The Empire Theatre is our most famous theatre in Sunderland being opened in 1907.  Forefather of the Empire, Dick Thornton, who came from South Shields originally started when, at 15 years old  played the violin , entertaining crowds at the Marsdon Grotto. The entrepreneur came to Sunderland where  he took control of the Avenue Theatre and Opera House together with the Theatre Royal.

The Avenue Theatre and Opera House in Gillbridge Avenue



Now with the address as Gillbridge Avenue , like me , this has probably got your mind working overtime.

The building remained in use for many years afer the the move to the new site and wnen you recognise the building, now demolished, your going to "kick yourself"

The photograph on the left was taken before WW11.











The sign on the top of the gable end gives the game away.

Vaux Brewery building, was opposite the Magistrates Court and Police Station














Dick Thornton eventually built the Empire Palace, now known as the Empire Theatre round the corner.