The Hippodrome

The Hippodrome is a cultural hub for theatrical performances, art and culture, located on Hurst Street in the Chinese quarter on Southside.  It is considered the busiest theatre in the United Kingdom, the home of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, and noted for its numerous dance performances.  The present theatre was originally assembly rooms built in 1895.  Four years later it was redesigned by F.W. Lloyd, a local architect, who added a stage and circus ring.  This failed and it was converted into a variety theatre called the Tivoli in 1900.  Then in 1903 it was turned into the Hippodrome by the impresario, Thomas Barrasford (1859-1910).  The present auditorium was designed in 1924, and seats 1,900 people.  In 1963 a new entrance was created and the original entrance building and tower were removed.  Since 1979 it has been run by the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust as a non-profit making enterprise.  It has staged many well-known West End musicals.

After redevelopment, thanks to a £2.5 million loan from Lloyds Bank for extra security following the pandemic, the theatre reopened its doors on 20 May 2021.