THE Empire may soon be striking back! Victorian theatre expert Dr David Willmore is carrying out a feasibility study to decide whether plans to restore the Empire Theatre in Burnley town centre are possible.

Burnley Light Opera Society hopes to get National Lottery and Arts Council money for a £3-£4 million project to restore the theatre in St James Street to its former glory.

The aim is also to attract big names showbiz stars back to the town.

A recent application by local businessman Michael Cookson for a Justices' licence to transform the St James Street premises into a theme pub Roman Bar was turned down by licensing magistrates at Reedley.

Dr Willmore is a director of Theatre Watch and a director of a theatre at Harrogate. He obtained his doctorate in the study of Victorian Theatres.

When approached by Burnley Light Opera chairman, Colin Sanderson, he was only too happy to help.

His parents live in Nelson and he remembered going to the theatre with him as a youngster.

He wants help from local people who may have black and white photographs of the theatre interior in the 1920s. He is also trying to trace the original plans of the refurbishment of the theatre in 1911.

Mr Sanderson, a local solicitor, said: "We would like on loan any material which applies to the history of the theatre from 1911 onwards.''

Support for the Society plans for the theatre have been encouraging. Not only is Dr Willmore behind the scheme, there is also support from Peter Longman, Theatres Trust director and Heritage Lottery Board adviser.

Mr Sanderson said the Empire could attract theatre-goers from a wide catchment area and would complement the facilities at the Burnley Mechanics.

He said: "It could transform that part of Burnley centre.''

Anyone who can provide photographs and material about the history of the Empire should send them c/o Mr Sanderson at Sutcliffe's solicitors, 7 Nicholas Street, Burnley.

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