The Stage

Curtains rise and fall

Published Monday 15 September 2008 at 14:45

It’s great news to read that the London Hippodrome is to reopen as a theatre, but before we all get excited, this is purely for La Clique - a cabaret cum burlesque show that will occupy the existing night club space with only cosmetic touches to get the show ready. The proposed casino at the Hippodrome has already been refused its initial licence application. Having seen Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas and how the auditorium there has been adapted to resemble an opera house, imagine how the Hippodrome could be purpose built and adapted for the new Phantom musical that is currently being written.

But as one door opens, another one closes. Now that the wonderful Brief Encounter is to close at The Cinema Haymarket, another old theatre that had been brought back to life temporarily is imperilled. Despite the lack of proper backstage facilities, this venue is wasted as a cinema and it is such a pity that another producer hasn’t come forward to produce something else. Although smaller in capacity, Piaf or similar Donmar productions would work well there, and the name could revert to its original - the Carlton Theatre.

Martin Clark

Forum Magnum Square

London

SE1