News-Empire Consett to reopen to public

The County Durham venue, which closed its doors to the public temporarily in February to allow for essential roof works, will reopen on Friday 13 September.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the venue's café, Empire Lounge, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, alongside showings of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in the cinema.

Tickets for the Tim Burton sequel starring Michael Keaton are available for just £5, with five tickets for £20 also on offer including a maximum of three adults.

The film will also be available to parents and guardians with babies under one, with the return of Bringing in Baby, the venue's baby-friendly screenings, on Tuesday 17 September at 10.30am.

Historic venue

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "We're so pleased to see Empire Consett reopening to the public.

"The venue has been providing entertainment to theatregoers and cinema lovers for over 100 years. Following the completion of these essential works, it will continue to provide top quality shows and performances for many years to come, further enhancing our reputation as the Culture County.

"Visitors can now look forward to an exciting line up of entertainment this autumn in a comfortable and safe venue and we look forward to welcoming guests back."

Exciting programme

The first theatre production to be staged following the reopening will be CBS Theatre Group's The Full Monty which runs from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 October.

Empire Consett will then host a programme of live music, theatre, ballet and comedy throughout its autumn season which also sees the return of Leah Bell in the venue's 2024 pantomime, Cinderella, starring Coronation Street's Kevin Kennedy and Benidorm's Crissy Rock.

Once reopened, the venue will open 10am to 3pm from Tuesday to Saturday, with later opening times for cinema screenings and theatre performances.