Group    From 15/1/1900  To /6/2009

London Hippodrome

Categories: Theatre

From Hippodrome Casino: "Originally opened in 1900 by the renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham as a circus variety theatre, the Hippodrome featured a 100,000 gallon tank in which elephants, polar bears and sea lions would swim. Works in 1909 enlarged the stage and advanced the proscenium arch to suit the theatre for variety rather than circus and, from 1912, revue. In 1957 the Hippodrome was transformed into the legendary Talk of the Town theatre restaurant by Charles Forte, Bernard Delfont and Robert Nesbitt and featured stars including Shirley Bassey, Stevie Wonder and Judy Garland. After various different incarnations, including a nightclub under the management of Peter Stringfellow, in 2008 the venue returned to its roots as a circus venue for burlesque cabaret La Clique, which closed in June 2009. The planning application by The Hippodrome Casino Limited was approved by Westminster City Council in 2006 and a gaming license awarded in late 2008."

From Spitalfield's Life: "Frank’s Matcham’s auditorium was demolished in the fifties but it has been spectacularly reconstructed with new plasterwork from the original designs as part of the £40 million restoration in 2009." 

See the magnificent Arthur Lloyd for all you need to know.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
London Hippodrome

Commemorated ati

Chaplin - Lambeth Walk

The BFI date the Hippodrome performance to Christmas 1900. The quote about a ...

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This section lists the memorials created by the subject on this page:
London Hippodrome

Creations i

Frank Matcham - Hippodrome

Plaque unveiled by Roy Hudd.

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Hippodrome - Bruce Forsyth

Sir Bruce appeared eight times between May 1964 and February 1981 and unveile...

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Hippodrome - Harry Houdini

The plaque refers to the London Daily Mirror newspaper which challenged Houdi...

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Hippodrome - Judy Garland

Judy Garland, 1922 - 1969, "The greatest entertainer who ever lived" performe...

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Hippodrome - Sammy Davis Jr.

Unveiled by Bruce Forsyth.

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Other Subjects

Prince of Wales Theatre

Prince of Wales Theatre

Built as Prince's Theatre by Charles Phipps in 1884.  Just 2 years later it was renamed as the Prince of Wales Theatre after the future Edward VII.   It was rebuilt in 1937, designed by Robert Cromie.

Group, Theatre

1 memorial
Pollock's toy theatre shop

Pollock's toy theatre shop

This was started by John Redington, selling printed sheets of characters and scenery for toy theatres. He ran it until his death when his family took over. 1877 his daughter Eliza married Benjamin ...

Building, Children, Commerce, Theatre

1 memorial
Finsbury Park Empire Theatre

Finsbury Park Empire Theatre

Designed by Frank Matcham. One of London’s most popular variety theatres. Here, in January 1921, the magician P. T. Selbit performed the illusion of "sawing a lady in half" - its first public perfo...

Building, Theatre

1 memorial
Sean O'Casey

Sean O'Casey

Playwright. Born John Casey in Dublin. He was a strong supporter of the Irish Nationalist cause, changing his name to Seán Ó Cathasaigh. His first play, 'The Shadow of a Gunman', was performed at t...

Person, Theatre, Ireland

1 memorial
Sir Bruce Forsyth

Sir Bruce Forsyth

TV presenter and all-round entertainer.  Born Edmonton.  Sunday Night at the London Palladium, The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right, The Price Is Right, Strictly Come Dancing - the shows just...

Person, Seriously Famous, Theatre, TV & Radio

3 memorials