People put in picture over Dudley Hippodrome rescue

Campaigners fighting to save Dudley Hippodrome have photographed the historical features within the threatened building in a bid to encourage people to back their fight to stop the theatre being demolished.

Council officers have already submitted plans to knock down the now-council-owned former theatre building to make way for the major Castle Hill development. But The Friends of

Dudley Hippodrome say the 1930s building should be saved and returned to its former glory to welcome the biggest stars of the stage.

The building has been empty since 2009 when Gala Bingo shut its doors.

Around 30 people attended a public meeting held at The Station Hotel when the images, taken by campaigner Dr Paul Collins, were put on show for the first time.

The images show the fully intact fly tower which has more than 20 hoists to change the scenery and move equipment during a production.

The collection also features the specially designed ceilings and walls to enhance acoustics, the art deco fixtures and fittings and even two dressing rooms with doors that still bear the names Moscow and Madrid – a tradition in theatres.

Dr Collins said: "This is a solid steel structured building, it is very much fit for purpose. And, although some of the bingo areas have been vandalised, a lot of that is only cosmetic."

Chairman of the group Geoff Fitzpatrick said: "The thing is many people just think of the hippodrome as a bingo hall. They don't realise there are all these wonderful features hidden inside. People have forgotten.

"With these images I hope we can show people what it is like, and remind them of the fantastic features which are hidden away."

Campaigner Joanna Roden said the group was hoping to preserve the future of the building.

that people visit during the day, if we reopened the theatre it would boost our evening economy. We could start offering tourist packages to Dudley."