Cinema show revives 'Empire' tradition

MORE than 90 years since the Empire in Barnsley staged its last live show, performers are set to tread the boards at the site once again.

The spot on Eldon Street which once housed the Empire is now home to Barnsley’s independent Parkway Cinema, which is set to host a night of comedy on Sunday, February 21.

On June 8, 1908, what was then known as the “Empire Palace of Varieties” opened its doors and soon became Barnsley’s principal music hall, with 12 dressing rooms and a seating capacity of 2,500.

Films were often included on the music hall bills and the last live show was staged on February 7, 1920 – just over 90 years ago.

Following that show, the theatre closed for a number of weeks and reopened as the “Empire Super Cinema” on March 22, 1920.

Rob Younger, director of the Parkway Cinema, said: “Sound was installed in 1929 and the first talkie was shown on November 25 1929. The Empire was renamed the Gaumont Cinema on May 13, 1950, and the Gaumont closed briefly in 1953 for modernisation.

“In the early hours of Saturday, January 2, 1954, a serious fire broke out in the Gaumont Cinema and the interior of the building was totally gutted.

“The new Gaumont opened in February 1956 and was designed by the firm of TP Bennett and Son. To the best of our knowledge, there have never been any live performances in the current building.”

Renamed the Odeon in 1962, the cinema was briefly closed and converted to twin screens in 1980, seating 636 and 419.

Odeon then continued to operate the building until it closed down in September 2005.

In August 2007, the cinema was reopened as the Parkway by enthusiasts Mr Younger and Gerald Parkes.

Mr Younger, a former projectionist, said: “The final touches to the stage are now being carried out. The sloping stage has been levelled and lighting and sound installed.

“Following a successful run of Comedy Store evenings at our sister cinema in Cleethorpes, we decided to open with a Comedy Store here at Barnsley.

“On February 21, four comedians will travel over from the Manchester Comedy Store to grace our stage. We will continue to focus primarily on film-based entertainment, but do intend to build on our live portfolio, too.”

Tickets for the show, which begins at 8pm, cost 10. For more information call the Parkway Cinema on 01226 248218.