Consett Empire

The Empire Theatre in Consett, is a much loved and well used town centre arts venue. It offers a year round live show programme, facilitating both professional and amateur performances, and an entertaining film programme.

The Empire Palace, as it was originally named, was built in 1912 as a cine/variety hall, leased by Mr. Hugo Robertson and managed by dedicated comedian, pantomime artist and pioneering showman Lloyd Clarence (real name John W. Hunt).

Although a provincial theatre, the Empire has a very large stage. For this reason, the venue has recently been able to accommodate the Moscow Ballet La Classique in its programme.