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Hippodrome

A magnificient foyer like a Sultan's palace

By Mike Stone, Entertainer

Oh dear - the poor old Hippodrome! I used to go there when I was a kid, to watch all the big stars. I saw the Beatles there. Now it's a bingo hall. But they still let you sneak in, if you're careful, and see the magnificent foyer, which is like a sultan's palace. Unfortunately, when you go into the auditorium, it's a bit different. Instead of all the great stars you used to see there, all you see now is bingo.

Hippodrome, Middle Street 1994

From the private collection of Mike Stone

Mike Stone with Mr Punch

From the private collection of Mike Stone

Image and text from the 'My Brighton' exhibit

This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments:

I worked at the Hippodrome during its transformation from theatre to bingo hall at the time when the old stage was demolished to be replaced by modern technology. I suppose that myself and my colleagues at the time stepped into the new and, at the time, uncertain future for the historic building, realising that the true purpose had left us behind.

By Des Parker (12/01/2003)

During the war, we used to pay ninepence for a side circle seat. For that price you could see all the top variety acts every week.

By Dennis Andrews (17/06/2004)

Does anyone have pictures of the inside when it was in use either as a theatre or as a circus ?

By Ben (20/02/2005)

So, the Hippodrome is no longer needed even as a Bingo hall. What will become of the old place now? It is hoped that it could be reopened as a live theatre with shows and plays such as are seen at the Theatre Royal; but no doubt it will go the same way as all our other theatres no longer with us. Please let us hope that it does not end up like the Astoria - deserted, rotting and forgotten.

By Tony Clevett (15/08/2006)

When I was a girl my mum and aunty used to take me to see all the shows. We sat in the 'gods'. Roy Castle, Jimmy Edwards (and horse), Tommy Trinder, to name but a few. Afterwards we would get cockles or fish and chips to eat on the way to the bus stop. Happy days.

By Sandie Waller (24/05/2007)