Written just before the new Tivoli Theatre of Varieties opened its doors, the author discusses the theatre?s change from circus to ?ordinary? music hall. The article leaves us with a question; will the Tivoli affect the trade of its close neighbour and rival The Empire?
Thomas Barrasford who ran The Tivoli Theatre of Varieties (now known as Birmingham Hippodrome) loved horses. Many of the theatre?s programmes have an illustration of his race horse on the front!
Well known acts appeared on the opening night of the newly re-named Tivoli Theatre of Varieties (now known as Birmingham Hippodrome). Top of the bill was Chung-Ling-Soo ?the marvellous Chinese magician, in his marvellous feats?. In fact, he was not Chinese but an American! Also performing was Austrian born Mdlle Irma Orbasany who sang with her travelling troupe of cockatoos. Her birds could wheel each other about in a push-chair and pick out numbered cards from a deck. The climax of the act featured a shipwreck, complete with rescue by lifeboat!
Early programmes for Birmingham Hippodrome feature small photographs giving a tempting peek into the auditorium. This illustration shows a bustling well-dressed crowd. The distinctive black on red polka dots was used on posters too.
You can spot some replica posters on display in the theatre today
Advertising postcards were very popular and used to promote shows. ?The Sultan of Ranogoo? was a song and dance act.
This postcard is very persuasive and claims that the show was extended ?at the urgent request of his majesty?s friends?!
Can you spot the theatre telephone number?
On 20 August 1900 the theatre reopened with a brand new name The Tivoli Theatre of Varieties under the management of Mr. Thomas Barrasford who already owned a number of successful theatres in Hull and Leeds.
The building looked the same from the outside but inside the stage had been enlarged and transformed from a circus ring to a proscenium arch theatre. The interior was crimson and gold.
By 1903 the theatre was renamed Birmingham Hippodrome. It was the first Birmingham music hall to present twice nightly shows.
Some of the first moving pictures shown in Birmingham were part of the variety programme in October 1900.
