Hippodrome

Built as a theatre in 1908 with ‘Two Lancashire Lasses in London’ - the Hippodrome introduced film interludes as part of the variety programme from 1911 and by 1917 films had all but taken over.

The Hippodrome is a plain red brick building whose main street front is the flank of the auditorium. The original single storey foyer with ornamental terra cotta segmental pediment is now divided off and sub let as a retail outlet. The auditorium block at first floor level is divided by pilasters into six bays. Stone decoration in the form of draped pelmets between the pilasters were added in 1994. ‘Hippodrome Theatre’ in large letters above and also in a new slate shallow canopy above the entrance. Three sets of doors formerly labelled Circle, Stalls and Pit - the latter set now forming the main entrance. Plain gabled stage house.

Former pit now converted to a large bar/rehearsal room resulting in a small stalls capacity almost entirely in front of the circle. Plain segmented barrel vaulted ceiling. Circle slips extend to square proscenium arch with decorative tablet above. Three plaster panels on each side of slips, possibly originally boxes, with a single deep circle. Baroque plaster decoration to balcony front. Apart from the subdivision of the pit, the auditorium is almost certainly very little altered from 1908. Some upgrading of interior is required but essentially in good condition. Eight dressing rooms, mainly under stage. Limited flying.

Now owned by Todmorden Players and Todmorden Operatic Society, the theatre is regularly used by them and is available to outside hirers, both amateur and professional.