Edinburgh - Empire Palace Theatre

Edward Moss built the Empire Palace Theatre in 1892. It was the first theater on Nicholson Street and architect Frank Matcham designed it to accommodate an audience of 3,000. No expense was spared on the decorations which include elephants, Nubian riders, nymphs and cherubs. Some very distinguished artists, such as Vesta Tilley, Anna Pavlova, Charlie Chaplin and Charles Laughton have performed in the Empire. After conversion by the Milburn brothers, the theater was used from 1928 to 1963 for variety performances, musicals, operas and ice spectaculars, before being converted back into a theater. Almost 30 years passed before Colin Ross was commissioned to give the building a new face, ushering in a new era of dramatic performances. Since June 1994 theater-goers have appreciated the bright glass-fronted foyer with cafe. Matcham's auditorium has been restored and only partly altered to meet modern demands.