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The Dudley Hippodrome theatre was constructed on the site of the Dudley Opera House, which had been opened in 1899 but had been gutted by a fire that started in the early hours of 1 November 1936.<ref name="Black Country Theatres">{{cite book |last1=Williams |first1=Ned |title=Black Country Theatres |date=2011 |publisher=Uralia Press |location=Wolverhampton |isbn=1898528101 |volume=2|pages=102-128}}</ref> Once it became evident that the Opera House was beyond repair, a decision was taken by its proprietor, Benjamin Kennedy, to demolish the building and build an entirely new theatre.<ref name="Black Country Theatres"/>
The Dudley Hippodrome theatre was constructed on the site of the Dudley Opera House, which had been opened in 1899 but had been gutted by a fire that started in the early hours of 1 November 1936.<ref name="Black Country Theatres">{{cite book |last1=Williams |first1=Ned |title=Black Country Theatres |date=2011 |publisher=Uralia Press |location=Wolverhampton |isbn=1898528101 |volume=2|pages=102-128}}</ref> Once it became evident that the Opera House was beyond repair, a decision was taken by its proprietor, Benjamin Kennedy, to demolish the building and build an entirely new theatre.<ref name="Black Country Theatres"/>


The architect chosen for the new building was [[Archibald Hurley Robinson]] and the local contractor, A.J. Crump started the building work on 23 August 1937.<ref name="Black Country Theatres"/> The theatre opened on 19 December 1938. <ref name="The Stage 15 December 1938">{{cite news |title=Dudley Hippodrome |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001179/19381215/001/0004 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=The Stage |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=15 December 1938|page=4|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The brick-built construction with stalls and circle had seating for 1,750.<ref name="The Stage 15 December 1938"/> The opening ceremony was performed by local MP, [[Dudley Joel]] and the first headline act was Jack Hylton and his band.<ref name="The Stage 15 December 1938"/>
The architect chosen for the new building was [[Archibald Hurley Robinson]] and the local contractor, A.J. Crump started the building work on 23 August 1937.<ref name="Black Country Theatres"/> The theatre opened on 19 December 1938. <ref name="The Stage 15 December 1938">{{cite news |title=Dudley Hippodrome |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001179/19381215/001/0004 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=The Stage |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=15 December 1938|page=4|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The brick-built construction with stalls and circle had seating for 1,750.<ref name="The Stage 15 December 1938"/> The opening ceremony was performed by local MP, [[Dudley Joel]] and the first headline act was Jack Hylton and his band.<ref name="The Stage 15 December 1938"/> Dudley-born [[Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]] champion [[Dorothy Round]] was also in attendance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andrews |first=Mark |date=2021-08-14 |title=From Ken Dodd to Tommy Cooper: 83 years of Dudley Hippodrome |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/Features/2021/08/14/from-ken-dodd-to-tommy-cooper-83-years-of-dudley-hippodrome/ |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=www.expressandstar.com |language=en}}</ref>


The owner, Benjamin Kennedy died on 10 April 1939, passing on responsibility for running the theatre to his sons, Maurice and Robert although ownership was retained by the trustees of the former proprietor.<ref name="Black Country Theatres"/>
The owner, Benjamin Kennedy died on 10 April 1939, passing on responsibility for running the theatre to his sons, Maurice and Robert although ownership was retained by the trustees of the former proprietor.<ref name="Black Country Theatres"/>


The comedy duo, [[Laurel and Hardy]] appeared at the theatre in May 1947.<ref name="Birmingham Daily Gazette 13 May 1947">{{cite news |title=Dudley Hippodrome |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000669/19470513/055/0004 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=Birmingham Daily Gazette |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=13 May 1947|page=4|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
The comedy duo, [[Laurel and Hardy]] appeared at the theatre in May 1947.<ref name="Birmingham Daily Gazette 13 May 1947">{{cite news |title=Dudley Hippodrome |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000669/19470513/055/0004 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=Birmingham Daily Gazette |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=13 May 1947|page=4|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

[[Tommy Cooper]] and [[Eve Boswell]] performed the production King of Hearts at the theatre in 1954.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Drew |first=Mark |date=2023-10-06 |title=Ken Dodd to Tommy Cooper, and a Roy Orbison finale: Proud history of Dudley Hippodrome |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/nostalgia/2023/10/06/ken-dodd-to-tommy-cooper--and-a-roy-orbison-finale-proud-history-of-dudley-hippodrome/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=www.expressandstar.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 1958, singer [[Paul Anka]] performed a sold-out concert at the Hippodrome.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dudley Hippodrome Theatre in Dudley, GB - Cinema Treasures |url=https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/41631 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=cinematreasures.org}}</ref>


The theatre suffered financial problems in 1958, when it was closed for several months, eventually re-opening under new ownership in December of that year.<ref name="The Stage 18 December 1958">{{cite news |title=Pantomime to Reopen Dudley Hippodrome |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001179/19581218/016/0001 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=The Stage |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=18 December 1958|page=1|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
The theatre suffered financial problems in 1958, when it was closed for several months, eventually re-opening under new ownership in December of that year.<ref name="The Stage 18 December 1958">{{cite news |title=Pantomime to Reopen Dudley Hippodrome |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001179/19581218/016/0001 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=The Stage |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=18 December 1958|page=1|url-access=subscription }}</ref>


[[Cliff Richard]] performed to a sold out crowd in 1959.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dudley Hippodrome Theatre in Dudley, GB - Cinema Treasures |url=https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/41631 |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=cinematreasures.org}}</ref>
⚫
The final stage show at the theatre occurred on 24 February 1964.<ref name="Black Country Theatres"/> Later in the same year the theatre came under the control of the Midland Entertainment Agency.<ref name="The Stage 17 September 1964">{{cite news |title=Under New Mangement |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001180/19640917/049/0005 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=The Stage |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=17 September 1964|page=5|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The owner, V. Kendrick announced his intention to operate it as a casino and bingo hall with some live shows.<ref name="Birmingham Daily Post 8 February 1964">{{cite news |title=Final Curtain |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002134/19640208/535/0025 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=Birmingham Daily Post |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=8 February 1964|page=25|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

⚫
The final stage show at the theatre occurred on 24 February 1964.<ref name="Black Country Theatres"/> Later in the same year the theatre came under the control of the Midland Entertainment Agency.<ref name="The Stage 17 September 1964">{{cite news |title=Under New Management |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001180/19640917/049/0005 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=The Stage |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=17 September 1964|page=5|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The owner, V. Kendrick announced his intention to operate it as a casino and bingo hall with some live shows.<ref name="Birmingham Daily Post 8 February 1964">{{cite news |title=Final Curtain |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002134/19640208/535/0025 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=Birmingham Daily Post |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=8 February 1964|page=25|url-access=subscription }}</ref>


In 1968, the Hippodrome was acquired by Mr H. Whitehouse of Newtown Entertainments Ltd. He announced that bingo would continue at the venue but that wrestling would no longer take place.<ref name="Birmingham Daily Post 6 June 1968">{{cite news |title=Dudley Hippodrome Sold for £70,000 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002135/19680606/615/0027 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=Birmingham Daily Post |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=6 June 1968|page=27|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
In 1968, the Hippodrome was acquired by Mr H. Whitehouse of Newtown Entertainments Ltd. He announced that bingo would continue at the venue but that wrestling would no longer take place.<ref name="Birmingham Daily Post 6 June 1968">{{cite news |title=Dudley Hippodrome Sold for £70,000 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002135/19680606/615/0027 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=Birmingham Daily Post |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=6 June 1968|page=27|url-access=subscription }}</ref>


The building was acquired by [[Ladbrokes Coral|Ladbrokes]] which introduced a nightclub with live acts under the brand "Cesar's Palace", which opened on 15 November 1973.<ref name="The Stage 15 November 1973">{{cite news |title=Tommy's Win Double |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001180/19731115/052/0009 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=The Stage |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=15 November 1973|page=9|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
The building was acquired by [[Ladbrokes Coral|Ladbrokes]] which introduced a nightclub with live acts under the brand "Cesar's Palace", which opened on 15 November 1973.<ref name="The Stage 15 November 1973">{{cite news |title=Tommy's Win Double |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001180/19731115/052/0009 |accessdate=25 March 2019 |work=The Stage |via=The British Newspaper Archive |date=15 November 1973|page=9|url-access=subscription }}</ref>


[[Roy Orbison]] became the last star to perform at the Hipppodrome on 16 August 1974.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Brief History |url=https://www.dudley-hippodrome.co.uk/our-hippodrome/ |website=Our Hippodrome |access-date=23 September 2023}}</ref>
[[Roy Orbison]] became the last star to perform at the Hipppodrome on 16 August 1974.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Brief History |url=https://www.dudley-hippodrome.co.uk/our-hippodrome/ |website=Our Hippodrome |access-date=23 September 2023}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 21:37, 20 November 2024

Dudley Hippodrome
Vacant building of the Dudley Hippodrome
Map
AddressCastle Hill
Dudley
England
Coordinates52°30′49″N 2°04′35″W / 52.5135°N 2.0765°W / 52.5135; -2.0765
OwnerDudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Capacity1,750 (original)
1,507 (1967)[1]
Current useDemolished
Construction
Opened19 December 1938 (19 December 1938)[2]
Closed1964
Demolished2023
Years active1938 - 1964[1]
ArchitectA. Hurley Robinson[1]
Website
www.dudley-hippodrome.co.uk

The Dudley Hippodrome was a theatre in the town of Dudley, West Midlands, England. The Hippodrome was built in 1938 on the site of the Dudley Opera House, which was destroyed by fire in 1936,[2] and remained open as a variety theatre until 1964. It subsequently operated as a bingo hall by Gala Bingo before closing in 2009.

Since 2009 it has been owned by Dudley Council, with plans to demolish the site to make way for redevelopment, though local campaigners who protested these proposals, favouring a return to theatre use, finally lost their battle in December 2021.[3][4]

History

[edit]

The Dudley Hippodrome theatre was constructed on the site of the Dudley Opera House, which had been opened in 1899 but had been gutted by a fire that started in the early hours of 1 November 1936.[5] Once it became evident that the Opera House was beyond repair, a decision was taken by its proprietor, Benjamin Kennedy, to demolish the building and build an entirely new theatre.[5]

The architect chosen for the new building was Archibald Hurley Robinson and the local contractor, A.J. Crump started the building work on 23 August 1937.[5] The theatre opened on 19 December 1938. [6] The brick-built construction with stalls and circle had seating for 1,750.[6] The opening ceremony was performed by local MP, Dudley Joel and the first headline act was Jack Hylton and his band.[6] Dudley-born Wimbledon champion Dorothy Round was also in attendance.[7]

The owner, Benjamin Kennedy died on 10 April 1939, passing on responsibility for running the theatre to his sons, Maurice and Robert although ownership was retained by the trustees of the former proprietor.[5]

The comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy appeared at the theatre in May 1947.[8]

Tommy Cooper and Eve Boswell performed the production King of Hearts at the theatre in 1954.[9]

In 1958, singer Paul Anka performed a sold-out concert at the Hippodrome.[10]

The theatre suffered financial problems in 1958, when it was closed for several months, eventually re-opening under new ownership in December of that year.[11]

Cliff Richard performed to a sold out crowd in 1959.[12]

The final stage show at the theatre occurred on 24 February 1964.[5] Later in the same year the theatre came under the control of the Midland Entertainment Agency.[13] The owner, V. Kendrick announced his intention to operate it as a casino and bingo hall with some live shows.[14]

In 1968, the Hippodrome was acquired by Mr H. Whitehouse of Newtown Entertainments Ltd. He announced that bingo would continue at the venue but that wrestling would no longer take place.[15]

The building was acquired by Ladbrokes which introduced a nightclub with live acts under the brand "Cesar's Palace", which opened on 15 November 1973.[16]

Roy Orbison became the last star to perform at the Hipppodrome on 16 August 1974.[17]

The theatre's final years were as a Bingo Hall, which closed on 19 September 2009. [5] The building was purchased by Dudley Council, which planned to demolish the site to make way for redevelopment. [3] Planning requirements were met, and demolition began in August 2023; it was expected to take about four months.[18]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Hippodrome (Dudley)". Theatres Database. The Theatres Trust. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
  2. ^ a b Williams, Ned (2008). Dudley Rediscovered. Wolverhampton: Uralia Press. p. 149. ISBN 1 898 528 08 X.
  3. ^ a b "Experts wait in wings to help save Dudley Hippodrome". Express & Star. 14 July 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  4. ^ "Dudley Hippodrome demolition gets green light". BBC. 16 December 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Williams, Ned (2011). Black Country Theatres. Vol. 2. Wolverhampton: Uralia Press. pp. 102–128. ISBN 1898528101.
  6. ^ a b c "Dudley Hippodrome". The Stage. 15 December 1938. p. 4. Retrieved 25 March 2019 – via The British Newspaper Archive.
  7. ^ Andrews, Mark (14 August 2021). "From Ken Dodd to Tommy Cooper: 83 years of Dudley Hippodrome". www.expressandstar.com. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Dudley Hippodrome". Birmingham Daily Gazette. 13 May 1947. p. 4. Retrieved 25 March 2019 – via The British Newspaper Archive.
  9. ^ Drew, Mark (6 October 2023). "Ken Dodd to Tommy Cooper, and a Roy Orbison finale: Proud history of Dudley Hippodrome". www.expressandstar.com. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  10. ^ "Dudley Hippodrome Theatre in Dudley, GB - Cinema Treasures". cinematreasures.org. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  11. ^ "Pantomime to Reopen Dudley Hippodrome". The Stage. 18 December 1958. p. 1. Retrieved 25 March 2019 – via The British Newspaper Archive.
  12. ^ "Dudley Hippodrome Theatre in Dudley, GB - Cinema Treasures". cinematreasures.org. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  13. ^ "Under New Management". The Stage. 17 September 1964. p. 5. Retrieved 25 March 2019 – via The British Newspaper Archive.
  14. ^ "Final Curtain". Birmingham Daily Post. 8 February 1964. p. 25. Retrieved 25 March 2019 – via The British Newspaper Archive.
  15. ^ "Dudley Hippodrome Sold for £70,000". Birmingham Daily Post. 6 June 1968. p. 27. Retrieved 25 March 2019 – via The British Newspaper Archive.
  16. ^ "Tommy's Win Double". The Stage. 15 November 1973. p. 9. Retrieved 25 March 2019 – via The British Newspaper Archive.
  17. ^ "A Brief History". Our Hippodrome. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  18. ^ "Demolition of Dudley Hippodrome begins despite campaign". BBC. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
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