Re-building: Empire Theatre Hertford Street Coventry

Originally built to the designs of architect James Murray for the Coventry Corn Exchange & Public Room Company, the building opened in March 1856 as a Corn Exchange, and was used mainly for concerts and lectures. Charles Dickens first appeared here in December 1857. It was screening films in 1901, showing Edison’s Animated Pictures of the Boer War.  In 1906, it was re-designed as the Empire Theatre to the plans of architects Harrison & Hattrell. The facade had an open balcony above the centrally placed entrance, framed by a Corinthian column on each side. On top was an arched window, which supported a pediment. Inside the auditorium, seating was proved in orchestra, dress circle and balcony levels. Bioscope films were being screened by 1908 as part of the variety programme. It became the first building in Coventry to hold a Cinematograph Licence after the new Cinematograph Act of Parliament came into force in January 1910. It opened as the Corn Exchange Cinema in 1910, being re-named the Empire in 1914.