Similarly, three fittings, in the same design, below the Dress Circle, were removed. The theatre has had an important and special association with Toowoomba as a major entertainment venue from 1911 to 1971, being particularly important in the development of film culture in the Toowoomba district.[1]. As well, a huge central lamp of wrought iron and obscure glass ran much of the length of the main ceiling, distributing a soft even light throughout the auditorium. When purchasing tickets online, you will be offered available seats to choose from. The good folk of the town bounced back. The innovation has continued since then. Saving the Empire ended up being political suicide for the powers that ruled the local Council. [1], The deep profile corrugated fibrous cement main roof is supported on single span steel trusses which have a segmentally curved bottom chord and have been manufactured from riveted angle iron sections. Audiences declined, however, in the 1960s, mainly due to the impact of television. “Twelve years down the track those opponents come here and admit they were wrong. In 1911 The Empire Theatre opened with a seating capacity of 2200. Liverpool Empire. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on May 31, 1994.[1]. Almost immediately a design for a new Empire Theatre, to cost approximately £30,000, was commissioned by the owners. The contractor was Henry Andrews. Essentially, the Empire Theatre is a large, 1933, purpose-designed, Art Deco picture theatre. The tower only extends to three-quarters the width of the auditorium with the remaining area taken up by a skillion roof. The building is important historically for its close association with the expansion of mass entertainment in Queensland in the first half of the 20th century, and survives as rare and important evidence of the increasingly sophisticated expectations of interwar cinema audiences.[1]. Restaurants near Empire Theatre, Toowoomba on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews and candid photos of dining near Empire Theatre in Toowoomba, Queensland. However it very nearly met the same fate as many other performing arts venues – at the end of a wrecker’s ball. The Empire Theatre in Toowoomba is the largest regional theatre in the nation. “The Empire Theatre holds so much significance and is our cultural hub,” Cr O’Shea said. The Empire Theatre is an outstanding example of Art Deco theatre architecture in Australia, exhibiting fine exterior and interior Art Deco detailing of aesthetic importance. The place is important because of its aesthetic significance. [1], The theatre retains evidence of the original lighting system, including lighting switchboards at front of house and in the bio-box, large porcelain dimmers, and the proscenium arch lighting grid. Empire Theatre performances and events will continue per normal schedule during the construction period. The Empire Theater is the largest theater in regional Australia. To accommodate large stage productions, the new design incorporated a large stage, fly tower and dressing rooms. Projects. It must be one of the most beautiful and best-equipped theatres in regional Australia. The Empire Theatre remains the largest regional performing arts complex in Australia and is proudly Toowoomba’s own. [1], The Empire Theatre's elevation facing Neil Street is in a 1930s Art Deco style finished in plain plaster work over brick. “In the 1990’s the Empire was being used for adult education classes. Within 10 months The Empire Theatre had been reborn – in the magnificent art deco style of the time. The Empire Theatre celebrated its centenary year in 2011. As a result, in 1998 the Empire Theatre awarded "The Best Theatre in Australia" by the Australian Leisure Management Magazine that placed it amongst the top eight leisure and entertainment projects in Australia. The building was renovated in 1928, and in the following year sound equipment was installed. With the fly-tower intact, the Empire Theatre is important in exemplifying the early symbiosis of stage and film theatre. Works on the third stage of the Empire Theatre refurbishment will begin this month.