The Hippodrome Theater in Birmingham has a rich history that spans more than a hundred years. It is widely acclaimed as a theatre of repute across Europe. Birmingham Hippodrome is located south of New Street Station. This theatre was built in 1899 and was intended as a circus ring. Soon it came to be used for theatre, drama and musical performances. The Hippodrome in Birmingham was built by F.W. Lloyd. The theatre underwent many name changes such as 'Tivoli Theatre of Varieties', 'Barrasford's Bertie Crewe', 'Birmingham Theatre' and 'Hippodrome Theatre of Varieties'.
The Birmingham Hippodrome has been refurbished at a cost of ?30 million. The Hippodrome Theatre in Birmingham is now famous as the home for the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The Hippodrome Theatre is the venue for Dance X (National Dance Agency for Birmingham and the Midlands) change too.
Birmingham Royal Ballet
The Birmingham Royal Ballet was formerly the Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet. It was noted for its lavish productions and brilliant performances. It was based at the Sadler's Wells Theater and the Royal Opera House. In 1990, Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet moved to Birmingham Hippodrome. In 1997, the Birmingham Royal Ballet became independent of the Royal Opera House. In November 2004, Birmingham Royal Ballet has a new director in Tessa King-Farlow. She has been a founder member of the Birmingham Royal Ballet board.
