Dudley Hippodrome Development Trust aims to save from demolition and restore the theatre building to provide entertainment and enhance the well-being of the people of Dudley and its wider environs. It was designed in the Art Deco style of the era by local architect Archibald Hurley Robinson, a prolific designer of Midlands theatres and cinemas. The Hippodrome auditorium had a seating capacity in excess of 1700, all with unrestricted views of the stage. There were three bars, a large, flexible basement area and numerous additional rooms. Dudley Hippodrome hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Laurel and Hardy, Morecame and Wise, Bob Hope, Tommy Cooper, Ken Dodd, Cliff Richard and Roy Orbison to name but a few. By the 1960s theatre attendances were falling, so like many others, the Hippodrome had to reinvent itself. It became Cesar’s Palace and remained a venue for variety performances, a casino and for sporting events. Dudley Hippodrome became a bingo hall in the 80s and finally closed its doors to the public in 2008. The building was acquired by Dudley MBC in 2010 and has subsequently stood empty and decaying. Dudley Hippodrome Development Trust was formed in 2021 following on from several campaign groups, who, over the last decade, have raised the profile of the plight of the Hippodrome and secured thousands of signatures both on paper and online petitions. The Trust now seeks to explore all avenues to secure funding and support to prevent demolition and to restore and re-open the Hippodrome to the people of Dudley and the nation. Our commitment is to inclusivity and our priority is the engagement of people from all walks of life in restoring the Hippodrome, as a multi-purpose entertainment venue, which will contribute to both day and night time economies for the town and enhance the well-being of all who use it.
