Please note that the term "demolished" refers to the date on which cinema operation ended.
Seating capacity: 1087 for Empire Theatre 璇宮, 1400 for State Theatre 皇都
Address: 291 King's Road, North Point, Hong Kong
The original theatre built on the site was the Empire Theatre which operated during the period December 11, 1952 - September 2, 1957. After extensive renovations, the theatre resumed operation on February 8, 1959 and was named State Theatre. It was closed on March 1, 1997.
Since the two successive theatres operated at the same site and building, it may also be considered that the period of operation for both is 1952-1997.
On January 10, 2017, the South China Morning Post had an article on the history of the two theatres: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education-community/article/2060936/…
Sources:
- Cinema Treasures: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/17530.
- Hong Kong Theatres Association Limited: http://hktaorg.com/en/hist_inner.php?id=14
Photos that show this Place
Comments
State Theatre in North Point
Your page on the State Theatre in North point says that it was "Demiolished" in 1997. Actually it is still standing. I believe it's being considered for heritage status. The main theatre floor has been leveled and it's now a rather opulent (albeit moth eaten) pool hall. Would be wonderful if a white knight could save the theatre and restore the facade to its old glory!
Close of business
The date demolised of 1997 is more like the day it stopped being a cinema. However, there is no such entry available on the general template for places. Yes I agree it looks ugly the way it is now.
breskvar
Empire~State Theatre
Greetings. Thanks simonarris and breskvar for your comments. Yes, the term "demolished" is meant to inform that the cinema's operation has ended. In the data entry template, if this box is not selected, the complete operating period of the cinema would not show up in the main page header/title, possibly also affect data analysis. Regards, Peter
Please correct me if my memory serves me wrong!
I am under the impression that when I visited the State Theatre in the 80s, it had 3 levels (not the usual three tiers of dress circle, downstairs back stalls and front stalls), i.e. an additional level above the dress circle.
I distinctly remember buying tickets for that third level, which I noted were priced cheaper than those for the dress circle and having to take an elevator. It was only when I sat down did I realise why they were cheaper, because they were so high up, steep and far away from the screen!
Yes there were three levels…
Yes there were three levels of seating. The main floor level (consisting of front and back stalls), an elevated and gradational level (loge seats) and Dress Circle which can only be accessed by lifts. Loge seats were the most expensive.
Many thanks for confirming, Eddie Cruz!
Would you also happen to know whether any other cinemas/theatres in Hong Kong had three levels of seating? Thanks.
Lee Theatre in Causeway Bay…
Lee Theatre in Causeway Bay had three levels. Main level with front, middle and back staffs. At the box there were so-called box seats which were several seats in a small enclosed area. It was a favourite for courting couples!! Then there was also Dress Circle and a level above that which (I believe) was known as Upper Circle and it was smaller in area than Dress Circle. Both Dress and Upper Circles were accessible only by that one lift.
Thank you again Eddie Cruz!
Now you remind me.
I think I may have tried the seats you mention below, in addition to the usual Dress Circle seats :)
At the box there were so-called box seats which were several seats in a small enclosed area. It was a favourite for courting couples!!
I meant to say "At the BACK,…
I meant to say "At the BACK, there were so-called......" Sorry for the typo.