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Hippodrome

368

Prominent sea-front site, wedged up against the face of the cliff on which stands Hastings Castle. Apart from the insertion of a floor at the level of the first balcony front the essential features of the auditorium survived until 1978 when it was finally wrecked. Although in need of maintenance and marred by a crude modern canopy the enriched terracotta exterior is basically intact. The façade lies along the axis of the auditorium/stage and is flanked at each end by imposing domed pavilions with Arts and Crafts octagonal turrets at their front corners. The pavilions are linked by four large semicircular-arched windows at first floor level and a loggia (now glazed) of squat coupled columns below the eaves of the pantiled roof. Here the style is vaguely Spanish Renaissance, reminiscent of the Middlesborough Empire.

Built / Converted
1899
Dates of use
Current state
Extant
Current use
Converted to other use (Amusements)
Address
Pelham Place, Hastings, East Sussex, England
Website-
Further details
Other names
Royal Cinema de Luxe , Empire Theatre , Royal Marine Palace of Varieties
Events
  • 1899 Design/Construction:
    Runtz
    - Architect
  • 1908 Owner/Management: Hippodrome Syndicate
  • 1912 Owner/Management: Messrs Somerald Ltd
  • 1978 Alteration: rebuilt internally at ground floor level
    Unknown
    - Architect
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    1912: 1500
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: Depth: 30ft Width SL: 24ft SR: 24ft
Proscenium width: 30ft
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -