A vanishing kangaroo, a controversial preacher and ‘Bingo Jesus’... the strange history of Hulme Hippodrome
15.08.2022 - 09:09
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
In its heyday, audiences would pack out Hulme Hippodrome to watch acts like Harry Houdini, Desmond Dekker, Gracie Fields and Shirely Bassey.
Music halls like the Hippodrome dominated entertainment in the early part of the 20th century. The Theatre’s Trust say the venue is one of several that made ‘a significant contribution to working-class entertainment’ as part of the Broadhead Circuit, which ran 17 venues in the north-west including Morecambe’s Winter Gardens.
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But the future of this iconic building is uncertain. And its fate currently lies in the hands of a controversial religious charity, a Croydon property mogul and a real estate company.
So how did this once-thriving theatre fall into dilapidation? Can it be saved from the wrecking ball? And will it ever be restored to its former glory?
Over the decades, Hulme Hippodrome has played host to musical icons, bingo sessions and a self-proclaimed ‘miracle’ preacher. It was even occupied by squatters who set up house in the dilapidated building until they were kicked out five years ago.
But at the height of its popularity, the ornate theatre brought in stars from all over. And it has a colourful history. When Houdini appeared in February 1909, he accepted a challenge to escape from a straightjacket made by a local saddler.
Charlie Chaplin is also thought to have appeared at the theatre and it was here that Stan Laurel joined Fred Karno’s company, kick starting his career.
By late 1930s, the Hippodrome was hosting strip tease burlesque artists from the United States. And by late the 1950s, any subtlety had disappeared with the theatre advertising a show called ‘Festival of