The Mancunian Way: The strange history of Hulme Hippodrome

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by BETH ABBIT - Wed Aug 10, 2022

Hello and welcome,

In its heyday, audiences would pack out Hulme Hippodrome to watch acts like Harry Houdini, Desmond Dekker, Gracie Fields and Shirley Bassey.

Music halls like the Hippodrome dominated entertainment in the early part of the 20th century. The Theatres 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.

But the future of this iconic Manchester building is uncertain. And its fate currently lies in the hands of a controversial religious charity, a London property owner 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?

Today’s newsletter looks at the history of the Hippodrome and the campaign to bring it back into community use.

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