Dudley Hippodrome removed from Theatres at Risk list

We have removed Dudley Hippodrome from the Theatres at Risk Register as it was demolished in 2023.

Dudley Hippodrome was a late-1930s purpose-built variety theatre and the last remaining lyric theatre in the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley. It had been in use as a bingo hall until 2009 and was well-maintained, retaining a theatrical feel in its auditorium.

It was added to the Theatres at Risk Register in 2010 when it was purchased by the council and first considered for redevelopment. A series of unsuccessful schemes were proposed for the site, with the vacant Hippodrome deteriorating. Theatres Trust, along with passionate local community groups, repeatedly requested that the council maintained the building and reconsidered its future as a performance venue.

Unfortunately, a successful bid to the government’s Towns Fund initiative saw the site earmarked for a new higher education complex. Theatres Trust strongly objected to the planning application to demolish the Hippodrome but permission was granted and an appeal to the then Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities was refused.

The building was demolished in autumn 2023.

Photo credit: Ian Grundy