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of the theatre on a licence for one year (RHT Management) with the aim of setting up a community interest company in 2014. The proposal also included a plan to relocate the
Eastbourne Hospitality Association to the theatre so that a part-time tourist information centre could be operated from the building, giving it a more open presence.
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In 2013 the Trust were again asked whether they would be able to take over the running of the theatre, but they were unable to, so the council looked for an alternative solution. On 6 February 2013 the
Cabinet of the council unanimously agreed a proposal led by two hoteliers to take over the running
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Although the foyer was substantially remodelled during the 1930s, the auditorium remains much as it was in 1883. From 1933 summer repertory variety flourished with the
Eastbourne Players (a stock company) – there was a resident orchestra of 13 under the baton of Mr Alfred Brocklebank and a permanent
363:. In 2008 Eastbourne Borough Council spent a considerable amount of money on the theatre to bring it up to date with current legislation. The venue was completely rewired and numerous improvements were made backstage. It also had a brand new emergency lighting and fire detection system installed.
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The theatre continued in private ownership until 1958 when, with declining audience numbers, the company was forced to look for a buyer. Around that time
Southern TV were interested in purchasing the building for a TV studio but negotiations fell through and the building was bought by Eastbourne
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Its original name "Theatre Royal and Opera House" survived for about 20 years but from around 1904 it became The Royal
Hippodrome Theatre. The reason for the name change is unclear, but it seems to mirror a change in style and use. In the early days plays and light opera (including the touring
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The venue has since undergone major restorative works including a facade restoration in 2018, a foyer extension in 2019 and a major restoration of the theatre's auditorium which coincided with the theatre's 140th anniversary year.
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brought in a new producer to stage a show for the summer season that year and due to the refurbishments opened slightly later than normal. The show's producer was That's
Entertainment Productions who staged the show
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and Caffyn's motor garage only yards away were obliterated; however blast damage caused much of the theatre's original ornate plaster work to be damaged beyond repair, and later this had to be removed.
246:. Music hall programmes had been staged in the Bourne Inn in nearby Pevensey Road until around 1900, and it is true that the Royal Hippodrome Theatre was, and still is at the unfashionable end of town.
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which dates back to 1883 making it the oldest theatre in the town. It was designed and built for the theatre manager and impresario George
Beaumont Loveday by the eminent theatre architect
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In 2009, in an attempt to boost audience figures, Matthews
Productions returned to the Royal Hippodrome as a production company, with Eastbourne Theatres continuing to operate the venue.
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In the 1970s it was the summer season for old
Hollywood musical extracts, attracting many of the elderly residents and holiday makers, reminiscing of years gone by.
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had graced its boards in early 1942. The streets to the east became known as "Hellfire Corner" as they were heavily bombed by the
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appeared on a bill here in May 1903. The theatre also attracted several other star names during the music hall era including
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The theatre is now run by local couple Alex and Debbie Adams, who took over the theatre in 2018.
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The theatre featured as the setting for the opening sequence of the first episode of series 3 of
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used the theatre for three weeks in 1979 as their rehearsal space before embarking on their
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was emerging as a highly fashionable destination, encouraged by regular visits from the
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The theatre closed for part of the Second World War, though not before a young
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The Royal
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Mr Phipps Theatre, the sensational story of Eastbourne's Royal Hippodrome
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At the end 2007 Eastbourne Borough Council took the lease back from
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Many local people still remember with fondness seeing the likes of
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For the summer Season 2012, Lee Moon Productions produced
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555:Grade II listed buildings in East Sussex
460:"Eastbourne Borough Council – Theatres"
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213:History of the theatre
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240:music hall
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207:C J Phipps
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481:The Argus
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