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London Hippodrome (Established 1900)

 Organisation

Dates

  • Existence: Established 1900
  • Usage: Established 2009
  • Usage: 1958 - 1982

Biography

The London Hippodrome was a ground breaking circus and variety theatre designed by Frank Matcham for Moss Empire. The lavish theatre opened in 1900 featuring a massive 100,000 gallon water tank with multiple fountains for aquatic spectacles.

From its inception more than one hundred years ago, the Hippodrome has been reinvented through the decades becoming a variety and music hall theatre between 1909 and 1958, a nightclub under various owners from 1958 to 2004, a burlesque theatre for a brief period and a casino from 2006.

After comprehensive renovations to bring the Hippodrome to its former glory as designed by Matcham, current owners Jimmy and Simon Thomas re-opened The Hippodrome Casino in 2012, incorporating resident burlesque companies to its entertainment offer.

Found in 7 Collections and/or Records:

Circus Friends Association Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0122
Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a large library of books and journals, as well as archival material including posters, programmes, photographs, films, handbills, research material, scrapbooks, original artwork and many other items of ephemera relating to British, Irish and European circuses

Dates: 1795 - 2020
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Circus Research Material, 1872 - 1975

 Sub-Series
Reference code: 178B30.1
Scope and Contents Photocopies of programmes from the London Hippodrome, the National Amphitheatre, Hengler's Circus, Olympia, Hagenbeck's Wonder Zoo and Big Circus, Barnum and Bailey, Paulo's Circus, Chapman's Circus, Rosaire's Circus, Grand Continental Circus at the Crystal Palace, Barrett's Canadian Circus, Cody's Continental Circus, Pinder's Royal Circus and Menagerie and other UK and international circuses, also photocopies of newspaper cuttings, ordenance survey, photographs of performers and posters,...
Dates: 1872 - 1975
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection / Monographs, Articles, Manuscripts and Research Material

Exhibition and Entertainments Handbills, c1790 - 1939

 Sub-Series — Box John Barmwell Taylor Box 2: Series 178T1
Reference code: 178T1.236-342
Scope and Contents

Handbills for travelling shows, fairs, exhibitions and performances at a wide range of venues.

Dates: c1790 - 1939
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / John Bramwell Taylor Collection / Handbills

London Hippodrome Programme, 29 July 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178K53.62
Scope and Contents

Variety programme, listing various acts including Chung Ling Soo, with programme in centre including Macate Sisters, Leonard Gautier's performing ponies, The Four Magnanis, Alfred Loyal, The Chrono Megaphone, Clown Pinta, The Black Hussars, Leipsig, Johnny Watson, The Globe of Life, Paul Conchas and the American Bioscope. Also contains commercial advertising. Light blue covers with white type, 10p.p.

Dates: 29 July 1907
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Bill Barnes Collection / Programmes

London Hippodrome Programme, 30 July 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178K53.65
Scope and Contents

Programme page for the London Hippodrome linsting Les Melages, Captain Kettle and Stepsons, Leon Morris, Treantanovi Sisters, The Aquamarinoff Troupe, Webb's Cow Boys, Captain Woodward's seals and sea lions, Gibbon's Phono-bio-tableaux, Lockhart's elephants, Gobert, Belling and Filpe and Cinderella, 2p.p.

Dates: 30 July 1900
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Bill Barnes Collection / Programmes

London Hippodrome Programme, 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178K53.106
Scope and Contents

Black type on light brown background listing Siberia, Mr Hengler's plunging horses and programme of music directed by Mr George Jacobi.

Dates: 1900
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Bill Barnes Collection / Programmes

Monographs, Articles, Manuscripts and Research Material, c1795 - 1999

 Series
Reference code: 178B30
Scope and Contents

Compilation of monographs, articles, manuscripts and a range of research material about circus companies and performers in the United Kingdom, Europe and other parts of the world by various authors, the research was mainly compiled by Hal Thomas.

Dates: c1795 - 1999
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Circus Friends Association Collection

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