Why go
The current theatre opened in 1925 on a site that had hosted performances since the nineteenth century. Its two-tier auditorium has held variety, musicals, plays and concerts, including early Beatles appearances. Go for a show that appeals to you, rather than assuming the auditorium is open for casual sightseeing, and let the performance shape your time here.
What to look for
- The present theatre opened in 1925 after an earlier venue on the same site.
- Its large two-tier auditorium is the central feature of a performance visit.
- The theatre stands at the Lime Street and London Road corner.
The full story
The Empire's site has entertained Liverpool audiences since 1866, when the New Prince of Wales Theatre and Opera House opened here. The first building took several names, eventually becoming the Empire before closing in 1924. The theatre that stands today opened in 1925. Its programme has ranged from variety and musicals to plays and pop concerts; the Beatles appeared early in their career. That range is a better clue to its role in Liverpool than any one famous bill. The theatre belongs to Lime Street's changing urban scene, close to the main railway station and St George's Hall. You can read its presence from the street as part of the city's entertainment geography, but the room that matters most is the auditorium. A performance is therefore the meaningful way to experience it. Later improvements have kept it working as a theatre.
Useful to know
- Check the current programme and book a performance if you want to see inside.
- Pair an exterior look with Lime Street Station and St George's Hall nearby.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 30–45 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.