From Circus to Variety Theatre
The story of the Hippodrome building in Leicester Square begins in 1900, when it opened as the London Hippodrome. Designed by Frank Matcham, the theatre was originally a circus and variety hall with a capacity of 1,340. Its centrepiece was a 20,000-gallon water tank that could be raised and lowered, allowing for aquatic spectacles such as diving horses and swimming elephants. This innovative feature made it one of the most talked-about venues in Edwardian London.
The Golden Age of Variety
By 1909, the water tank was removed and the Hippodrome was converted into a conventional variety theatre. It hosted music hall stars like Harry Houdini, who performed his escape acts there, and later became a cinema. In the 1920s, it was renamed the Hippodrome Theatre and staged revues featuring performers such as Gracie Fields and Max Miller. The building survived the Blitz, though a bomb damaged the nearby area in 1941.
Post-War Transformations
After the Second World War, the Hippodrome continued as a variety and cinema venue. In 1958, it was bought by Bernard Delfont and became a television studio, hosting shows like Sunday Night at the London Palladium (though that was at the Palladium, not here). Actually, it was used for This Is Your Life and other ITV programmes. In 1968, it was converted into the Talk of the Town nightclub, a supper club that attracted international stars such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and The Beatles.
Discotheque and Decline
In 1983, the venue was rebranded as the Hippodrome, a large discotheque. It became a famous nightclub, hosting acts like The Prodigy and Fatboy Slim. However, by the early 2000s, the club scene had changed, and the building struggled. It closed in 2009 for a major refurbishment. The interior was gutted, but the Grade II listed facade was preserved.
List: Key Dates in the Hippodrome’s History
- 1900: Opens as London Hippodrome, a circus and variety hall.
- 1909: Converted to a variety theatre.
- 1958: Becomes a television studio.
- 1968: Reopens as Talk of the Town nightclub.
- 1983: Rebranded as a discotheque.
- 2012: Reopens as a casino after a £40 million restoration.
The Casino Era
In 2012, the Hippodrome reopened as a casino, operated by the Hippodrome Casino Ltd. The renovation restored many original features, including the Matcham-designed ceiling and the grand staircase. Today, it houses a casino, several restaurants, and a performance space called the Hippodrome Theatre. The building remains a landmark on Leicester Square, drawing tourists and locals alike.
From Victorian variety theatre to modern gaming floor, the story of the hippodrome casino reflects over a century of London nightlife.
Architectural Legacy
The Hippodrome’s exterior, with its distinctive dome and ornate stonework, is a fine example of Edwardian architecture. Inside, the casino retains the opulent feel of a bygone era, with chandeliers and plush carpets. It is a testament to the adaptability of London’s entertainment venues, having survived changing tastes and economic shifts.
Visiting Today
Located at the corner of Cranbourn Street and Charing Cross Road, the Hippodrome is easily accessible by tube (Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus). The casino is open 24 hours, with a dress code of smart casual. Visitors can enjoy poker, roulette, and slots, as well as live music and comedy in the theatre. It remains a vibrant part of Leicester Square’s nightlife, bridging its colourful past with contemporary entertainment.
