Coventry Hippodrome / Apollo / Theatre

Hello LaurenC and welcome to our web site. I am sure someone, somewhere can help. I only went to the Panto there with Ken Dodd and his Diddymen at the tender age of about 9-10. But i am sure there is people here that can help.

Also some references in the thread "What was the first concert you went to?"

My aunt's sister in law was called Nan, and she was the dresser at Cov Theatre. She called my dad in November 1963 and told him to bring me to the stage door and she will get me The Beatles' autographs. We duly arrived and I was given a Fan Club postcard signed by all 4 of them. Needless to say I have treasured this and last year I thought it would be a good idea to get it valued. Around the £20,000 mark was the figure - IF it had been signed by John, Paul, George and Ringo. Unfortunately mine had been signed by the roadies and so is virtually worthless. Oh well. C'est la vie

Hi, I'm currently writing an article about the Hippodrome and in particular the bands that appeared there. The article will appear on a website that is been developed by final year journalism students at the university. Does anyone here have memories of seeing The Beatles perform at the Hippodrome and would you be willing for me to quote you for the article? Thanks.

Hi LaurenC, I see this is the second time you have made this request with no response, I have a post in the thread. What was the first concert you went to? It refers to when I went to see the Beatles at the Hippodrome in 1963. You are welcome to use this for your article.

Can anyone tell me if there is a collection of memorabilia from the Coventry Theatre/Hippodrome on display. I have 3 signed programmes from the 1965 Birthday Show, the 1965 Spring Show and the 1966 Spring Show. My mother knew Mrs. Newsome (don't know how) but as a consequence she got 3 autographed programmes for me. Autographs include The Bachelors, Anne Rogers, Freddie Davis, Mike Yarwood, Frankie Vaughan, Des O'Connor, Jimmy Tarbuck, Jack Douglas, Harry Worth, Edmund Hockeridge, Billy Dainty. I am now debating what to do with them and wondered if there was an exhibition of memorabilia in the city. There are also some interesting ads in the programmes - one for The Captain's Table on Primrose Hill Street where I was taken out to dinner for passing my 11+! Many thanks Sue

Theres a few items from the Hippodrome in the Herbert Museum but not a dedicated Hippodrome exhibit.

It was the architect Stanley Hattrell who was also the son of the architect who built the earlier Hippodrome in 1907. I only recently discovered why it was called the "Hippodrome". The original was a circus in Pool Meadow, in the days before travelling circuses. Hence hippo-drome or horse-ring. It was little more than a tin shack really. The circus gradually expanded to include variety acts and a more permanent home was built on the other side of Hales Street. This included a semi-circular frontage which I assume was a reference to its circus origins. The same happened in at least 70 other British towns and cities. The theatres retained the name "Hippodrome" but the circus acts were replaced by travelling circuses.

I found an article concerning the opening of the new Hippodrome, July 1903. COVENTRY'S NEW HIPPODROME. The erection of a large wooden building on the Pool Meadow is being watched with considerable interest at present. The erection in question is the " Coventry New Hippodrome," which on Bank Holiday, August 3rd, is to be opened with an up-todate variety and equestrian entertainment. The building is a commodious and well-designed one, 120 ft. long by 90 broad, and will accommodate about 1,200 people. The main entrance is immediately opposite the baths. The ventilation has been carefully attended to, and there is ample provision for ready exit in ease of fire. The centre of the floor space is occupied by the ring, and at one end of the hall is a proscenium, orchestra, and stage. The seats will be comfortably upholstered, and the interior of the building effectively decorated, and lit with electric light. A lounge is provided behind the stalls. It is intended to run the new Hippodrome on the " two show 3 a night" plan, which has proved so successful in many provincial places of entertainment. The first performance will commence at 6.45, and the second at 9 p.m. The idea is that the earlier programme is the most convenient for visitors to the city and those who wis;h to take young people, while the later entertainment is for the benefit of tradespeople and others who cannot leave business at an early hour. The prices of admission range from 2d. to 1s.6d. Mr. T. M. Sylvester, the managing director of the Hippodrome, has had considerable experience with Barnum and Bailey's Show, and is well qualified to make the new undertaking an attractive and successful one. It is being run in connection with four other similar places of amusement, so that the management are able to offer terms to their artistes which secures the engagement of a superior class of talent.

Old Hippodrome

Opera Glasses Who remembers the red opera glasses? You had to put 6d in the slot to release them, but if you took off your shoe and whacked the metal clasp with a stiletto heel, the top popped open and you got them for free!!!! I went with my parents once to see Flanders and Swann - 'At the drop of a Hat'. My father was appalled when I released the glasses in the usual way - and insisted on trying to put 6d in the slot just the same.

And another!

Did anyone save the lovely carving/casting of the figures above the entrance? Courtesy http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/

View circa 1990 - This could have gone under the threads covering subways or the Motor Museum/Hales St - this area really is so different now - shows just how vast the Hippodrome was. Rights to the owner.