Derby Hippodrome

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.

Dress Circle - Present

The theatre was described as "palatial" with an elaborate first floor foyer and comfortable lounges where lady attendants served dainties to the better off clientele. The dress circle balcony was (and still is) especially rich in decoration and the novelty of ladies and gentlemen's toilets on each floor was popular. What is more the auditorium was COOL. The lack of a drinks licence was part of the agreement and this restriction was to come and haunt the subscribers of the venture.

Over the next 45 years the theatre was to produce 1,158 live programmes in two periods from 1914-1930 and 1950 -1959, in the intervening period operating as a cinema.

The opening show was on 20 July 1914. 'September Morn' was well received by a packed auditorium but was hardly an exceptional programme for such an auspicious occasion.