Empire Variety Theatre, Leicester Square, London

[Bob Cowper]

From the 1901 UK census, it appears that two of my ancestors, Lucy Cowper and her daughter Violet, worked as Needlewomen for the Empire, when it was a Variety Theatre between the years !884 to 1915. This was at a time when Music Hall and Variety was really taking off in London and other major UK cities, and at the Empire, the famous Wilhelm, or C. Wilhelm, Artist, Scenery and Costume Designer, was in charge and responsible for designs for 'Ballets, Pantomimes, Comic Operas and Edwardian Musical Comedies'. Has anyone done any early London theatre research and could help me to find out what part my great grandmother Lucy and her daughter might have played in the production of costumes and maybe even costume design at that time. I wonder if historical accounts are accessible which might show that they actually worked for, and were paid by, the Theatre? Any leads on this research would be gratefully received. Thank you

[Girl Guide]

It may not help but may be interesting to read:-

http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/EmpireLeicesterSquare.htm

Nearly halfway down the page there is a picture of:-

The Empire Theatre's Opening Programme, Thursday, April 17, 1884

Also on the website is this section:-

http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/AncestorResearch.htm

Have a look and see what you think.

[Bob Cowper]

Thank you Girl Guide, that is brilliant! I'm deep into more research based on your recommendations and have already picked up some significant information. Thanks again, Bob Cowper 

[ainslie]

If you have access to British newspapers online you might try The Age, which seems to have covered the world of theatre.
A

[CarolA3]

You'd probably find relevant items in The Stage 

(The Age is an Australian newspaper.)

Carol

[ainslie]

My error.  Delete Age, try Era online if you can get access.
A

[CarolA3]

The Era - that's the one I couldn't think of! - and it's on FindMyPast along with The Stage.

Carol