The Coventry Hippodrome was a great   favourite for Nuneaton     comedian Larry Grayson.

We are delighted to add your name to our growing subscribers' list for OLD THEATRES OF THE MIDLANDS, which takes a nostalgic look at those buildings we loved--many of which we can still enjoy today. All its pages are profusely illustrated with over 180 photographs, many of which have not been seen for 50 years, providing an insight of audiences and performers, changing times, and scenes of devastation. The books is receiving great reviews everywhere

To reserve your copy, please send a cheque for £10, plus £1.39 U.K. post and packing        (made payable to T.G. Kirtland) at:
The Coach House, Minllyn, Dinas Mawddwy, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9LP.

  Opened in 1914, Derby Hippodrome was a purpose built theatre as a 2,300 capacity Variety house. It was converted in 1930 into an 1,800 seat cinema, becoming a theatre once more for only 9 years until 1959. Three years later the theatre was purchased by Mecca Group who converted the theatre into a Bingo Social Club.
The architects were Marshall and Tweedy of Newcastle upon Tyne.   

  It was here, only days before the outbreak of the First World War, that the Hippodrome took on the more    up-market Grand Theatre with a programme of twice nightly Variety, and it was here that Bud Flanagan composed Underneath the Arches during one of his visits, and a youthful Morecambe and Wise appeared at the start of their careers. But in March 2008 the theatre was badly damaged by a fire and a roof collapse.

© www.derbyhippodrome.co.uk - Photos: Simon Hardy