Empire Electric Theatre

1910 - 1937

In August 1910, Exeter's first building converted into a cinema, the Empire Electric opened in Wilson's Restaurant, noted for its steak and chips at 1/6 (one and sixpence) with a large archway entrance topped by an illuminated globe and the banner “You know one half of the world, we show you the other”. A new front had been added, to what was an ordinary shop. It was only 19 feet wide and could seat a maximum of 300 patrons, in the latest tip-up seats. The entrance was by the screen, to separate the fire-risk, projection equipment from the only means of escape, although this could degrade the picture with light from the door. It is not known what the first show was, although it was apparently given to selected guests including city officials. Later, the same year, the Empire was advertising continuous shows from 2 pm to 10.30 pm with prices of 3d, 6d and 1 shilling. It closed in 1937.