The Empire Palace Theatre was flanked on each 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. Stars of the stage 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 had returned to variety performances. It managed to survive the impact of the introduction of Television in the 1950s, which closed many of the UK’s variety theatres. It was demolished in January 1962 and became the site of the Empire Arcade in 1964 before being redeveloped as Harvey Nichols department store. READ MORE: Unseen photos chart of a golden age of Leeds pub culture LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Empire Palace Theatre
The Empire Palace Theatre finally closed after a run of the pantomime Babes in the Wood starring Nat Jackley. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Empire Palace Theatre
The finale of 'Babes In The Wood' at the Empire Palace Theatre in February 1961. It was the last performance at the theatre before its closure. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Empire Palace Theatre
The demolition of the Empire Palace Theatre in 1962. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Empire Palace Theatre
Share your memories of Briggate's Empire Palace Theatre with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: andrew/[email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike