the recommendation of the Theatres and Music Halls Committee to grant a licence. |
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The building is situated in that busy North London thoroughfare known as the Holloway-road, at the corner of Manor-gardens, only a few minutes' walk from the well-known Nag's Head Tavern. The house is the latest addition to the numerous theatres in London and the provinces belonging to Messrs Moss and Stoll's London District and Provincial Empire Palaces, Limited, of which Mr Moss is the chairman and Mr Stoll the managing director. It has been erected from the designs of Mr W. G. R. Sprague, whose reputation as a theatrical architect has been established by the numerous London and provincial theatres he has successfully planned. The new Holloway Empire affords another proof of his skill as an architect, and the ability he always displays in meeting the latest requirements both of the authorities and the public in the modern theatre. The building presents a very handsome and imposing facade to the Holloway-road, and has been erected entirely under the supervision of Mr Sprague by Mr Longden, of Neepsend, Sheffield. That no expense has been spared to ensure the comfort of visitors is evident at a glance. The auditorium, which is of spacious proportions, is most lavishly decorated in Indian style, the effect being greatly enhanced by the brilliant scheme of colour decoration and the rich hangings and furnishings, which are of two shades of gold. The ceiling is decorated with some artistic paintings representing music, dancing, &c., and the general effect is very charming. There are comfortable private boxes on each side of the stage, and at the back of the circle are eight boxes, each of which affords accommodation for four persons. In the rear of these boxes is the entrance to a spacious and handsome saloon, where refreshments can be obtained. From this access can be gained to a narrow balcony overlooking the Holloway-road, and, no doubt, on warm summer evenings visitors, more particularly smokers, will be glad to avail themselves of the privilege. The approach to the auditorium is from a magnificent crush-room, also decorated in Indian style, handsome marble steps leading to luxurious lounges, communicating with the main building. The auditorium is about 55ft. wide, with a depth of about 70ft. For a variety house the stage is unusually large, its dimensions being about 65ft, wide, with a depth of about 35ft, and a height to the grid of over 50ft. This will allow of the most elaborate pieces being produced. The stage is, of course, fitted up with all the latest appliances, and the entrance is in Manor-gardens-road. The whole building is lighted by electricity, handsome and specially designed Indian electroliers and brackets being successfully introduced in the general scheme of decoration. Gas is supplied as a reserve to all parts, in the event of any failure of the electric light. At night the theatre is rendered conspicuous by brilliant electric lighting, and the name, each letter being illuminated, can be seen at a considerable distance in either direction. Mr Sprague has taken good care that from every seat in the house an uninterrupted view of the stage can be obtained, an advantage that will be greatly appreciated by the patrons of the new place of amusement. Full provision for security against fire is made by numerous hydrants, fitted in the moat advantageous positions. Separating the stage from the auditorium is a double asbestos curtain, so hung as to be under the instant control of the attendant in charge. The interior decorations throughout are by Messrs De Jong; the furnishings and upholstery by Messrs Cranston and Elliott; the electric light installation and fittings by Messrs Sax Blatter; the heating and gas arrangements by Messrs Vaughan and Brown; hydrants and fire-proof curtain by Messrs Merry weather; and the stage work by Messrs Cawdrey. Mr George Webber has acted as clerk of works throughout. Mr Clement King has been appointed acting-manager of the theatre, and Mr J. W. Stephenson, who has had experience in connection with the Alhambra, Hull, is the assistant acting-manager. Mr Jesse Williams has been engaged to act as conductor of the orchestra.
Above - Detail from a postcard of the Holloway Empire Theatre - 1904. The New Empire will be conducted on the two-houses-night principle - that is to say, two performances each evening will be given, the same artists appearing at both, the first beginning at half-past six and finishing at half-past eight, and the second opening at nine and concluding at eleven. The hall will be made as attractive and comfortable as those palaces of pleasure situated at the West-end of London, and the names of leading artists in the variety profession will figure in the programme, which will be changed every week.' The above text in quotes was first published in the ERA, 2nd December 1899 - Courtesy BF. The Holloway Empire Theatre was altered by the renowned Theatre architect, Frank Matcham in 1901. By 1924 the Empire was being used as a Cinema but it closed in 1938 and was finally sold off for demolition on the 31st of March 1953. However the Empire wasn't actually demolished until 1976. |
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