On This Day, 14 February 1917

Birmingham Mail

Wednesday 14 February 1917

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME RE-OPENS.

The Birmingham Hippodrome, in Hurst Street, reopened last evening, having been closed for two years and a half. It was found impossible to show the pictures, but the variety turns were extended, and the entertainment was thoroughly appreciated. In order to prolong the programme, Charles Morritt, the illusionist, put on his entire show, and delighted the audiences for forty minutes with his inimitable magic. By a wave of the hand real people disappeared into space, giving support to the theory that matter is but illusionary. They reappeared smiling, however, and reassured the audience that the magician had not spirited them away indefinitely. A donkey, rabbits and ducks proved themselves alive by very evident native characteristics and yet a word or motion from their master they vanished into thin air, suddenly to return evidently quite unaffected by their trip to nowhere. Madge Velma and her Ruffles provided most acceptable turn, and found strong favour with the audience, and the constant flow of wit from Jim Nolan kept them merry the whole time he was on stage.

In an interval the manager apologised for the absence of the pictures, but expressed strong hope that they would able show them this evening. Few people, he said, could realise the difficulties experienced in obtaining labour at the present period for the necessary alterations, but with the knowledge that a great many people wanted to see the old Hippodrome open again he had ventured upon providing entertainment that night.