Originally called the Empire Palace, the now Empire Theatre was started by Richard Thornton a former partner with theatre magnate Edward Moss. Opened on 1 July 1907 by variety and vaudeville star Vesta Tilley, who had laid the foundation stone at the start of construction.
The Sunderland Empire has changed considerably since 1907, in particular, the domed tower which was surmounted with a revolving sphere which bore the figure of "Terpischore" the Greek Goddess of dance, although it had been common thought that is was of variety star Vesta Tilley.
The Sunderland Empire has changed considerably since 1907, in particular, the domed tower which was surmounted with a revolving sphere which bore the figure of "Terpischore" the Greek Goddess of dance, although it had been common thought that is was of variety star Vesta Tilley.
