The Empire Palace Theater was flanked on either side by the County Arcade and the Cross Arcade on Briggate and became a popular music hall for many years before it closed in February 1961. Stage stars to appear included Harry Tate George Robey, Vesta Tilley and Charlie Chaplin. In the early 1930s The Empire was converted into a full-time “talkie” cinema, and by 1933 it had returned to variety shows. It managed to survive the impact of the introduction of television in the 1950s, which closed many UK variety theaters. It was demolished in January 1962 and became the site of Empire Arcade in 1964 before being redeveloped as a Harvey Nichol department store. READ MORE: Fascinating photos of Leeds city center in the 1960s LOVE LEEDS? DO YOU LIKE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
An undated view of the Empire Palace Theater is on the left, center. It opened in August 1898.
Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
The Empire Palace Theater photographed around 1903.
An undated view of the Empire Palace Theatre. On the right is the City Varieties sign at the Swan Street entrance.
Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
Arthur Askey is surprised at the size of his garment after his daughter Anthea shrunk it in the wash. The couple appeared in The Love Match at the theater in October 1955.
