Books

Review by Francis Sheppard

These are well-made copies. As photo-books, they do quite well, with full-page enlargements of the mid-20th century imagery. There are delightful faces throughout, those of working-class folk defying the bombing threat and the rationing that persisted afterwards – to go out and have a good time. Their destination was the Dudley Hippodrome, venue for musical theatre, stand-up comedy and, as the half-century progressed, rock ‘n roll.

Published five years ago from the time of this review, Theatre of Dreams reviews the final 40 years of the Hippodrome’s decline and final closure, narrating the protest movements that arose after plans for the building’s demolition were announced. There are melancholy photos of the once-grand interiors now ravaged by rot and vandalism.

As a picture-book, the compilation has its merits. Although I counted three separate shots of bandleader Jack Hylton, those of other long-dead stars have humour and beauty. As a record however, there is far too much reliance on recollection from those who happened to work in the building or see the shows. For all that, Theatre of Dreams would serve as a gift to those who would see the Hippodrome as a landmark in Dudley’s developing modern culture, or who are thrilled by the particular glamour of that period, eighty years ago.