Pendle Hippodrome

• Theatre ID
  2013
• Built / Converted
  1914
• Dates of use
  • 1960 - 1969: Until when not known. (finally as cinema); 1980s continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  Newmarket Street, Colne, Lancashire, England

Details

Built as a cinéariety house, at first with much stage entertainment, but gradually dominated by cinema use until closure in mid 1960s. Subsequently used for bingo until 1978, when it was taken over, in very poor condition, by a group of amateur societies who painstakingly repaired, restored and improved it over the next eight years. Since reopening has presented over 250 performances a year with volunteer staff. They receive more requests for hiring than their limited resources can cope with. In a side street, near the Town Hall, the theatre has a broad stucco façe and pedimental gable, with rustication imitation of ashlar. Two semicircular arched doorways. The auditorium is long and narrow with single end balcony of six rows. Circle front with fibrous plaster swags, shields and flowers. Three panels on side walls each side carry ‘crossed flaming torch’ light fittings rescued from the Palace Hippodrome, Nelson (q.v.). Wood boarded ceiling with sloping sides. Stage is adequate but flying height might be improved. A remarkably successful effort by a local group which has already rebuilt the dressing room block and acquired the stable range from the next door pub to provide workshops and storage. Further acquisitions and building works are under consideration (2005).

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• Events
  • 1960 - 1969 Use: Until when not known. (finally as cinema); 1980s continuing
  • 1914 Design/Construction:
    • R S Pilling - Architect
  • 1978 Alteration: continuing restoration, alteration and adaptation as a theatre
    • - Architect
  • 1914 Owner/Management: George Fort, proprietor
  • Owner/Management: changes of ownership/management still to be recorded
  • 1978 Owner/Management: Pendle Hippodrome Theatre (a charity), proprietor
• Capacities
  • Current: 500
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Proscenium Raked 1:12
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: w: 45ft d: 25ft
  • Proscenium width: 8.3m
  • Height to grid: 10m (c.32ft)
  • Orchestra pit: for 20