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History Book Launch

The Thwaites Empire Theatre in Ewood is 100 years old this year and to mark this occasion, the Theatre has compiled a book which explores the theatre building's century of history.


"The Fall And Rise Of The Empire" is published this month, as part of the Empire's ‘Raise The Roof' appeal which aims to replace the roof of the theatre.

Theatre History Book

Work on the book began in the spring of 2009, with funding from the Heritage Lottery. A team of volunteers trained in basic research techniques by local library staff and in gathering oral history with the North West Sound Archive and BBC Radio Lancashire. 

Hundreds of man-hours were spent scouring old newspapers for mention of the theatre, which used to be a cinema before it was bought by the Blackburn Theatre Trust in 1978.  The theatre's solicitors granted access to their collection of deeds, mortgages and other official paperwork dating back to 1910. 

A call went out for information and memories from the general public.  Descendants of the original founders came forward, donating photographs and other ephemera as well as vital information about their ancestors.

Originally planned as a 34 page pamphlet, the sheer amount of research material gathered soon made it clear that there was a much longer story to be told, and Lancashire writer Melanie Warren was commissioned to collate and organise the material and turn it into a book. 

"The story begins at the turn of the century," she says, " when a small group of local men had a dream - to build and run their own cinema.  None of them had experience of running such a large project, none of them had serious money, but perseverance paid off and the result was the Empire Electric Theatre.  Fast forward to 1978 and we find another group of local people pursuing their own dream; to provide a Theatre for Blackburn. It took them almost 25 years, but they did it!"

"The Fall and Rise Of The Empire" is as much a testament to Blackburn's community spirit as it is a history book. Produced by the Empire's own publishing company, Open Mic Publishing, the book is available from the Empire Theatre and local booksellers priced at £12.00.  All proceeds will go towards the ‘Raise The Roof' appeal.

To buy a copy of the book direct from the theatre at the special launch price of £10 contact the theatre on 01254 685500 or email thwaitesempiretheatre@yahoo.co.uk

 

 

Release Date: Monday 8 March 2010