Old Market will be getting a new pop-up arts space soon in a former bank on West Street that most recently was gay venue The Vault.

The Empire Theatre launches next month, and will feature circus, cabaret, film and live music as well as a dance music programme.

Those keen on their Bristol history will know that the original Empire Theatre on Old Market, demolished in the early 1960s to make way for the inner ring road, was where Cary Grant had his first show business job as a lime-lighter.

The young Archibald Leach would certainly not recognise the Old Market of today, which is slowly pulling itself up by its bootstraps.

“On a trip to The Empire you might find anything from sophisticated sit down cabaret shows, to large parties with music and circus performance, live gigs, gay events, cinema and more,” says producer Keda Breeze.

“Stepping into the Empire is something like stepping into a David Lynch film. Long winding red corridors lead you to a splendid historic banking hall with pillars, ornate stonework and a mezzanine balcony.

“The venue’s more notorious uses in recent times are given away by metal bars, which sit in surreal opposition to the grand building’s architecture.”

The full programme of events launches in September but there will be one-off events before then.

Here’s a tantalising view inside:

Keep up to date by following the Empire Theatre on Facebook, www.facebook.com/empire.bristol, or via Twitter, @empirebristol.