Nearly a hundred years ago, the ornate theatre doors swung open along Commercial Road, introducing a world of entertainment to Southampton and the surrounding region. Since its grand opening on December 22, 1928, the Empire Theatre has been a beloved entertainment destination for the community. Interestingly, although sharing the same name, this theatre is distinct from the previously famous Empire Theatre located on French Street, which burned down in the early 1920s.
In the first performance, the musical production Winona showcased the talents of Derek Oldham and Winnie Melville. The show was not well received and was swiftly succeeded by The Vagabond King, which captivated audiences and garnered widespread acclaim. At the start of the theatre's establishment, the renowned actress Gracie Fields graced the stage in the production The Show’s The Thing.
Joining her in the cast were her husband Archie Pitt, brother Tommy Fields, and brother-in-law, Dougie Wakefield. (Image: Echo) The theatrical industry faced significant challenges during the Second World War due to major disruptions in train travel . This hindered the ability of theatre companies to move around the country and transport their equipment.
As a result, the war-weary public turned to films and variety shows for entertainment during this tumultuous period. During the blitz raids of 1942, when Southampton bore the brunt of devastating bombings, the Empire Theatre stood as a beacon of resilience. Despite being unde.
