The Theatres Trust

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
  • Website

Details

A large variety theatre, red brick with terra cotta dressings. Advanced end bays, with recessed banded corners. Corner entrance. Slated hipped roof. Stalls below street level with two, deep, slightly-curved balconies above. The 1930 alterations seem to have been fairly limited, mainly the small single boxes on either side at first balcony level. They are framed by giant pilasters carrying a serpentine pediment. Rectangular proscenium surmounted by a big segment-headed panel framing a garland. Flat ceiling with concentric circular moulded panels in rectangular frame. Rich Baroque plasterwork on balcony fronts, proscenium, ceiling etc, rather coarse in detail. Well situated in the City Centre, the theatre could be readily restored to provide Derby with a touring theatre.


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Cafe bar, Derby Hippodrome, 2003
© David Marsden

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Plasterwork detail on the dress circle balcony, Derby Hippodrome, 2003
© David Marsden


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Side elevation showing stage house, Derby Hippodrome, 2003
© David Marsden

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Façade, Derby Hippodrome, 2003
© David Marsden


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Towards 'the gods', Derby Hippodrome, 2003
© David Marsden

009958_small
Balcony detail, dress circle, Derby Hippodrome, 2003
© David Marsden

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  • Events
    • 1914 - 1930 Use: as theatre
    • 1914 Design/Construction:
      • Marshall & Tweedy - Architect
    • 1930 Alteration: converted to cinema
      • Unknown - Architect
    • 1940 Owner/Management: Rank (1944 Purchased by Prince Littler/Stoll)
    • 1950 Owner/Management: Stoll Theatres Corporation
    • 1961 Owner/Management: Mecca Ltd
    • 1982 Owner/Management: Walkers Ltd
    • 1930 - 1950 Use: as cinema
    • 1950 - 1959 Use: as theatre
  • 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)

Of the period

Façade of the Palace Theatre, Bridgwater, 1995
Palace (Bridgwater)
Bridgwater

Have you seen?

Detail of a wall in the Circle Foyer at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 2001
Grand (Blackpool)
Blackpool

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