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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1903 | 'Tin' Hippodrome, Pool Meadow | ||
| Date(s) | Show | Notes | Images |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 3rd Aug until Sat 8th Aug 1903 | First Shows at 'Tin' Hippodrome | Seating 1,200, the new Hippodrome on Pool Meadow opened with: Caicedo, King of the Wire. Miss Beatie Worth, Comedienne and Burlesque Artiste. Sam Shipley, London Eccentric Vocal Comedian and Dancer. The Great Burnetti, Quick Change Musician. The Musical Coopers, and many more. | |
| Mon 10th Aug until Sat 15th Aug 1903 | Ella and her Troupe of Forest-Bred Lions | Plus Robbins and Collier, comedy speciality artists. George Neno, character comedian. George Fairbourne, descriptive vocalist. Ida Royston, serio and expert dancer. Verini, comedy contortionist. | |
| Mon 17th Aug until Sat 22nd Aug 1903 | Lettie and Minnie, Speciality Artistes | Plus miss Minnie, champion lady pedestrian, walking from Birmingham to Coventry Hippodrome and attempt the walkers' record. The Edisons. Paul Pelham, the would-be wonders. Nellie Randall, sisters Le Graham, George Prince, etc. | |
| Mon 24th Aug until Sat 29th Aug 1903 | Herr Fritz, Europe's Greatest Illusionist | Assisted by Leo Fritz and Co. Plus Harely and Hardon, miss Maude Beaumont, George Rowe, Harry Bent, Maude and Maxwell, etc. | |
| Fri 23rd Oct 1903 | Benefit Night for the Fire Brigade | Councillor Newman entered the den of lions, tamed by Miss Ella. | |
Prev year: 1902Showing 1903Next year: 1904
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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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