The final days of The Manchester Hippodrome Theatre

Time to say farewell to this iconic theatre Sadly in 1934 after 30 years the curtain finally came down for the last time at The Manchester Hippodrome Theatre on Oxford Street which was Manchester’s top variety venue; commonly know throughout the country as ‘the home of variety’. When it closed its doors on the final performance the audience, the actors...

Rudolf Valentino and Charlie Chaplin’s sweetheart stars at the Manchester Hippodrome

1931 saw the world famous femme fatale topping the bill at the Manchester Hippodrome on Oxford St, Manchester.  It was a real achievement for the theatre to bring this icon to Manchester.  People swarmed in droves to the theatre to see what Pola Negri,the woman who stole the heart of their screen idol Rudolf Valentino. looked like. Pola Negri ,...

Comedy tops the bill at The Manchester Hippodrome in 1923

  Sir Oswald Stoll and the Moss Empire Theatres. Sir Oswald Stoll who owned the Manchester Hippodrome Theatre joined up with Edward Moss  and Richard Thornton to create Moss Empire Theatre Company in 1900. Eventually they opened 28 variety theatres throughout the country. In 1912 Sir Oswald  Stoll was responsible for putting on the first Royal Command Performance.  Amongst other...

Paganini hit Manchester by storm in 1832 !

Niccolò  Paganini Manchester ‘Theatre Royal’ patrons were honoured in both 1832 and 1838 with the appearances and performances of this world class musician who’s music is still played today. Niccolò  Paganini In January 1832 Manchester had the privilege of hosting the world famous Italian Niccolò Paganini as he was one of the opening concerts at the 1832 Manchester Music Festival....