Dudley Hippodrome Development Trust

Dudley Hippodrome Development Trust Dudley Hippodrome on Castle Hill, Dudley, opened on December 19th 1938, replacing the Opera House which burnt down two years before.

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 e

xcess 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.

10/04/2026
10/02/2026

Emma Thompson has called theatre "the only hope we’ve got" during bleak times, urging the government to back the arts like it backs the NHS.

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GONE but not forgotten. Culture ? What culture ???
24/12/2025

GONE but not forgotten. Culture ? What culture ???

Credit goes to Linda Beech for this nostalgic poster from 1968 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
14/11/2025

Credit goes to Linda Beech for this nostalgic poster from 1968 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

28/09/2025
Dudley borough This one's for you. Who in their right minds would want to refurb and repurpose an art-deco building?? ...
09/09/2025

Dudley borough This one's for you. Who in their right minds would want to refurb and repurpose an art-deco building?? Oh wait......YES.... but the people of Dudley were denied even a courtesy of a conversation or dialogue. You know who you are...

DMBC.....Hang your heads in shame.All 72, past and present councillors, when certain decisions were made, you were frigh...
01/09/2025

DMBC.....
Hang your heads in shame.
All 72, past and present councillors, when certain decisions were made, you were frightened to speak up.
You know it was wrong NOT to listen and view the plans for repurposing the Hippodrome.

Take a look at this.... it could have been done.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1J2iH8jstU/

Over 2 years ago...BUT...some comments are still relevant as of today. Shocking 😲
04/08/2025

Over 2 years ago...BUT...some comments are still relevant as of today. Shocking 😲

** LATEST PHOTO **

All 72 councillors, past and present, should have this on their conscience. They all have a duty to listen to the electorate, and they most certainly HAVE NOT. No viability study (which should have been a minimum), no consultation, broken promises and quarantined emails by a council with everything to hide. It's no use saying 'the decision was made previously', or 'it happened before my time, l have no influence'. You have a voice to ask relevant questions and have failed your electorate.

The Nolan Principles appear not to exist. One councillor who dared to speak up on the Hippodrome was quickly bullied and shut down. The opinion was squashed as a lesson to others, and so we have the situation as of today. It is not too late to rectify these mistakes.

The Council DO NOT own the land required on Castle Hill to complete the proposed redevelopment AND until such time, the building should remain intact, particularly as there is a massive £5m shortfall in funding.

You decide.....

WELL........In general, no one would listen, or didn't want to listen, to many of the facts coming from DHDT Towers abou...
18/07/2025

WELL........In general, no one would listen, or didn't want to listen, to many of the facts coming from DHDT Towers about the dealings of this council leadership.

BUT NOW......the penny has dropped...... (maybe it's a 50p)
Too late to save the Hippodrome in a possible new guise of course, but that was the aim.
AND STILL.....IT'S NOT HIS FAULT.... AND 'WE HAVE IMPROVED ALREADY'

The narrative reads...

This notice was issued against five criteria, including a report which found cultural problems relating to the inappropriate behaviour of some elected members towards officers.

There was also concern around 'significant weaknesses' in the senior leadership of the council, a lack of transparency in decision making and insufficient focus on good governance as well as the difficulties that the council has faced historically in delivering savings and value for money - traits which the council's external auditors continue to highlight

You decide

Address

15 Castle Hill
Dudley
DY14QF

Telephone

+447367096512

Website

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