Hippodrome Theatre

Located in the centre of Rochdale, Lancashire. Originally close to this site on Newgate was a wooden building known as the Circus and Hippodrome, which has its own page on Cinema Treasures. It was was closed and demolished in 1907 due to road works.

The New Hippodrome Theatre was opened on 16th November 1908. This substantial brick building was designed by a Mr. Hardman for Jacksons' Amusements, Ltd. Rochdale born star Gracie Fields appeared at the New Hippodrome Theatre in 1910. Films were screened as part of the variety programme from around this period of time.

In 1920, architect Robert Cromie re-designed the building. In 1930 alterations were carried out to the plans of architectural firm Butterworth & Duncan and the Hippodrome Theatre was equipped with an RCA sound system. Twice nightly variety shows continued, but there were also weeks of film programmes. The dual-use continued until it was closed in the mid-1950’s. It was then used for a spasmodic series of events, and in 1959 one of these events was a Housy-Housy Tournament, to raise money for local funds. The Hippodrome Theatre was demolished in 1970.

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