Sir Lenny Henry backs Dudley Hippodrome fight
Campaigners' efforts to save Dudley Hippodrome have been bolstered after Sir Lenny Henry declared demolishing the landmark venue would be 'a shame'.
The Comic Relief founder said the only way he could support the bulldozing of the under-threat building would be if Dudley Council built something better in its place.
Sir Lenny was shocked to hear the authority wanted to replace the Hippodrome with an expanse of open space.
Comic Alan Smith, best known as Aynuk from the Aynuk & Ayli double act, has also called for the venue to be spared.
The comedians' comments came as the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome are gearing up for a crucial few weeks. The Friends group has been given until the end of the month to put a realistic package forward for taking over the building together.
Seventy-eight-year-old Mr Smith, who first entered the Hippodrome as an eight-year-old, said: "I think it could be a thriving venue again and I still think the council could do something with it, even if it was used for joint purposes."
Friends group chairman Gordon Downing said: "When high-profile people like this come out and say these things then it's good to hear. You can't get much higher profile in Dudley than Sir Lenny Henry, so it's nice to hear him say that."
