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The Empire began life as the Gaiety theatre which opened in 1874. It started as a legitimate theatre but was never a great
sucess and in 1883 it became a Music Hall. In 1896 the Gaiety was demolished to be replaced by the Frank Matcham designed
Empire Palace which opened in April 1897 with Vesta Tilley at the top of the bill. In 193 it was closed for reconstruction
internally and was extended to the corner of Renfield Street, seating 2,100 in comfort and topping the bill, Jack Payne and
the BBC Dance Band. The last performance was on Sunday 31st March 1963 by an all star cast ho all came to say goodbye to this
famous variety theatre. The building was demolished and an office block raised in it's place. Today only a small blue plaque
on the wall of Pizza Hut is a reminder of this great theatre.
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