Pricing Change
New pricing for orders of material from this site will come into place shortly. Charges for supply of digital images, digitisation on demand, prints and licensing will be altered.
Upcoming Maintenance
Please be advised that this website will undergo scheduled maintenance on the following dates:
Thursday, 9 January: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday, 23 January: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday, 30 January: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
During these times, some functionality such as image purchasing may be temporarily unavailable. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Edinburgh, 13 - 27 Nicolson Street, Empire Palace Theatre
Theatre (19th Century), Theatre (20th Century)
Site Name Edinburgh, 13 - 27 Nicolson Street, Empire Palace Theatre
Classification Theatre (19th Century), Theatre (20th Century)
Alternative Name(s) Empire Theatre; Festival Theatre; Southminster Theatre; Edinburgh Empire; Empire Variety Theatre; Edinburgh International Festival Theatre; Potterow
Canmore ID 118239
Site Number NT27SE 1462
NGR NT 26007 73258
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/118239
Ordnance Survey licence number AC0000807262. All rights reserved.
Canmore Disclaimer.
© Bluesky International Limited 2025. Public Sector Viewing Terms
- Correction
- Favourite
SC 1133842
Interior. View of auditorium and stage with curtain closed.
Records of Scottish Colorfoto Ltd, photographers, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland
c. 1929
© Courtesy of HES (Scottish Colorfoto Collection)
DP 075058
Interior. Stage, view showing remains of earlier wall and staircase above switch panel
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075069
Interior. Backstage, Chorus dressing room
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075076
Interior. Auditorium, detail of date (1928) above boxes to left of stage
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075084
Interior. Auditorium, Upper Circle, view from SW
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075089
Interior. 1st floor, bar area from N
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075109
Interior. Auditorium, orchestra pit from N
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1169717
Interior. Auditorium, view from stalls.
Records of Scottish Colorfoto Ltd, photographers, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland
c. 1929
© Courtesy of HES (Scottish Colorfoto Collection)
DP 097519
Courtyard to south, wall of fame from east.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/4/2011
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1242902
Interior of Empire Theatre, 13-27 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh. Detail of seat in circle of auditorium.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
19/2/1992
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1242909
View of exterior of the Empire Theatre, 13-27 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh from North East. Now the Festival Theatre.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
19/2/1992
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1661253
Entry for week with Marie Loftus as headline performer. Loftus was a hugely popular Glasweigian comedienne and singer.
Survey of Private Collections
10/5/1902
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 2046723
Empire Theatre Edinburgh. Paintwork Survey DH 4.12.91
Historic Scotland Photographic Library
4/12/1991
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 2655080
Interior. Detail of corbels on North West boxes in auditorium showing original colour scheme.
19/2/1992
© RCAHMS
SC 2655081
Interior. Detail of square pier and plasterwork in circle of auditorium.
19/2/1992
© RCAHMS
SC 2655086
Interior. Detail of columnhead and plasterwork on balcony of auditorium.
19/2/1992
© RCAHMS
SC 2655092
Interior. Detail of plasterwork on ventilation grill in circle of auditorium.
19/2/1992
© RCAHMS
DP 075057
Interior. Stage from N showing fly floor above
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075060
Interior. Fly floor, view of fly screens and lighting bars
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075066
Interior. Backstage, Conductor's dressing room
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075080
Interior. Auditorium, Grand Circle, lighting control room
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075090
Interior. 1st floor, staircase from E
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075093
Interior. 1st floor, bar at N end
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075097
Interior. 1st floor, Matcham lobby, view from S
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075100
Interior. Top floor, detail of roundel
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075103
Interior view of second floor bar area, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, from N.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075111
Interior. Roof space, detail of dome showing construction
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 097515
Elevated view from south east.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/4/2011
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 097520
Stage door from south east.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/4/2011
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 097521
Stage loading bays from north.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/4/2011
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 097523
Fly tower from west south west.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/4/2011
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1242893
Interior of Empire Theatre, 13-27 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh. View from East in auditorium showing South West boxes and original colour scheme.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
19/2/1992
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 204306
Main frontage.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/11/2014
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 204315
2nd floor. Studio from north.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/11/2014
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1661245
Entry for week showing headline performer was Kate Carney. Animated pictures showing use of theatre as cinema.
Survey of Private Collections
16/2/1907
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 2046721
Empire Theatre Edinburgh. Paintwork Survey DH 4.12.91
Historic Scotland Photographic Library
4/12/1991
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 2655084
Interior. Detail of columnhead and plasterwork on ground floor of auditorium.
19/2/1992
© RCAHMS
SC 2655094
Interior. Detail of seat in circle of auditorium.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
19/2/1992
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 2655098
Interior. Detail of circular window on South access stair.
19/2/1992
© RCAHMS
SC 2655103
Interior. Detail of fly-tower and scenery hoist machinery, backstage.
19/2/1992
© RCAHMS
SC 854269
View of Empire Theatre interior by Matcham, Nicholson Streetm Edinburgh.
Records of Scottish Colorfoto Ltd, photographers, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland
c. 1910
© Courtesy of HES (Scottish Colorfoto Collection)
DP 075067
Interior. Backstage, sample 'Star' dressing
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075072
Interior. Stage and proscenium arch from Circle (E)
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075078
Interior. Auditorium, detail of date (1994) above boxes to right of stage
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075086
Interior. Ground floor, staircase from E
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075087
Interior. Ground floor, foyer, detail of commemorative panel set into floor
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075088
Interior. 1st floor, stair-case and bar area from SE
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075101
Interior. Top floor, detail of roundel
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075110
Interior. Auditorium, orchestra pit from balcony to N
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1216863
General view of auditorium and stage.
Records of Scottish Colorfoto Ltd, photographers, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland
1881
© Courtesy of HES (Scottish Colorfoto Collection)
DP 204311
2nd floor. 'Breakout' space and kitchen from north west.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/11/2014
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 204319
3rd floor. Sample dressing room.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/11/2014
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1661254
Entry for weeks November 15th, 22nd and 29th and December 6th showing famous performers, T. E. Dunville, Harry Champion and Gus Elen performing in successive weeks.
Survey of Private Collections
11/1902
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1661255
Entry for week showing 'Scotch Com'(edian) Harry Lauder topping the bill, but only on £25 a week, considerably less in 1903 than some other performers topping the bill and much les than he would later earn. By the time he appears in June 1908, he's earning £120 a week as the headline act.
Survey of Private Collections
15/8/1903
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 2046722
Empire Theatre Edinburgh. Paintwork Survey DH 4.12.91
Historic Scotland Photographic Library
4/12/1991
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1133843
View of the Empire Theatre auditorium, Edinburgh, with audience.
Records of Scottish Colorfoto Ltd, photographers, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland
c. 1929
© Courtesy of HES (Scottish Colorfoto Collection)
SC 1163760
Interior. Auditorium, grand circle, view from N
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
29/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075053
Interior. Stage and scene dock area from SE
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075059
Interior. Fly floor, view of fly ropes and clamps
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075073
Interior. Stage and proscenium arch from Circle (E)
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075091
Interior. 1st floor, staircase from NE
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075099
Interior. Top floor, detail of roundel
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075105
Interior. 1st floor, Empire room 1
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 097517
Courtyard to south, wall of fame from south east.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/4/2011
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 097522
Fly tower from west.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/4/2011
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 204307
Ground floor. Link space between theatre and studio space from north.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/11/2014
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 204312
2nd floor. 'Breakout' space and kitchen from south east.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/11/2014
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 204313
2nd floor. 'Breakout' space and kitchen showing sound proofed door.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/11/2014
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 204314
2nd floor. Studio from south.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/11/2014
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 204316
2nd floor. Studio mirrored wall.
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
12/11/2014
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1661256
Entry for the week showing one of the most famous music hall comediennes, Marie Lloyd, as the headline performer.
Survey of Private Collections
7/11/1903
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 2046724
Empire Theatre Edinburgh. Paintwork Survey DH 4.12.91
Historic Scotland Photographic Library
4/12/1991
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 2655078
Interior. Detail of North West boxes in auditorium showing original colour scheme.
19/2/1992
© RCAHMS
SC 2655087
Interior. Detail of plasterwork on balcony of auditorium.
19/2/1992
© RCAHMS
SC 2655093
Interior. Detail of plasterwork on ventilation grill in circle of auditorium.
19/2/1992
© RCAHMS
SC 825992
View of Nicholson Street showing frontages of Empire Palace and Old College of Edinburgh University
c. 1910
© RCAHMS
DP 075055
Interior. Stage and scene dock area from SE
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075062
Interior. Fly floor, detail of fly rope clamps
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075065
Interior. Auditorium from box to NW
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075068
Interior. Backstage, Green Room
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075082
Interior. Auditorium, Grand Circle, detail of column capital
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075094
Interior. 1st floor, corridor ouside Matcham lobby showing material from Empire Palace
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075096
Interior. 1st floor, corridor outside Matcham lobby, detail of sample of original wallpaper
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075106
Interior. 1st floor, Empire rooms 2 and 3 from E
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
DP 075107
Interior. Ground floor, Founder's Room from W
Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu
20/1/2010
© Crown Copyright: HES
SC 1661242
Bookplate inside cover of album 'Moss Empires Limited. Edinburgh. Artistes Saleries'
Survey of Private Collections
1900
© Crown Copyright: HES
First 100 images shown. See the Collections panel (below) for a link to all digital images.
- Council Edinburgh, City Of
- Parish Edinburgh (Edinburgh, City Of)
- Former Region Lothian
- Former District City Of Edinburgh
- Former County Midlothian
ARCHITECT: William and T R Millburn 1927-8
Southminster Theatre, by Charles Sey & David Clunas (1872), demolished to make way for Empire Palace Theatre. Built by Frank Matcham, fire destroyed stage in 1911 killing illusionist The Great Lafayette. Demolished 1927. The Empire Theatre, built on the same site by the Millburn's retaining the existing rear wall.
Redeveloped as Festival Theatre by Law & Dunbar-Nasmith 1992-4, retaining previous Milburn auditorium.
Photographic Survey (2009 - 2011)
Photographed by the Threatened Buildings Survey prior to proposed additions to rear containing rehearsal space.
RCAHMS (CAJS) 2011.
