dudley hippodrome history
Sadly, we have been let down by others who, as it turned out, were self-interested and had a different agenda. 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. The Theatres Trust are very supportive, and wrote a stern letter to DMBC about their decision to give the consortium the extra 9 months. Blackoot design by Iceable Themes. The Hippodrome is Dudley’s only remaining lyric theatre. This ran from January 2019 to January 2020. Once lost, though, our historic buildings can never be replaced. D103039 We need as many signatures as possible to show the strength of feeling about saving our Hippodrome. Dudley has a history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, its name deriving from the Old English Duddan Leah, meaning Dudda's clearing, and one of its churches being named in honour of the Anglo-Saxon King and Saint, Edmund. This is why the recent decision by Dudley Council is so disappointing and neglects Dudley’s history and the public support for saving this building. Dudley is a large industrialised market town and administrative centre in the county of West Midlands, England, 9.7 kilometres (6.0 mi) south-east of Wolverhampton and 16.9 kilometres (10.5 mi) north-west of Birmingham.Historically an exclave of Worcestershire, the town is the administrative centre of the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley and in 2011 had a population of 79,379. Paperback. The Hippodrome in Dudley is one such case in point that, thanks to community pressure, has recently been snatched away from the dreaded demolition gangs. Click here for the Theatres’ Trust response to the decision by Dudley Council regarding the Hippodrome. This is not needed, and will be of no benefit to the people of Dudley. [11], The theatre's final years were as a Bingo Hall, which closed on 19 September 2009. The Dudley Hippodrome is a theatre in the town of Dudley, West Midlands, England. Imagine a night out at the peoples theatre! By using this platform, not only is your money kept safe by a third party, it is easy to spread the word and share with your friends! £ 9.99 This is being proven in other towns across the country, such as the Plaza at Stockport, Burnley Empire, Bradford Palace, Wimborne Tivoli and so many others. Reg Corbett. As expected, when trying to save an iconic Local Landmark Building from demolition, there are cynics, doom and gloom doubters, “experts”, etc. DUDLEY Hippodrome could be demolished and replaced with a university park under new plans announced by Dudley Council. They did not achieve this, and were given an extra 9 months to September 2020, but it still seems highly unlikely it will get any further. It once hosted big names in the … Its external styling is of a 1930s super cinema in buff brick. Dudley Town’s Fund Board is seeking funding from central government’s Towns Fund to develop a new University style centre at the foot of Castle Hill. There is almost £1 billion pounds of Investment coming to Dudley in the next few years, the Metro Tram system, a new Bus Station and Interchange, two more New Colleges, and a Very Light Rail Innovation Centre, as well as a brand new Leisure Centre. Later alterations within the auditorium are fully reversible and it would be possible to return the theatre to use for live performance. All this is to encourage more people to live in the town, and to help with regeneration. Discover all the history and drama inside. Yes, these are important too – even if they are all glass and concrete without the character of yesteryear. [4] 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. [4], The architect chosen for the new building was Archibald Hurley Robinson and the local contractor, A.J. The last star to perform on this stage was Roy Orbison on 16 August 1974. © Tim Clarke Photography. Don't forget to share the petition too! People have to travel out the area to see top names and shows. Crumpled Bits Of Paper : From The Desk Of a Black Countryman. [4] The theatre opened on 19 December 1938. [5] The opening ceremony was performed by local MP, Dudley Joel and the first headline act was Jack Hylton and his band. Apart from the Hippodrome pantomimes were also presented at the Alhambra Theatre Bradford, The Hippodrome Theatre Brighton, the Lyceum Theatre Sheffield and the Hippodrome Theatre Dudley by Sam Newsome who was the presiding genius and producer at the Hippodrome. During the day, the foyer and side rooms could be used as meeting places for all the many diverse Community Groups, for Dance and Drama rehearsals, and many other uses, which would encourage Social Inclusion and Well Being for all. Prominently situated at the gateway to the town, Dudley Hippodrome is an Art Deco lyric theatre designed by Archibald Hurley Robinson and built in 1938. We are known as Dudley Hippodrome Friends and Community Group. It has seen some amazing stars appear there in the past. Paperback. Welcome to our unique website and the 'Home Page' which we hope will 'whet your appetite' to become a member. Dudley Hippodrome The historic former theatre is set to make way for a driverless vehicle testing centre as part of plans to continue the regeneration of the town centre. However, it has stood empty and neglected for almost 10 years. It needs saving for its cultural history and its amazing Architecture. A World Class Entertainment Venue for the Black Country, 10th Birthday Anniversary Souvenir Programme, Click here for the Theatres’ Trust response to the decision by Dudley Council regarding the Hippodrome. Not a penny has been spent on it since it was purchased by Dudley Council (DMBC). Seating 1,752, it saw regular use as a variety theatre until 1964, when it became a Caesar’s Palace – a Night Club and wrestling venue amongst other things. Get Dudley Hippodrome, Dudley, England setlists - view them, share them, discuss them with other Dudley Hippodrome, Dudley, England fans for free on setlist.fm! Welcome to our unique website and the 'Home Page' which we hope will 'whet your appetite' to become a member. We desperately want more volunteers to get involved, including those with skills to help us push forward with a Business Plan. In 1951 the VERY FIRST televised pantomine was Cinderella at the Dudley Hippodrome: HISTORY 184 ... Campaigners confident after Dudley Hippodrome crunch talks. With the political will and help, it could easily be done. [9], In 1968, the Hippodrome was acquired by Mr H. Whitehouse of Newtown Entertainments Ltd. Their Local Authorities have the foresight and vision to see the benefits of restoring their historic entrainment venues and 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. 822 likes. The building has been empty since 2009. Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has voted to take legal action against Black Country Hippodrome Ltd (BCHL) who took on a five-year lease in 2016. It will be perfectly suited for exhibitions, hosting shows, concerts and live music in the main auditorium. I saw him in Dudley when I was 14, but he did go to Wolverhampton. Theatre Of Dreams : A History Of Dudley Hippodrome. Being a purpose-built entertainment venue, it has fantastic acoustics and ambience, in contrast to other multi-purpose venues. Dudley has plans to gain University Status, and also has had a major investment to its Market area. The freehold of the Dudley Hippodrome was subsequently purchased by The Borough Council of Dudley on 3 February 2011. Amazon.in - Buy Theatre of Dreams: A History of Dudley HippodromeA book online at best prices in India on Amazon.in. It was well-maintained while in bingo use, and the interior still has a theatrical feel. [8] The owner, V. Kendrick announced his intention to operate it as a casino and bingo hall with some live shows. The large Basement could be used as a completely separate area for various uses. Free delivery on qualified orders. Leader of Dudley Council, Patrick Harley, said: ‘The last stage show held at the former Hippodrome took place during 1964. [7], The final stage show at the theatre occurred on 24 February 1964. . However, it has stood empty and neglected for almost 10 years. We are a group of local people whose common passion is saving the Dudley Hippodrome from demolition. Please share this with all your friends and associates. Dudley Hippodrome could quite easily become a much needed Multi-Purpose Entertainment Venue and Community Hub, with tiered seating, providing full viewing of the stage. Designed by renowned theatre architect Archibald Hurley Robinson, it replaced the Dudley Opera House, a late Victorian building gutted by … Not a penny has been spent on it since it was purchased by Dudley Council (DMBC). An £8m bid to save a 1930s theatre site has collapsed due to "frustrating negotiations", a local business has said. Paperback. Imagine saving the Hippodrome from the bulldozers and refurbishing it to become a community hub day and night. The Hippodrome presents an opportunity for Dudley and we call on the council to consider it as an option in its plans for a new entertainment venue. The Hippodrome presents an opportunity for Dudley and we call on the council to consider it as an option in … Theatre Of Dreams : A History Of Dudley Hippodrome. We are a group of people who are just passionate about saving our historic building and bringing it back for the town. Now on sale on Amazon and at Dudley Canal Trust Shop, Black Country Tee-shirt shop in Dudley town centre, Ashwood Nurseries Saturday Book Shop in Tower Street, Dudley and John Sparry’s bookshop in Wall Heath. It is in close proximity to such local attractions as Dudley Zoo and Castle, the Black Country Living Museum, Canal Portal and Tunnels, the Archives and Castle Gate. Is this what we really want to see on the main approach to Dudley? £9.99. The Hippodrome has hosted many star and super stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Ken … Hello, . Dudley Hippodrome, which once hosted famous acts including comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, will be demolished. Audiences can enjoy performances in the luxurious interior as patrons would have done when it was first built. The Dudley Hippodrome Community Group was formed to ensure that this building is retained, restored and put back into operation as the West Midlands’ premier multi-purpose entertainment venue. It replaced the earlier Dudley Opera House on the same site, which was destroyed by fire the previous year. It will be the second largest theatre in the Midlands. Working with The Castle Hill Suite, Dudley, it could become the place to go again. Demonstrating support to save Dudley Hippodrome At present, we have 1.8 thousand members but are always looking for more to support us in our fight. [3], 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. Our Council have told us they are going to demolish it. Copyright © 2021, Dudley Hippodrome. Reg Corbett. Description: Old Dudley Hippodrome: Date: 24 April 2012, 10:21