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Post by Phantom of London on Jun 12, 2024 22:56:53 GMT
I see that the Empire, Haymarket is now permanently closed. But crucially the cinema has been used as a theatre for Emma Rice’s Brief Encounter recently - so can stage show, So wondering with not many small playhouses, as some of these are tied up with long running shows, such as Six, Les Miserables, Operation Mincemeat, Cabaret and the Play That Goes Wrong etc, so wondering if it is feasible if this could become a permanent theatre? Not sure how many seats the Empire has though?
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Post by Jan on Jun 13, 2024 7:11:45 GMT
It is Grade II listed so that might impede a change-of-use development to turn it into offices/shops or whatever.
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7,176 posts
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Post by Jon on Jun 13, 2024 10:38:45 GMT
The Haymarket is planned to be incorporated into the wider redevelopment of the area, the original stage and dressing rooms were demolished a long time ago so the chances of it becoming a theatre are slim.
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5,156 posts
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Post by TallPaul on Jun 13, 2024 12:42:13 GMT
This article ( Cinema Treasures), which must have been updated at some point, suggests that the office building on the site of the original stage-house is itself to be demolished. In theory, therefore, the 'Carlton' could be returned to theatrical use, perhaps as part of a wider redevelopment of the area. We should all write to His Majesty. |
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Post by Distant Dreamer... on Jun 13, 2024 16:30:36 GMT
This article ( Cinema Treasures), which must have been updated at some point, suggests that the office building on the site of the original stage-house is itself to be demolished. In theory, therefore, the 'Carlton' could be returned to theatrical use, perhaps as part of a wider redevelopment of the area. We should all write to His Majesty. That would be incredible, whilst the original theatre looked rather uninspiring in the auditorium, its capacity was good and stage sizeable. Similar to the Prince of Wales, it has the feel of being like a Broadway venue more set across two levels. |
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Post by blamerobots on Jun 13, 2024 19:20:13 GMT
I remember during the pandemic I heard a rumour the auditorium may be renovated into a small film/arts venue, as Empire were closing many cinemas mid-pandemic. So I'm guessing with its final closure that is what is happening.
If they were planning to make it a proper full-time theatre, I think there'd have to be a lot of work done. They'd have to rebuild a lot of the backstage because that all went ages ago.
I think the BFI will be the first people to leap to own it IMO.
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7,176 posts
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Post by Jon on Jun 13, 2024 22:44:55 GMT
I remember during the pandemic I heard a rumour the auditorium may be renovated into a small film/arts venue, as Empire were closing many cinemas mid-pandemic. So I'm guessing with its final closure that is what is happening. If they were planning to make it a proper full-time theatre, I think there'd have to be a lot of work done. They'd have to rebuild a lot of the backstage because that all went ages ago. I think the BFI will be the first people to leap to own it IMO. Not sure if the BFI would want it, the space on the South Bank is more than enough. Everyman would be a better contender as they don't have a West End cinema. |
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Post by blamerobots on Jun 13, 2024 22:48:32 GMT
I remember during the pandemic I heard a rumour the auditorium may be renovated into a small film/arts venue, as Empire were closing many cinemas mid-pandemic. So I'm guessing with its final closure that is what is happening. If they were planning to make it a proper full-time theatre, I think there'd have to be a lot of work done. They'd have to rebuild a lot of the backstage because that all went ages ago. I think the BFI will be the first people to leap to own it IMO. Not sure if the BFI would want it, the space on the South Bank is more than enough. Everyman would be a better contender as they don't have a West End cinema. True, I didn't think of Everyman. Either way it is likely not to be converted into a theatre and likely just say as a cinema. |
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Post by Phantom of London on Jun 13, 2024 23:21:55 GMT
If it was likely to stay a cinema that would’ve happened by now, so think that ship has sailed.
Does anyone know the seating capacity?
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1,742 posts
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Post by fiyero on Jun 14, 2024 11:16:12 GMT
I noticed on Wednesday that it isn't just closed but has been repossessed since closure too.
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Post by pomegranate on Jun 26, 2024 20:50:51 GMT
There’s signage up outside the Empire saying the building is being restored as the The Carlton Cinema
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7,176 posts
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Post by Jon on Jun 27, 2024 0:14:12 GMT
There’s signage up outside the Empire saying the building is being restored as the The Carlton Cinema I have a feeling Trafalgar Entertainment might be involved as the naming is similar to The Chiswick Cinema which they operate. |
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Post by SilverFox on Jun 27, 2024 7:23:26 GMT
It is a bit old but :-
Capacity wise it depends if you are talking about the whole building (stalls and two balconies) which would be around 1,100, or just the top balcony (which was used for Brief Encounter) which is under 500
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