Empire Theatre, Glasgow
This collection includes contracts, photographs, programmes and posters.
The Glasgow Empire began life as the Gaiety Theatre in March 1874. It was rebuilt in 1896-7 by Frank Matcham on the site of the old Gaiety Theatre at 31-35 Sauchiehall Street and opened with Vesta Tilley topping the bill on 5 April 1897. After a major refit in 1930, it became the second largest variety theatre in Britain and one of the most important venues. Stars from across Europe and America appeared there, such as Abbot & Costello, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Jack Benny, Judy Garland, Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra. Despite the level of entertainment, the theatre closed and the site was sold off on 25 March 1963.
One of the images displayed here is from the Glasgow Empire's 1956 Christmas Show We're Joking. The cast included Duncan Macrae, Chic Murray, Jack Anthony and Robert Wilson.
How to find material relating to the Empire Theatre, Glasgow
- Browse a list of documents or events associated with the Empire Theatre, Glasgow or use the Name Search option on theScottish Theatre Archive Search
See also
- National Library of Scotland: Scottish Theatre Programmes database: collection of programmes, playbills and posters. These items from theatres and other venues date from the 19th century onward
