n attempt to list all the shows ever performed at our Hippodromes, beginning with the temporary circus buildings, which from 1884 were specially erected on Pool Meadow for each visit - then, in 1903, to the first permanent, but short-lived, 'Tin' Hippodrome on the Priory Street side of Pool Meadow facing the old Swimming Baths. The popularity of these shows created the demand for a theatre worthy of our city, and so in 1906 began the construction in Hales Street, next to Swanswell Gate, of what we now regard as the Old Hippodrome.
Again, the success of this theatre meant that barely three decades later a greater capacity was required, and so we come to our lovely art-deco New Hippodrome in Hales Street, once known as the Showplace of the Midlands. Opening on the 1st November 1937, it was renamed Coventry Theatre in 1955, then from 1979 became The Apollo, giving its final performance in June 1985. After a short spell as a bingo hall it was eventually realised that such a building could not be put to any practical use, so, sadly, it was demolished in 2002. If anyone still has any tickets or programmes and would like to see them used to illustrate a show, please contact me.
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1902 | Temporary Circus building, Pool Meadow | ||
| Date(s) | Show | Notes | Images |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 17th May until Mon 9th Jun 1902 | Royal English Circus | Described as having 'Tip-up Plush Seats', and held on James' Ground, Ford Street (Pool Meadow). Artistes for the first week include; the Great Zaro Troupe of Male and Female Acrobats; the Sisters Rosaires, celebrated song and dance artistes; Will Souls, the Laughing Philosopher; Little Poodles, Juvenile Agouste and Equestrian; the Great Hanneford Family of Equestrians. | |
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Also of interest might be A short history of Coventry's Theatres and Cinemas, by Bill Birch.
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