Derby Hippodrome

However over the next 16 years top class acts were to fill the theatre. Stars of international fame such as Marie Lloyd, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Max Miller, George Robey and Flanagan and Allen all appeared. It was in this theatre that Bud Flanagan composed Underneath the Arches during one of his visits.

There were some more bizarre shows such as racing whippets, performing pigeons, crazy cyclists and aquatic shows (which in 1930 caused a flood).

Marie Lloyd

All of this growing popularity was too much for The Grand and this theatre was taken over by the Hippodrome in 1919.

Kalee Projector

However the avalanche of Hollywood celluloid caused the subscribers to re-think its policy and after heated local debate regarding an application for a drinks licence the theatre converted to a cinema on 15 September 1930. After a refurbishment the first film was a "super talkie" Sunnyside Up starring Janet Gaynor.

For the next twenty years the cream of British and Hollywood movies was shown in this theatre. Using initially primitive equipment the projectionists (including a future mayor of Derby) entertained the demanding audiences showing mainline films in the opulence of the converted music hall.