Hippodrome (Derby)

• Theatre ID
  118
• Built / Converted
  1914
• Dates of use
  • 1914 - 1930: as theatre
  • 1930 - 1950: as cinema
  • 1950 - 1959: as theatre
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  dark (currently at risk; closed as bingo 2007, previously cinema 1930-50)
• Address
  Green Lane, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 1ES, England
• Websites
  • Damage to roof, March 2008
  • Derby Hippodrome Restoration Trust

Details

A large variety theatre, red brick with terra cotta dressings and a slated hipped roof. Advanced end bays, with recessed banded corners. The main entrance is at the corner. In the auditorium, the stalls are below street level with two, deep, slightly-curved balconies above. The 1930 alterations seemed to be fairly limited, mainly the small single boxes on either side at first balcony level. They are framed by giant pilasters carrying a serpentine pediment. The rectangular proscenium is surmounted by a big segment-headed panel framing a garland. The flat ceiling had concentric circular moulded panels in a rectangular frame, and all surfaces detail with rich Baroque plasterwork. The Hippodrome was used as a bingo hall from 1959, bingo operations ceasing in January 2007 when the theatre was sold to a property developer. Well situated in the City Centre, the theatre still had potential to be restored to theatre use, providing Derby with an elegant touring theatre. Incidents of vandalism followed, including an arson attack based in the orchestra pit, causing damage to the auditorium. Subsequent 'essential repairs' removed part of the roof, leaving the building partially demolished. Several further small fires have caused more damage. In its current state of disrepair the Derby Hippodrome has a very uncertain future.

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• Events
  • 1914 - 1930 Use: as theatre
  • 1914 Design/Construction:
    • Marshall & Tweedy - Architect
  • 1930 Alteration: converted to cinema
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1930 - 1950 Use: as cinema
  • 1940 Owner/Management: Rank (1944 Purchased by Prince Littler/Stoll)
  • 1950 Owner/Management: Stoll Theatres Corporation
  • 1950 - 1959 Use: as theatre
  • 1961 Owner/Management: Mecca Ltd
  • 1982 Owner/Management: Walkers Ltd
  • 2007 Owner/Management: Christopher Anthony, owner
  • 2008 Alteration: fire in auditorium, February 2008, followed by partial demolition during 'essential repairs'.
• Capacities
  • Later: 1950: c.1650
  • Current: est. 1800
• Listings
  • Grade II - Application for listing is being made 1992 by member of Derby & Notts Music Hall Association
• Stage type
  • Rake 1:24. Proscenium
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 10.05m (33ft) Width SL: 8.22m (26ft 11in) SR: 10.66m (35ft)
  • Proscenium width: 10.66m (35ft)
  • Height to grid: 15.23m (50ft)