The original structure known as the Empire opened on the 4th July 1895 and offered a mixture of dancing and variety. 

Harry Houdini visited the Hippodrome on June 14th 1905.

The old Hippodrome was sold in 1910 to cinema interests and subsequently became one of Blackpool’s leading theatres.

Programme for the Hippodrome & Princess theatres – 1924

Hippodrome, Church Street.

Closed on the 28th October 1961 and altered to become the New ABC Theatre, which opened on 31st May 1963.

From the 9th September, which was the last night of the Summer Show, ‘Rose Marie’, until its closure, a few films were shown, with the last films being, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” along with the “B” film “The Third Alibi”.

The information board outside stated that, “This theatre closes to the public after the evening performance tonight for major alterations and renovations.” The Hippodrome closed on 28th October 1961.