IN the Echo today we report on the news that after nearly six months of closure due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Darlington’s theatre will be reopening its doors in two weeks time.
On Monday, September 7, Darlington Hippodrome will reopen – marking the start of a socially distanced season of activities for people of all ages, including the regular dance and fitness sessions, a book club, drawing workshops, quizzes and theatre tours and film screenings.
It was an opportunity to take a quick look in our archive for some pictures of the Hippodrome, and its predecessor, Darlington’s Civic Theatre, and its predecessor, the New Hippodrome. Does it rekindle any memories for you?
If you have any photographs you would like to share with readers, send them to jo.kelly@newsquest.co.uk
Much loved comedian and entertainer Ken Dodd was a regular at the theatre, and helped it, when it was known as Darlington Civic Theatre, mark its 75th anniversary
The Civic Theatre – formerly the New Hippodrome – in 1964, shortly after it was saved by Darlington Operatic Society
Hippodrome opening night programme in September 1907
This picture was taken a couple of years ago during the redevelopment of the theatre
Darlington Hippodrome, shortly after Signor Rino Pepi opened it in 1907
The theatre as it is today
The Darlington Hippodrome advertising the appearance of La Milo, who flourished in the 1910s and 1920s, and whose bill-matter was “The Inimitable Breathing Marble”
Darlington Hippodrome archive picture, and another well-known face attracting some attention. Littlewoods Pools is still going
Great picture in about 1907 taken from Yarm Road looking towards the theatre, on the right, and the town centre. Would trams be a good addition to Darlington now?
Captive audience at the theatre
Boris Johnson was at the Hippodrome when he was on the campaign trail at a Tory leadership hustings last year Picture by Tom Banks
Stage show at the Hippodrome
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