The Hippodrome is Britain’s busiest single-stage theatre, hosting everything from the Royal Ballet to Matilda the Musical and stand-up comedy legends. Fun fact: it opened in 1899 as a circus and music hall, complete with a resident elephant named Maggie, who later retired to a zoo. Today, the only elephants you’ll see are on the stage curtains, but the sense of wonder remains.
What makes it so special? It’s the way the building breathes with the city. Birmingham Royal Ballet calls it home, and the Welsh National Opera visits regularly. If you’ve never seen a ballet here, do it—the acoustics are stunning, and the lighting makes everyone look like they’re in a magic hour.
Before the Curtain: Your Southside Survival Guide
Arrive early, because Southside is a proper pre-show destination. Grab a pre-theatre dinner at The Ivy Temple Row (a ten-minute walk) or a quick, spicy bowl from China Town’s Peach Garden on Hurst Street itself. Practical tip: book a table for 6:00 PM if your show starts at 7:30—it’s the sweet spot for relaxed service.
For a drink, skip the overpriced theatre bar and head to The Old Crown on nearby Deritend, Birmingham’s oldest pub (circa 1368). Alternatively, The Actress on Hurst Street is a quirky cocktail bar with a Victorian vibe and excellent Negronis. Pro tip: if you’re seeing a musical, order a “Showstopper” cocktail—it’s not on the menu, but they’ll make it if you ask nicely.
Birmingham Hippodrome Square in Hurst Street gets a Southside rainbow
Fun Little Facts to Impress Your Friends
Did you know the Hippodrome has its own ghost? Staff swear they’ve seen a Victorian woman in a grey dress wandering the upper circle. Also, the theatre’s main auditorium seats 1,900 people, but the original 1899 venue held just 1,100. The extension in the 1990s added a second, smaller studio theatre called The Patrick Studio, perfect for intimate plays and experimental works.
Another gem: the Hippodrome’s ceiling is painted to resemble a starry night sky, complete with twinkling fiber-optic lights. It’s a deliberate design to make you feel like you’re watching a performance under the cosmos. Look up before the show starts—it’s a quiet moment of wonder.
