Coventry Hippodrome / Apollo / Theatre

Thanks to Paul Michael Kennelly - don't think I have ever seen this before - the very first Hippodrome

Looking through the newspaper archive it appears that was mostly used for a circus and animal performances owned by a Mr T G Transfield. Hence the original name. Reading further I wonder which Hippodrome this was as a new one was built in Pool Meadow and opened in August 1903. This was managed by a Mr T M Sylvester, but in March 1904 it is announced that he is buying the site to run as a going concern but the in June that year he submits plans for another "New Hippodrome" to be built in Hales Street. The building of the Hippodrome in Hales Street seemed to be dragged out as usual by planning issues. There was discussions at one time about building a music hall on Pool Meadow but Mr Sylvester advertised his last show on Pool Meadow in December 1906 and Hales Street was opened shortly after. In 1907 the structure of the old building was being sold off including 60 tons of well-seasoned timber, corrugated iron roofing sheets, staircases, seats and lighting, so that sounds like it could be the one in the above picture. The site was then used for the circus and the fairs.

It was this one Anne - on this 1906 map on Priory Street - opposite the Baths -

After the 'Hippo' and the Elephant, what will be next on Coventry's list? With all the tall student accommodation buildings going up I think a giraffe. Or a two-tone effort nicknamed the Zebra? Perhaps we should create an area of the City Centre called the Savannah?

Patrons looking forward to a live performance at the Coventry Theatre.

A view of end of Trinity St with Hales St not seen today!

Theatres in Coventry go back a long way, but I was surprised to see on Neil's map above the School of Art was in Ford Street in those days. They were building a new theatre in Coventry 1753, they came with the fairs, and then the menageries, the most famous one in England being Wombells who had a family grave in Coventry. His famous Lion Queen was torn apart by a tiger, brought to Coventry, buried here. In Coventry 1849 his nephew tried to quell an elephant uproar, was hurt by an elephant, died, buried in Coventry. When trade was good in Coventry, songs and ballads fastened to sacking, stretched on upright sticks, or were displayed at the fair in Greyfriars Green, and ballad singers sang and entertained. The Council transfered it to Gosford Green about 1868 but a riot mob took over, despite the police, broke down the booths etc. The mayor then sent the crier round, and it was placed in Pool Meadow to everyone's satisfaction, and remained there until what you have on the forum.

1955 Variety Show at Hippodrome courtesy Lynne and Alan Hailstone

Thanks to Tony Lay on FB - queuing around and into Chauntry Place for tickets to see some up and coming band called "The Beatles"

I could be there somewhere, I went to that concert!

Me too. In fact, I think that is me, wearing my nice warm overcoat with an astrakhan collar (very trendy), to the right of the guy in the light coloured jacket, just the left of the centre of the photo!

We were so lucky then to have a local venue. Not too expensive and not just one group but usually several supporting acts. I can't remember what groups I saw now, I used to save the programmes but they got lost somewhere along the way (or mum threw them away). I do still have Adam Faith's autograph though!

Great to hear if that is you Johnnie! You tend to forget how much of a major venue it was and the stars that it attracted.

PS I believe the Beatles had appeared at the Hippodrome before that show as a small fill in group long before they were famous