Built in 1897 as a music hall The Middlesbrough Empire has played host to a variety of performers from Charlie Chaplin to Paul Oakenfold to the Scissor Sisters. Since being bought in 1991 by Barry Faulkner, he has transformed the derelict building into one of the country's finest venues/nightclubs. The Empire now retains all its former glory with 3 floors dedicated to style and music.