Dudley Hippodrome – A World Class Entertainment Venue for the Black Country
Earl of Dudley’s family weigh in on Hippodrome row
The family of the Earl of Dudley are calling on the government to block the demolition of the Dudley Hippodrome.
Last week, councillors in the borough voted in favour of plans to demolish the former theatre and bingo hall and replace it with a university centre. However these plans have not yet been approved by the government. There have been a number of failed attempts to revive the Hippodrome, which has not staged a live performance since 1974, and closed in 2009.
The land it sits on was donated by the second Earl of Dudley and now his descendants argue it is “incredibly important” not to bulldoze it.
Tracy, Marchioness of Worcester, said “The people of Dudley deserve to have such a magnificent building in their area.”
Dudley Hippodrome Friends and Community Group
Who we are
The Dudley Hippodrome Friends and Community Group (DHFCG) was formed in January 2020. We are a group of local people whose common passion is saving the Dudley Hippodrome from demolition. At present, we have 1.8 thousand members but are always looking for more to support us in our fight. Our mission is to preserve and protect the Hippodrome from needless destruction and ensure its full future potential is met.
The Hippodrome must be saved.
The youngest son of the 4th Earl of Dudley has called for the iconic Dudley Hippodrome to be renovated instead of being torn down.
In the objection, submitted to Dudley Council, Leander Ward said:
“My first cousin, Tracy, Duchess of Beaufort, who is the 3rd Earl of Dudley and shares the same grandfather as me, has drawn my attention to plans to demolish the Dudley Hippodrome and replace it with an education facility, the design of which is incongruous to the conservation site of the castle.
The theatre building is an iconic part of Dudley’s rich history and heritage. It is of huge significance historically due to the number and quality of world class performers who have played there.
My direct ancestors gifted this land to the people of Dudley, and I am hugely proud of my family’s heritage. As a film director myself with a particular interest in architecture and the arts, I would support a newly renovated Hippodrome that can be enjoyed by the community of Dudley.”
Read the full report in the Express and Star, 16 November 2021.
The Dudley Hippodrome Friends and Community Group are disappointed by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council’s decision on Wednesday 17 November to approve the demolition of this fine example of Dudley’s cultural heritage. We are immensely grateful for everyone’s continued support and especially that of the Theatres Trust who are still campaigning tirelessly on our behalf. They have requested the Secretary of State calls in the application. See the Press Release on their website.
Our vision
The DHFCG is campaigning to see the beautiful art deco Hippodrome retained, restored and brought back into operation as a premier multi-purpose entertainment venue. Our vision is for this amazing part of our heritage to not only entertain and engage the wider community of Dudley, but also bring cultural tourism back to our town.
Support us
Are you interested? We enjoy the support of many people and organisations but we are always looking out for that extra bit of help. We need more volunteers to get involved with the campaign. We especially seek those of you who have the skills and knowledge to help us push forward in areas such as raising of awareness, funding, drawing up of business plans and viability studies.
If you would like further information about the Hippodrome, our campaign and how you could help, you can contact us via our contact page. Alternatively, you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you are able to support us financially, you can donate to our campaign on our Support Us page.
Please sign our online petition to save Dudley Hippodrome.