The Empire Theatre - Closure

The Empire Theatre was closed on Saturday 28th November 1970 after the last show was put on with the orchestra under the baton of John Worth, who had been the Empire's popular manager for over 20 years. The show presented a mixture of professionals and amateurs who had appeared at the Empire over the years.

The Empire Theatre was situated at 63 Academy Street, Inverness and was originally opened in 1912 by the Inverness Picture House Ltd., as the Central Hall Picture House.
The Theatre had a seating capacity for 1,100 people.

Following the Theatre Royal, on Bank Street, being destroyed by fire on the 17th March 1931, the Central Hall Picture House had it's stage enlarged and more dressing rooms added and reopened on 17th September 1934 as The Empire Theatre (with Harry Lauder headlining), and was to become Inverness's Theatre and Concert Hall for the next 36 years, presenting a wide spectrum of theatrical entertainment.


Gala Finale Programme