The Hippodrome Casino, formerly London Hippodrome, is one of London’s only surviving 20th century music halls. First opening in 1900, it was known for variety and circus performances. In 1909, architect Frank Matcham – the brains behind the London Palladium and Hackney Empire – reconstructed the Hippodrome for theatrical performances, and it hosted the English premiere of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake in 1910.
The Hippodrome became a popular nightlife spot between 1958 and 1982 as The Talk of the Town, with artists such as Judy Garland, Tom Jones and Ella Fitzgerald performing for the crowds. The original interior was demolished and converted to suit this new function.
Since the 1980s, the Hippodrome has passed through various management and periods of closure, but in the 2000s enjoyed renewed success as a cabaret and burlesque venue. Most notable was Olivier Award-winning cabaret La Clique , which played between October 2008 and June 2009.
After La Clique closed, entrepreneurs Jimmy and Simon Thomas bought the Hippodrome, and restored it to Matcham’s original designs. In 2012 it reopened as Hippodrome Casino, a multi-use venue with bars, casino, gaming and restaurants. The Matcham Room is now the home of Magic Mike Live , a dance and variety show based on the hit film franchise.
