Theatre in Houdini act

A VICTORIAN theatre where legendary showman Harry Houdini performed has escaped ruin.

Burnley Empire Theatre opened in 1894 and its 1,900 seats were packed for the escapologist in 1902.

For the past 23 years it has been empty – but now it has now been bought for £1 by the Burnley Empire Theatre Trust.

The group’s Sophie Gibson said: “We’re excited to finally own the building we all care about so much.

“We believe the Empire has a bright future.”