Dudley Hippodrome revamp plan to include weddings

Campaigners battling to save the 1930s theatre also plan to transform a derelict basement into a live music venue. They say uses for the venue, in Castle Hill, Dudley, aside from theatrical shows will boost the coffers to help pay bills after a multi-million pound revamp. Dudley Council will soon be discussing plans to demolish the 1,752-seater theatre.

But the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome group hope to persuade officials to rethink the plan for the former bingo hall. They want the venue to reopen as a community arts theatre to stage West End shows as well as amateur productions.

Friends group spokesman Geoff Fitzpatrick today said weddings could be held in the unique setting of the historic stage.

Entertainment greats Bob Hope, Laurel and Hardy and Judy Garland are among stars to have trodden the boards at the theatre.

A wedding day package would be offered allowing guests to dine at a restaurant planned for the proposed redevelopment.

"People would be able to have themed weddings in the unique setting of the Hippodrome," said Mr Fitzpatrick, a former lecturer.

"They would add another income for the Hippodrome and we have to look at every way of bringing in money."

Campaigners have visited other similar projects including The Plaza theatre, in Stockport, to discuss their ideas. The Plaza was sold off as a theatre in 1965 to become a bingo hall.

But a community trust took over in 2000 and helped reopen the venue following a £3 million fundraising drive.

Dudley Hippodrome campaigners have submitted a business plan for the venue.

Figures show the theatre could make a profit of around £8,950 weekly, based on shows taking place on 30 weeks in a year. Campaigners say shows alone will give a profit of £268,500 a year.

The business plan says renovations to the theatre would take up to three years to complete.