Brighton Hippodrome

Brighton Hippodrome is a theatre building featuring a distinctive circular auditorium with a domed ceiling and ornate interior finishes dating from the early 1900s. The structure showcases architectural details characteristic of Edwardian entertainment venues of that period.

The building opened in 1901 and initially served as a dual-purpose entertainment venue for theatrical productions and circus performances. It transitioned through several uses over the decades before becoming dormant in the early 2000s.

The venue held great importance for Brighton residents as a gathering place for entertainment and remains a cherished part of the town's cultural memory.

The venue sits on a busy shopping street in central Brighton, making it easily accessible on foot from most areas of town. The building is currently closed to visitors and undergoing consideration for restoration work.

The building contained a ingenious hydraulic mechanism that could transform the stage into a water-filled arena for spectacular aquatic shows. This allowed the venue to present an unusual combination of circus, theatre and water performances under one roof.

Location: Brighton and Hove

Architects: Frank Matcham

Official opening: 1901

Address: 52-58 Middle Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1AL, England

Website: http://ourhippodrome.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.82180,-0.14282

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41