The grand theatre opened in 1895 and it hosted a lot of music hall shows. One amazing fact – a circus appeared there in the 1930s and one of the tigers got loose and badly mauled a man cleaning its cage. There were chaotic scenes but finally it was recaptured three hours later – and the show went on. The building was demolished in 1960.
These photographs are from the Picture Sheffield collection.
In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor
In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor
6. Bowing out
Empire Theatre final season programme, 1959 (ref no y13115)
Photo: Picture Sheffield
7. Famous name
Anna Pavlova (1881-1931) of the Imperial Russian Ballet, famous for her creation of the role of The Dying Swan, became the first ballerina to tour around the world. She appeared at the Empire in 1912 (ref no P00186)
Photo: Picture Sheffield
8. Comic songs
Harry Fragson, music hall singer and comedian, 1909 (Picture Sheffield ref no P00192)
Photo: Picture Sheffield