Save Derby Hippodrome Theatre

THIS PETITION IS NOW CLOSED AND A NEW PETITION HAS BEEN STARTED BY THE DERBY HIPPODROME RESTORATION TRUST APRIL 14 2014.
IF YOU HAVE SIGNED THIS PETITION, PLEASE SIGN THE NEW LIVE PETITION AS THIS HAS BEEN ORGANISED TO DELIVER TO DERBY CITY COUNCIL
PLEASE SIGN THE NEW PETITION HERE:
http://www.petitions24.com/derby_hippodrome

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The Derby Hippodrome is a Grade II listed theatre building, built on the corner of Green Lane and Macklin Street it was close to the slums of Trafalgar Street and Waterloo Street in the Little City area of the town.

The more comfortable houses in Compton and Wilson Streets were set to house costumiers and theatre staff as well as offering accommodation to visiting stars.

The theatre was described as "palatial" with an elaborate first floor foyer and comfortable lounges.

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.

In 1952 Al Read filled the theatre to capacity. Frankie Howerd was popular, as was Frank Randle, Norman Evans, Charlie Chester and Max Wall. Alfred Marks came direct from the Royal Variety performance. Even Bella Lugosi appeared in his Hollywood role as Dracula. Tommy Cooper starred in 1953, Benny Hill in 1954 and "The new comedy sensation" Ken Dodd performed in 1955.

But Variety really was variety. People remember the pantomimes with Ronnie Corbett, Stan Stennett and Morecambe and Wise. Eric Morecambe chose to live in a caravan parked at the top of Babington Lane but the confined space - and nappies - were not his forté.

It was common to see famous stars mingling with the shoppers of Derby and some local firms took over the whole theatre for staff outings.

It was not all hard work either. Eric Morecambe, together with other stars, represented the Derby Hippodrome in a soccer match against the Sheffield Empire on Uttoxeter Road park (a two all draw).

During the glory years 10,000 people paid each week to see the acts that were at the very top of British live entertainment in 1956 ITV hit the Midlands like a storm and people could now see regular screening of their idols for the price of a hire purchase agreement. Live entertainment at theatres across the nation died almost overnight.

By 1959 it was all over for the Hippodrome. The management declared that the theatre was not viable and closed after the Christmas pantomime. Derby was horrified, especially after a fatal accident to an intruder, but the theatre remained idle until bought by Mecca in 1962 and refurbished as a Bingo hall.

For many years amateur drama groups had waited for the day that the theatre would give up its use as a bingo hall and be offered for sale so that it could be returned to use as a theatre.

Photographs of the interior and inspections by English Heritage, confirm that the building was in a state of good repair up to the time it was sold at auction.

Many other theatres of similar age and design have been successfully converted back into theatres. There is now a big swing towards live entertainment as television is failing to deliver the variety that people now want to experience.