Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham's grand Victorian theatre where 125 years of entertainment history meets world-class performances.
A grand Victorian theatre on Hurst Street in Birmingham's city centre, the Hippodrome has entertained audiences since 1899. Originally opened as the Tower of Varieties and Circus, it evolved into one of Britain's busiest theatres, hosting world-class musicals, ballet, opera, and pantomime. Home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet, this architectural landmark blends historic charm with modern facilities, offering an unforgettable theatrical experience.
A brief summary to Birmingham Hippodrome
- South Side, Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst St, Birmingham, B5 4TB, GB
- +441216893000
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book tickets online to select your preferred seat using the interactive seating plan, which shows exact sightlines from each position in the auditorium.
- Plan to arrive early on performance days, as Hurst Street can become congested. The theatre is well-served by public transport and nearby car parks.
- The theatre hosts a renowned pantomime season each winter, featuring major celebrity performers—book well in advance as performances sell out quickly.
- Wheelchair users and those with mobility requirements should contact the box office when booking to discuss accessible seating options and companion arrangements.
- Visit during a Birmingham Royal Ballet performance to experience the theatre in its element as the company's permanent home stage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport – Train
Birmingham New Street railway station is approximately 800 metres from the Hippodrome, a 10–12 minute walk through the city centre. Alternatively, Moor Street station is closer at roughly 600 metres away, approximately 8 minutes on foot. Both stations serve frequent regional and national rail services. Journey times from surrounding areas vary; from Coventry approximately 20–30 minutes, from Worcester approximately 50–60 minutes.
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Public Transport – Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Hurst Street and the surrounding Chinese Quarter. Journey times from central Birmingham are typically 5–15 minutes depending on route and traffic. Services operate throughout the day with increased frequency during peak hours. Single fares range from £1.50–£2.50 depending on distance; day passes offer better value for multiple journeys.
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Private Vehicle
The Hippodrome is located on Hurst Street in Birmingham city centre. Several multi-storey car parks operate within 200–400 metres, including the Bullring car park and Hurst Street car park. Parking charges typically range from £2–£4 per hour, with evening and weekend rates often discounted. On-street parking is limited and subject to time restrictions.
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Taxi or Ride-Sharing
Licensed taxis and ride-sharing services operate throughout Birmingham. Journey times from Birmingham New Street station are approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £8–£15 from the city centre. A designated taxi rank operates near the theatre entrance.
Birmingham Hippodrome location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Birmingham Hippodrome
From Circus Ring to Theatre Stage: A Century of Transformation
The Birmingham Hippodrome's story begins on 9 October 1899, when the Tower of Varieties and Circus opened its doors with a spectacular bill featuring acrobats, clowns, and variety acts. The original auditorium was designed in the round, with 3,000 seats arranged across four tiers surrounding a central stage—a daring architectural choice that created an intimate circus atmosphere. However, this innovative format proved short-lived, closing after just five weeks. The building was rapidly redesigned into a traditional end-on theatre and reopened on 20 August 1900 as the Tivoli Theatre of Varieties, reducing capacity to 2,600 seats arranged in stalls, dress circle, lounge, and gallery. In 1903, impresario Thomas Barrasford acquired the venue and renamed it the Birmingham Hippodrome, establishing it as a premier variety theatre. The theatre survived two world wars, temporary closure during the First World War, and a period as a cinema. By 1925, after extensive reconstruction, the Hippodrome emerged with a refined interior painted in pale blue and cream with golden accents, reduced to 2,000 seats across two levels for greater comfort and spaciousness.Architectural Evolution and Modern Restoration
The theatre's most recognizable feature was its distinctive Moorish tower, which dominated Hurst Street for decades until safety concerns led to its demolition in 1963. That same year, the building received a concrete frontage, later replaced in the 1980s with pink fibreglass before the current modern glass exterior was installed. A major redevelopment between 1999 and 2001 rebuilt the shell of the building while preserving its theatrical character, introducing contemporary facilities without compromising its heritage. In 1979, Birmingham City Council acquired the building and leased it to the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust, a registered charity that continues to operate it today. The trust undertook crucial modernisation in 1981, levelling the raked stage for ballet performances, extending the proscenium arch, installing new sound and lighting systems, and adding a fly tower for scenery—transformations that enabled the venue to host large-scale international productions.A Legendary Stage for World-Class Performances
The Hippodrome has hosted some of entertainment's greatest names, from Laurel and Hardy and Frank Sinatra to Shirley Bassey and The Who. The theatre gained particular renown as the home of Britain's biggest pantomime tradition, with over 50 years of festive productions featuring stars from Les Dawson and Danny La Rue to contemporary performers. West End musicals including Les Misérables, The Lion King, Wicked, and Miss Saigon have graced its stage, while the venue serves as the permanent home of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, one of Britain's leading dance companies.The Theatre Today: Comfort and Accessibility
The current auditorium seats approximately 1,800 patrons across stalls, lower circle, middle circle, and upper circle levels, with additional box seating. The theatre features modern amenities including accessible facilities, companion seating, and transfer seats for wheelchair users. An interactive seating plan allows patrons to preview sightlines before booking, ensuring informed seat selection. The venue also operates the Patrick Studio, a smaller flexible performance space for experimental and intimate productions.Cultural Significance and Heritage Preservation
The Birmingham Hippodrome stands as one of the United Kingdom's busiest single theatres and a cornerstone of Birmingham's cultural identity. In recognition of its historical importance, the theatre launched the Hippodrome Heritage Project with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, engaging over 30 volunteers to catalogue archives, digitise historical records, and collect oral histories from performers, staff, and audiences. This initiative ensures that the theatre's rich 125-year legacy—from Victorian variety entertainment to contemporary world-class productions—remains documented and celebrated for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Entertaining
- Lively
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
