Variety is the splice of life with Ian's film about city's theatres

Published on Thursday 2 September 2010 18:19

A VETERAN independent filmmaker is set to launch what he believes is the first film ever made about Edinburgh's variety theatres.

A charity screening of Ian Rintoul's new film, Empire Palace of Variety, will take place at London Road Parish Church next month to raise funds for the church.

The film tells the story of the former Empire Theatre on Nicolson Street, now the Festival Theatre, from its beginnings in 1892.

It also recalls memories from Edinburgh's variety theatres, including The King's, the Lyceum, Palladium Theatre and Gaiety Theatre in Leith.

Mr Rintoul said: "I think it's the first time a film has been made about Edinburgh's theatres. Some people don't realise that the Festival Theatre was the Empire Theatre."

A special version of the film will be shown at the charity screening for one night only. It features footage of a street party on Edinburgh's Rossie Place in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Mr Rintoul added: "We are hoping people will recognise themselves from the party and want to come to the screening. This is the only time they will be able to see it because after the charity screening this section is being taken out."

The film also tells the story of the fire at the Empire Theatre in 1911, which killed famous magician The Great Lafayette and his performing lion, as well as several other people.

Mr Rintoul, a father-of-two from Trinity, said: "The Empire was famous in the 1950s for bringing over film stars from Hollywood, including Lena Horne, Howard Keel, Allan Jones and Roy Rogers.

"My mother used to take me to the Empire Theatre and I remember seeing Laurel and Hardy."

Empire Palace of Variety is one of four films that Mr Rintoul has made about Edinburgh entertainment, with Derek Cameron's Dominion, The Playhouse Story and Edinburgh Cinemas Remembered having already been released. The 40-minute film took the award-winning filmmaker two years to make.

"I had to do a lot of research and get photos and clips of performers appearing at the Empire - Gracie Fields, Allan Jones, George Formby, Max Miller, etc," he said. "I feel if people don't make films about these things, eventually there won't be any records."

Tickets for the charity screening on October 1 at 7.30pm, cost 5 and can be purchased at London Road Parish Church.

The film will be shown at venues around the Capital following the charity screening.