Risen from the ashes, landmark theatre stands the test of time

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Archiseek / UK / Scotland / News / 2005 / August 17

Flames licked the massive and ornate interior, killing ten people including the featured performer. One act was booed off the stage, before he could utter a single word. On the brighter side, the stage was graced by the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, and hundreds of drama and dance companies. No form of entertainment was overlooked in the 100-plus years of this Edinburgh palace. What a colourful story the Empire Theatre had … and the Festival Theatre continues to create today. There have been theatres on this spot in Nicholson Street since 1820, under a variety of names, but for nearly a century it was simply known as the Empire.

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