Burnley Empire (Theatre) is a Grade II listed Victorian theatre located on Cow Lane in Burnley, Lancashire. Built in 1894 and redesigned in 1911 by renowned theatre architect Bertie Crewe, it once seated over 2,000 and hosted legendary performers including Harry Houdini, Charlie Chaplin, and Margot Fonteyn. The venue later served as a cinema and bingo hall before closing in 1995.
Now one of the UK’s most endangered theatres, the Empire is being revived by the community-led Burnley Empire Trust, which acquired the building in 2018. With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Theatres Trust, and local councils, the Trust is working to restore the space as a cultural hub for Burnley—offering performance, education, and heritage programming.
As the only surviving purpose-built Victorian theatre in the town, the Burnley Empire is both a local treasure and a symbol of creative regeneration. This venue will host our BTB25 finale, an immersive multi-media event taking place on the Biennial’s last weekend.
Burnley Empire Theatre birds eye view, Photo – Ben Hamlen
Opening Days & Times
No opening times outside of specific events.
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