Hippodrome

A large variety theatre, red brick with terracotta dressings and a partially remaining slated hipped roof. Advanced end bays, with recessed banded corners. The main entrance was at the corner. In the auditorium, the stalls are below street level with two, deep, slightly-curved balconies above. The 1930 alterations seemed to be fairly limited, mainly the small single boxes on either side at first balcony level (now mostly demolished). They were framed by giant pilasters carrying a serpentine pediment. The remaining rectangular proscenium is surmounted by a big segment-headed panel framing a garland. The flat ceiling had concentric circular moulded panels in a rectangular frame, and all surfaces were detailed with rich Baroque plasterwork. It is a rare survival from an early stage in the crossover period when buildings were being constructed for both live theatre and cinema. This building form proved to be the model for most cinema design from the 1930s onwards. Disastrously these works have left the theatre partially demolished. There is now vegetation growth throughout and Japanese knotweed has been reported in the now-unroofed auditorium. It is believed that the current owner has plans for the redevelopment of the site that would inevitably lead to the loss of the theatre. The theatre has the potential to be rebuilt and restored to theatre use and could provide Derby with an elegant 1,000-1,200-seat theatre for the sort of commercial touring productions the city cannot currently accommodate. However, finding a solution to restoring the Hippodrome has been hindered by both the private ownership of the building and by a lack of clarity regarding the wider cultural ambition for Derby.