By Gary Murray
The Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne is a survivor.
This beautiful Victorian theatre has withstood World War Two bombs, a Victorian scandal, plans for demolition and a change of name to become the thriving entertainment venue that it is today.
It has been carefully restored after decades of neglect to create an ornate auditorium with plush seats which creates an atmosphere of mounting anticipation before the curtain rises.
You can now see behind the scenes of this stunning theatre, just east of the town centre in Seaside Road, during upcoming Heritage Open Days with tours of the building to showcase its long history.
How it all started
Keen play-goers in 1880s Eastbourne had a problem: the town did not have a theatre. Nor was there much prospect of a public subscription to raise the money needed.
The council planned to build a new town hall using a secret loan of £11,000, causing some resentment among the citizens. And the wealthy Duke of Devonshire showed no inclination to build a theatre in Devonshire Park.
So a group of local businessmen approached one of the leading theatrical architects of the day, C.J. Phipps, to design and build a theatre in Eastbourne without it costing the residents a penny.
Finally, on 2 August, 1883, the Theatre Royal and Opera House, as it was called then, opened on a plot of land in Seaside Road.
It was a great success: Seaside Road was said to have been ‘thronged with carriages’ and those attending ‘gasped with admiration’ on seeing inside. Eastbourne society flocked to see the likes of the famous D’Oyly Carte Company performing Gilbert and Sullivan.
It proved such a success that the Duke of Devonshire decided after all that a new theatre would be built in Devonshire Park. Thus began a rivalry between the theatres which has lasted until today.
A Victorian scandal shocks the town
But a scandal was brewing that would rock Eastbourne. Theatre manager Waldtern Pegg, a man of violent temper, claimed to be married to a Scottish actress called Jessie Villers. Except that he already had a wife and three children elsewhere.
The town was shocked: its good name was at stake. Pegg being ostracised reflected badly on the theatre. In October 1884, Pegg and Jessie fled the town forever.
In 1901, the new King Edward VII heralded a change of mood away from the ‘morally improving’ theatre and towards more frivolous entertainment.
In 1904 the theatre’s name was changed to the Eastbourne Hippodrome. Variety theatre – which comprised short acts – was the order of the day. These acts could involve performing animals, circus acts, illusionists, singers, comedians, and the new moving pictures.
Drinks would be served to patrons at their seats throughout the performance by waiters, although local publicans complained that it was taking away their business!
The Hippodrome welcomed famous names: slapstick comedian Fred Karno, music hall singer Marie Lloyd and escapologist Harry Houdini, who famously staged an escape from Eastbourne police cells in 1905.
Stunning revival after years of neglect
In 1943, an air raid destroyed Caffyn’s garage nearby. The theatre was badly damaged, losing much of its ornate plasterwork which was not restored until the 1990s.
Under the ownership of Eastbourne Borough Council in the late 1950s and into the 1960s, the Hippodrome hosted stars like Peter Sellers, Vera Lynn, and Bruce Forsyth who, while appearing at the theatre, got the call to host Sunday Night at the London Palladium.
But the place was in a sorry state. In 1963, comedian Cyril Fletcher and his visiting company was horrified: “This theatre is an abysmal disgrace; it is not only decayed and dilapidated, but the décor is hideously inartistic. Something must be done about it.”
In the 1990s, with threats to demolish the theatre, local supporters came together to establish a restoration fund. Money was raised to restore the boarded-up proscenium arch, which frames the stage, and to add boxes. At the same time, the building was listed.
The Hippodrome is now run by a Community Interest Company. This is a company which can apply for funding and which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.
Under the directorship of Alex and Debbie Adams, owners of Eastbourne stage school Trapdoor, there has been a quiet revolution. The theatre has been extensively refurbished and returned to its former glory.
What’s on at the Hippodrome?
The place is thriving with a mix of musicals, tribute acts, bands – and Shakespeare. Pantomimes at both Christmas (Aladdin this year) and Easter sell well and there’s regular comedy at the Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club.
There’s an emphasis on local organisations: the Rattonians, a non-profit amateur drama society, celebrated their 40th anniversary with a show in August. There are also productions by stage schools and local academies, and groups can use the studio space for rehearsals.
The theatre also runs a successful summer school during which children are immersed in how to stage a theatre production in just five days!
Today the Hippodrome is largely run by dedicated volunteers. Almost every review talks about the friendly ushers and the bar and box office team. There’s a clear sense that they are looking after a vital asset.
How can you help?
As you might expect, there is regular fundraising. Seat sponsorship for £200 is offered here.
There is a membership scheme here for £10 per year which gets you two tickets at 10% discount, two drinks from the bar and two ice creams.
And if you fancy getting involved then they are always looking for volunteers. Details here.
:: The Hippodrome is taking part in Heritage Open Days, a festival of history and culture across England, on Wednesday, 11 September, and Saturday, 14 September. More details are here. Regular theatre tours at the Hippodrome also run throughout the year.
:: With thanks to Steve Lochan-Grimer of Eastbourne Hippodrome.
:: This is an independent, non-profit news website reporting for the community.
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