Shun Brit Empire

Former Wembley Stadium marketing manager Charlie Shun is helping London’s Leicester Square Empire return to its live entertainment roots by taking on an advisory role.

The 80-year-old building in the heart of the city’s West End is steeped in history. It was originally a variety theatre and playhouse but has been used as a cinema since 1959. It’s known worldwide for staging U.K. premieres.

In the last month, it’s run the first British screenings of “Righteous Kill” – attended by the film’s stars including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and 50 Cent – and “Tropic Thunder,” which attracted Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black.
In 1952, the Empire itself appeared in Charlie Chaplin’s film “Limelight.”

A live performance theatre has sat on the site since 1884 but it was demolished in 1926 and renovated as a movie house, although it still had a large stage and often hosted ballet and dance performances.

Shun, who also has experience as events manager at London’s Earls Court and programming events for the open space around Wembley Arena, is also going back to his roots. In 1973 he started his career working for Rank Leisure, booking live bands into the company’s chains of Odeon and Gaumont theatres.

“The Empire’s main selling points are its heritage and location. It’s surrounded by all of London’s major theatres,” Shun told Pollstar.

He began marketing the venue as a theatre by offering promoters a guided tour, which has already attracted interest from Stuart Littlewood’s Handshake company. Handshake produces theatre shows including “Abba Mania” and “One Night Of Queen – Flying Music.”

Shun said the 1,330-capacity venue is suitable for stand-up comedy, solo artists, small bands, runs of theatrical shows, special one-off unplugged performances and record and tour launches.