Information on the New Empire Theatre, located just off Southend’s main High Street, in Alexandra Road. This page includes a brief history and some photos.
|
The New Empire Theatre closed in November 2008. |
Until 2008, the New Empire was a self-funded theatre that was run by volunteers, and was available to local theatrical groups and performers.
Current Status
The New Empire Theatre closed in November 2008, after the tenants operating New Empire Theatre were unable to pay the rent, and the building’s owners, Shea Properties, regained possession and shut the theatre.
The building remains closed and is on sale via commercial property agents Ayers and Cruiks
Photo of the New Empire Theatre, taken November 2011
New Empire Theatre Close-up – Taken November 2011
New Empire Theatre Rear View, taken November 2011
History
The original Empire Theatre was first opened in 1871. The building was converted to the Rivoli Picture House in the early 1920s, and from 1962 to 1998, it was the home of the ABC Cinema (briefly known as the Cannon in the 1980s).
After its closure as a cinema in 1998, the building was painstakingly converted back to a theatre, and used for local community shows and events, until its eventual closure in 2008.
The New Empire Theatre, as it was in 2000
Location
Address: 22 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1BU
Map: Click here for Streetmaps map (Looking for info on Visiting Southend?)
Box Office Tel: 01702 – 353577
More on the New Empire
To see what the theatre looked like from the inside in 2015, go here: 28 Days Later
In Southend | Southend News | Weather | Travel | Southend Radio | Southend TV | Southend Photos
