A History of the Empire Theatre
October 1866 a new theatre, named The Prince of Wales Theatre and Opera House opened in Liverpool, on Lime Street. About three quarters the size of the theatre that stands today, it was lit by gas light and all the stage machinery was controlled by steam power. The very first production was the opera Faust, performed by an Italian company. Within a year the theatre had been renamed and became the Alexandra Theatre and Opera House, probably because the Prince of Wales married Princess Alexandra and it was named after her.
The Empire Theatre that stands today was opened in March 1925, entirely rebuilt and enlarged to become the most up to date theatre in the provinces. It had the widest auditorium in Europe, and with a seating capacity of 2,381 is one of the largest two tier theatres in the country.
The Liverpool Empire Theatre forms part of Liverpool’s Cultural Quarter, part of recently acquired World Heritage status and is playing an important role during the Capital of Culture Celebrations
Education and Community Department
The theatre is proud to have a dedicated Education and Community Department who are very excited to be offering some fantastic activities. Inspired by our forthcoming programme of shows for 2008. In this the Capital of Culture year, we have a number of great shows that will be of particular interest to schools and community groups including CBeebies, Lazy Town and High School Musical to name but a few.
The Education and Community Team can also offer non-show based workshops on a variety of themes including Musical Theatre, Site Specific Performance. Workshops on famous Practitioners Stanislavski & Brecht, insights into choreography & History of Dance as well as Arts in Business and Backstage Tours.
There are also Dance and Drama Classes for Children and Adults outside school/work hours.
If you would like to get involved, please get in touch
Email: education.lempire@livenation.co.uk
Call: 0151 708 3202
By train
Lime Street Station is just meters from the Theatre. The Station is accessed by National and Local Rail services.
By bus
There are a large number of routes which run into Queen Square Bus Station, which is a 2 minute walk from the theatre. There is also a National Express terminal close by.
By road
There are 3 car parks within 2 minutes walking distance of the theatre, located at St John’s Shopping centre, Queen Square and the NCP Lord Nelson St. All are well signposted.
Merseytravel co-ordinates all public transport with private bus and rail operators to provide public transport in Merseyside. log on to the Mersey Travel website www.merseytravel.gov.uk for comprehensive transport information.
The Liverpool Empire, as a part of Live Nation, aim to recognise and acknowledge peoples’ differences and support them with their individual needs within business parameters. We support equal access and oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
Principles
- Valuing and respecting diversity and the differences brought to the business.
- Promoting equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and in our service to customers.
- Creating a healthy working environment in which discrimination and harassment have no part.
Booking
There is a dedicated ‘Access for All’ Disability Liaison Officer, who is able to answer all accessibility questions and make bookings both over the phone on 0151 708 3222 and by email on access4all.empireliverpool@livenation,co.uk (10am til 6 pm Monday- Friday)
The theatre has several wheelchair accessible spaces located within both the stalls and circle. There are also accessible toilet facilities on the ground floor level. In addition the theatre is equipped with a Loop system for those who are hard of hearing.
On Longer Running shows there are usually Audio Described, captioned and/or Signed performances. Productions with these facilities are highlighted in our seasonal brochures and also on the Theatre’s website.
Other facilities:
- Wheelchair/pushchair access
- No Café, but sandwiches are available to purchase
- Friendly staff
- Lift access