Visitors go behind the scenes for Birmingham Hippodrome heritage celebration
With a history spanning 116 years, Birmingham Hippodrome has seen two world wars, five monarchs and had four facelifts.
And now the venue's rich heritage is being celebrated with behind-the-scenes tours.
Hundreds of visitors toured the building on Hurst Street, sharing their memories of shows from years gone by, as part of a heritage open day.
Younger visitors enjoyed a chorus workshop, singing classics from a variety of musical,s and a series of old archives, pictures and costumes were also on display.
And there was a washing line for audiences to recall and peg their favourite memories, that will later form part of a digital archive
Special guests enjoyed an afternoon tea on stage followed by a question and answers session with Ian Johnson, the great-grandson of James Draysey, who in 1899 built The Tower of Varieties and Circus – later to be known as Birmingham Hippodrome.
Mr Johnson also shared his childhood memories of the theatre from the 1950s onwards and said: "I remember coming to the theatre as a child with my grandmother and sitting up there in the box. I very much enjoyed the panto as a child and it is wonderful to see it is still here.
"I know the theatre was jolly lucky to survive many dodgy days in its concept. It needed donations." Former Hippodrome theatre director Peter Todd also joined the audience, sharing his best memories.
He said: "I have terrific pride in getting big names to come here right from London. It is nice to be the first to get big successes. This theatre is a who's who of theatre and it continues to have people perform here at the height of their career."
He also shared his favourite memory of the theatre and said: "25 years ago I saw the Nutcracker. To see one little stage transformed as it does for that production is breathtaking."
Pantomime dames Andrew Ryan and Nigel Ellacott also took part in the day, reliving their stage stories.
Media manager Mandy Rose said: "When we opened people were queuing to come in and by 11am the tours were fully booked. This event couldn't have happened without our volunteers, they have been fantastic."
She added: "The heritage project and Lottery grant is enabling us to put together an archive. We want our audiences to help us celebrate the incredible history of Birmingham Hippodrome, which covers two world wars; five monarchs; four face lifts and a million memories."
The project will collect memories from performers, staff and audiences and volunteers will catalogue and upload them.
The theatre is creating a digital archive website and installation that will be launched in May. Contact the heritage team on 0121 689 1085, or email archive@birminghamhippodrome.com
