Grand Opera House, York

Origins

History

• 17 July 1902: the first public performances of films in York. Professor Herbert's animated pictures displayed in his 'Biograph Box'. The showing of films at the venue became a permanent feature from 1903-1916.
• 1903: the theatre was renamed as the Opera House and Empire Theatre. This was an economic move to attract a mass audience, as smoking was not permitted in high-class theatres but was in music hall type venues; smoking was very fashionable at this time.
• 1909: a major redecoration of the building was undertaken.
• 1916: the theatre was now known as the Empire Theatre.
• 1956: closed "... by the crippling Entertainment Tax."
• 1958: Ernest Shepherd of the Shambles bought the theatre, now called the S. S. Empire . The stage and the rake to the stalls floor were removed to give a level surface for roller skating, bingo and wrestling bouts. The theatre remained in this configuration until 1985 when it closed for business.
• 1987: the property was purchased by the India Pru Company Ltd. who renovated the building and restored the decor to its 1909 Art Nouveau style.
• 26 September 1989: the theatre reopened as the Grand Opera House with a performance of Macbeth. After two years with mounting debts the theatre suddenly closed without warning.
• 26 February 1993: the theatre reopened again, retaining the name of the Grand Opera House.
• 3 November 2009: the theatre is acquired by Ambassador Theatre Group as part of the Live Nation Deal