Exhibition celebrating 100 years of Liverpool Empire Theatre now open at Central Library

Liverpool Central Library is inviting theatre lovers to take a trip down memory lane as it hosts a special exhibition celebrating 100 years of the Liverpool Empire Theatre.

The exhibition, which runs until Saturday, April 26, 2025, brings together a fascinating collection of memorabilia, photographs, and historical stories from the iconic Liverpool Empire.

Liverpool Record Office & Archives has worked closely with the Empire Theatre to curate the exhibition, delving into their own vaults, historical records, and public contributions to piece together the theatre’s incredible journey.

Social media played a key role, with members of the public responding to calls for memories and artefacts to include in the display.

Freelance Cultural and Heritage Writer, Catherine Jones said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be asked to help create this special exhibition marking the Liverpool Empire Theatre’s centenary.

“Working with the supportive and knowledgeable team at Liverpool Record Office to delve into the archives, I discovered so many fantastic stories from over the past 100 years… the main challenge was choosing what to leave out!

“The theatre is a special place for so many people – I hope everyone who visits the exhibition enjoys it and that it sparks their own trip down memory lane.”

Empire Theatre Manager, Jeannie Clinton said:

“It’s been fantastic to work with Liverpool Record Office and Catherine Jones to create this exhibition.

“Highlighting the major part the theatre has played in the Liverpool City Region and beyond, entertaining the people of Liverpool over the past 100 years, is so rewarding.

“While we plan for the future as always, it was so interesting to have this opportunity to look back and learn more about the theatre’s history. We are sure it will evoke memories for all who visit the exhibition over the coming months.”

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