Fallen Empire Theatre, England

The Fallen Empire Theatre is a Victorian/Edwardian-era auditorium. It was built just before the dawn of the 20th Century. After 100 years of glory, it is now derelict. A failing roof and inclement British weather have taken their toll. Water ingress has caused substantial damage.

Brief history of Fallen Empire Theatre

The original building dates back to the late Victorian era. 15 years later the auditorium was reconstructed. At this time the capacity was increased to around 2000 seats.

Many world-famous acts graced the stage of the Fallen Empire Theatre. These included the escapologist Houdini and the comic actor Charlie Chaplin. A diverse range of entertainment graced the stage over the decades. There have been magicians, ventriloquists, and acrobats. The venue also hosted musical productions, opera, and ballet.

The theatre was converted to a cinema in the late 1930s. The cinema was once state of the art. Film screenings of all the latest movies played to crowds 1800 strong. Eventually, this closed in the late 1960s.

Eventually, like many English theatres and cinemas, it was converted to a bingo hall. This closed in the 1990s.

Sadly, the decades have not been kind. Much of the ceiling plaster above the balcony level has now failed due to water damage. Large chunks of plaster mouldings have also failed, most notable is the ceiling rose.

The Fallen Empire Theatre sold at auction recently. The new owners are a trust, who plan to tastefully and sympathetically restore the building. They have received planning permission to open a cafe on the ground floor. It is unknown if the cafe will even open, as asbestos has subsequently been discovered in the auditorium. The trust plans to renovate and bring the theatre back to life.

Classical architecture, at its finest

There is a large balcony level, with broad curving front. Prestigious box seating areas, intended for VIPs, flank the stage. Above is a prominent cornice, with plaster mouldings of winged cherubs. The proscenium arch has a heraldic coat of arms near the junction with the ceiling.

The theatre auditorium retains all its beautiful Classical architectural features. The elaborate plasterwork is breathtaking. Sadly, the prominent ceiling rose had collapsed before our visit leaving a large hole in the ceiling above the pits.