Mexborough and Swinton Times December 23, 1938

Mexborough Empire
Many Improvements

A striking night view of the frontage of the remodelled Empire Cinema Mexborough

Built over a quarter of a century ago the Empire Cinema, Mexborough, has just undergone a transformation as romantic as the theme of any of the thousands of films that have been shown on its screen.

In this age of progress the Empire has declined to be left behind by the march of modernity, and its proprietors Mexborough Theatres Ltd, through their enterprising Managing Director, Mr J.J.Woffinden, have changed its old frontage for a new one.

The façade of the theatre has been completely remodelled and rebuilt in new materials. The front has been extended and surmounted by a canopy and a 25 foot vertical fin carrying the name sign which gives it a new distinction and a new dignity. The general effect of the finish is of gleaming black, relieved with astute touches of red and green. Faced with vitrolite along the entire frontage to a height of 12’6”, the façade is topped with finishing courses of rustic brick work and above the canopy rises a distinctive fascia.

Replacing the old billboards are three panels let into the frontage to provide for the display of film stills and these can be internally illuminated at night, while the false front of the canopy overhead is lighted by two 500 W lamps, which also free the shining fascia above of shadows.

Quite apart from these imposing alterations externally but has been done to bring the interior of the theatre right in line with the most up-to-date cinema accommodation. The two pillars and the false ceiling which they help to support at the back of the auditorium have been removed and an entirely new scheme of decoration has been carried out. The acoustics have been greatly improved and the airiness increased by the alterations at the back of the hall and the convenience of patents has also been studied by extension of the existing medical room accommodation, and the entire re-seating of the theatre.

In addition to the improvements which have been made at the Empire Cinema, a new internal lighting scheme has been installed at the Majestic. The front of the theatre has also been redressed with neon lighting. A new name sign and a modern arrangement of line lighting, emphasising the architectural features of the façade of being installed.

Mr Woffinden is certainly out to keep Mexborough Theatres Ltd on the cinema map of these enterprising modernisations will be generally appreciated in Mexborough and district.