Empire and Hippodrome The site originally housed the Empire variety theatre and ballroom, designed by John Dent Harker, which opened its doors on 4 July 1895. ABC Theatre Associated British Cinemas (ABC) acquired the former Hippodrome Theatre during April 1929. Although plans to rebuild it were underway in 1939, these were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. The theatre eventually closed in 1960, with most of the structure demolished to make way for the new ABC Theatre. The new venue, built within the remnants of the old building, featured stalls and circle seating for 1,934 guests along with… Read more »