Exhibition uncovers Warminster’s lost WWI theatre

A new exhibition at the Warminster Athenaeum is shining a light on a forgotten 500-seat theatre which operated in the town during World War I.

Athenaeum archivist Andrew Frostick was first made aware of the forgotten theatre when he was given an image of World War I soldiers on East Street which featured a sign for The Empire.

 

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“That really piqued my interest, as I had never heard mention of it,” said Andrew. “As time has gone on and I have been researching the history of the Athenaeum, I started to find odd references to The Empire.

“My research has grown and I have been able to piece together the story of how Warminster had a hidden 500-seater variety theatre tucked away from the main road for the duration of the Great War.

“I have been able to uncover rare information about who it served and what was presented. Concert parties and novelty acts and all manner of variety entertainment six days a week. I have been able to trace the only known piece of printed ephemera to The Imperial War Museum, who have given special permission for the poster to be reprinted for display.”

“I’ve put a lot of detective work into this, as it’s really unknown and undocumented. There’s never been any mention in any local history books.”

The exhibition opened on Monday 7th September and will remain at the Athenaeum Gallery until Sunday 8th November.

It is free to view during the Athenaeum box office opening hours and on show nights.