The theatre's stage is 70 feet deep, making it one of the largest in the UK, designed specifically to accommodate touring West End shows.
The current structure was designed by architects W. & T.R. Milburn, who specialized in theatre design during the early 20th century.
The venue has a long history of hosting Royal Variety Performances, a tradition that dates back to its early decades.
It is built on the site of the former Prince of Wales Theatre, which opened in 1866.
The venue features a signature chandelier in the auditorium that was a focal point of the 1925 renovation.
Despite its age, the theatre underwent significant technical modernizations to support complex digital stagecraft used in modern musicals.
The venue is rumored to be haunted, a common legend among stage staff regarding Victorian-era spirits.
The theatre’s seating arrangement was designed to ensure clear sightlines to the stage from the upper circle, which was technologically advanced for 1925.
The Liverpool Empire is the largest two-tier theatre in the United Kingdom, boasting a seating capacity of 2,348. It is located on Lime Street and serves as a major receiving house for touring West End musicals and large-scale productions. The current building opened in 1925, replacing the previous Empire Theatre of 1866 on the same site. It is part of the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) portfolio. The venue features an ornate, Edwardian-style auditorium with extensive plasterwork. It hosts a diverse range of performances including ballet, opera, stand-up comedy, and music concerts. The stage is one of the largest in the country, allowing for complex sets that smaller venues cannot accommodate. The theatre is a Grade II listed building, preserving its historic architecture for modern audiences. It remains a central pillar of Liverpool's cultural and entertainment scene.
The grand staircase in the main foyer, featuring period-appropriate decor and lighting.
Book seats in the Stalls for the best view of the stage, or the Dress Circle for a panoramic perspective of the auditorium.
Check the 'atg tickets' website for 'pre-show' dining deals at partner restaurants nearby to save time before your performance.
Use the cloakroom facilities to store bulky winter coats, as the auditorium can become quite warm during sold-out performances.
Do not arrive exactly at curtain time, as late entry policies often restrict access until a suitable break in the performance.
Closed on certain Mondays or days without scheduled performances; typically dark for several weeks between major tour residencies.
Smart casual; refrain from using mobile phones or taking photos during the performance.
