PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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SHOWS AND FILM SHOWS
On January 20th 1910 the Hippodrome Theatre in Prince's Street, Devonport, became the second establishment in Devonport to be granted a Cinema Licence, the licensee being Mr H Taylor. A varied programme was put on. During the week of Monday July 25th 1910, for example, the stage acts included the Daunton Shaw Troupe of Australian Trick Cyclists, George Campbell the comedian and a Fred Maitland. A film was also shown, courtesy of Jury's Bioscope. This was "A Coaching Trip to Brighton with the Vanderbilt Coach". When the Cinema Licence was renewed on January 19th 1911, it was granted to the new manager, Mr Gwyther Eastake Prance. The Hippodrome was opened on Christmas evening 1911 for a band concert. The bars had to be closed, however, and a percentage of the takings had to be donated to charity. On the afternoon of Saturday January 8th 1916 the Sixth Annual Trial Matinee was held. This was evidently a talent show because 'Any turns you like' were admissible and there was £10 in prizes to be awarded. A Grand Concert was held on Wednesday September 18th 1918 in aid of the Wessex Field Ambulance Prisoners of War in Germany. During the week of Monday April 7th 1924 great fun was had with a show called "Making Movies", in which the parts were acted on stage by members of the audience. This was filmed and then shown on the big screen. The Hippodrome closed as a theatre on Saturday June 1st 1929 with the world famous entertainers, Layton and Johnstone "In the Flesh". It was going to be converted for talking pictures and would re-open in the autumn of 1929.
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