Derek James takes a look back at the fascinating past of one of Norwich's best assets, which has evolved and survived across the centuries

 

It's 120 years since the Theatre Royal in Norwich was re-named, becoming the Hippodrome...for just 12 months.

This is not to be confused with the Grand Opera House, which had opened on the other side of the market and later became the Hippodrome.

I will explain.

In 1758 Thomas Ivory built a theatre beside the Assembly House, and 10 years later it opened as the Concert Hall.

By 1825 the building was in a poor state of repair, and there was a need for a bigger and better theatre to serve the needs of the city and county.

It opened in March of 1826 at a cost of £6,000 and could house an audience of about 1,000 people.

Resident and visiting actors put on a whole range of productions. Shakespeare plays were popular and then, in 1831, the violin playing composer Paganini was the star attraction.

Gas replaced candles and oil lamps in 1836, and the reputation of the theatre continued to grow.

There were also circus acts and musical comedies, and in 1902 the licensing laws prevented the more bawdy music halls from allowing alcohol in the auditoriums. Not a popular move with those who enjoyed a laugh and a drink.

Variety acts were the money spinners. When proprietor Fred Morgan sold the theatre to Mr Bostock and Mr Fitt in 1903 it was re-named the Hippodrome.

Eastern Daily Press:

At the same time the magnificent Grand Opera House had been built on the site of the Norfolk Hotel on St Giles. There were cherubs on the walls in the large auditorium…but not so many patrons as had been hoped for.

In 1904 Fred got together with Bostock & Fitt and The Opera House became the Hippodrome, with the Hippodrome returning to become the Theatre Royal – again.

The 'new' Hippodrome could seat 1,100 people, and brought the stars of the day, and tomorrow, to the city. From Cary Grant, when he was a Nippy Nine, to Charlie Chaplin when he was jumping about the stage Fred Karno’s outfit. It was a vigorous variety theatre.

Both served the people well by offering all kinds of entertainment. The Theatre Royal was destroyed by fire in 1934 and a new one opened in 1936. During the war both venues were bombed, with people losing their lives at the Hippodrome.

In the 50s the likes of Laurel & Hardy, The Goons, Max Miller and Gracie Fields filled the Hippodrome, but then the audiences dwindled with the arrival of television. It closed in 1960 and was left to rot before being demolished.

Across the other side of the market the Theatre Royal had been showing films, staging wrestling matches and by the swinging 60s was putting rock ‘n’ roll one-nighters, along with regular shows.

There were plans to turn it into bingo hall but, thank goodness, they failed. The City Council came to the rescue and then, in 1972, up popped a new manager, the much-loved Dick Condon.

Following his death there were more concerns over the future of the theatre but once again it was given a new lease of life with great public support and a new manager, Peter Wilson.

Today, with Stephen Crocker and his team at the helm, we can all be proud of the Theatre Royal – our great survivor.