The Liverpool Olympia was built in 1905 For Moss Empires Ltd by architect Frank Matcham as a purpose built indoor circus and variety theatre. The theatre was a response to the enormous success of Thomas Barrasford's Royal Hippodrome Theatre which stood a very short distance away; the Olympia never managed to meet the success of the Hippodrome, and never managed a profit. It is one of very few of its kind left in the country. Performing animals would appear in the auditorium by being lifted from the basement where they lived. Evidence of the lift mechanism and living areas for elephants and lions can still be found under the theatre. The roof space still holds pulley, and wheel mechanisms used by trapeze artists. The ornate interior still reflects the building's past with elephants, lions set into Indian wall Panelling. The auditorium is one of the largest in Liverpool; in its heyday it could accommodate 3,750 people in the stalls and on 3 balconies. The unusual proscenium stage was at the same level as the stalls, with an orchestra riser against the back wall. The stage had a wide Proscenium, was deep, and had a height of. The theatre was purchased by ABC theatre company, and converted into a Cinema in 1930. and was used up to the Second World War in 1939. Throughout the war, the Olympia was used as a Royal Naval Depot. After the war, the Olympia did not re-open and was sold to Mecca Leisure Group in 1948. The Olympia was converted to a Ballroom, and was renamed the Locarno. The Locarno was then converted into a bingo hall between 1964 and 1982 before being closed and re-opening between 1987 and 1990.
Today
The Olympia reopened in the 1990s, and after substantial renovations is currently used as a venue for all kinds of events including boxing, dance showcases, music concerts and more recently wrestling events. The Olympia is owned by the same company as The Grafton Ballrooms next door. A wrestling arena in the TNA iMPACT! Video Game is based on the Olympia. The Olympia was designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building in 1975.
