London Hippodrome

The London Hippodrome was opened in 1900 being designed by Frank Matcham for Moss Empires for the sum of £250,000. The performance space featured a proscenium stage and an arena that sank into a 230 feet, 100,000 gallon water tank which featured eight central fountains and a circle of fountains around the side. Entrances at the side of the auditorium could also be flooded allowing boats to enter. Shows included equestrian acts, elephants and polar bears and acrobats would dive from the minstrels gallery above a sliding roof. The auditorium featured cantilevered galleries, thus removing columns to give unobstructed views of London and the whole roof was covered by retractable glass that could be illuminated at night. The circus was reconstructed as a music hall and variety theatre in 1909. This iconic building still stands today as a casino, night club and theatre.