20 Million Moments: London’s Hippodrome Hits Huge Milestone
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Milestones are meant to be celebrated. And the London Hippodrome has reason to celebrate, after welcoming its 20 millionth guest since its transformative reopening in 2012.
Simon Thomas, Hippodrome Executive Chairman, took to LinkedIn to praise the venue, its team and the work that's gone in since reopening.
"When Boris Johnson opened the building, he talked about restoring a landmark and putting it back at the centre of London’s entertainment life," Thomas wrote. "That ambition has driven every decision we’ve taken since.
From world-class dining and high-stakes poker to record-breaking theatrical performances, the Hippodrome has become a cornerstone of London’s cultural fabric, celebrating two decades of growth and "twenty million moments" shared by visitors from across the globe.
Redefining the Casino Experience
Thomas says that these twenty million people have come to the Hippodrome for all sorts of reasons.
"First dates. Anniversaries. Time on the tables. Magic Mike Live, followed by a very emotional social media outpouring. Cocktails. Dinners. Poker sessions. Legendary sporting moments. 2am meals before heading home. Birthdays that don’t end early and countless other reasons. The West End, done properly."
Thomas says that the work the Hippodrome has done has "redefined what a casino means in this country."
"We’re entertainment first with broad appeal. A core part of the night-time economy. A great neighbour. Part of the entertainment community. A modern British model that’s attracted attention and plaudits from operators around the world because it works on the ground, night after night."
He went on to say that 20 million isn't a finish line, rather a moment worth enjoying. But his sights are firmly set on what's to come.
"We adapt. We invest. We know what people want and build for it. And we never assume yesterday’s success will carry us through tomorrow."
The History of the Hippodrome
Opened in January 1900, The Hippodrome was designed by the renowned Victorian theater architect Frank Matcham and built for £250,000 as a venue for circus and variety performances.
In its early years, it was famous for its massive 100,000-gallon glass water tank used for aquatic performances. A young Charlie Chaplin performed here in its opening year, and the legendary Harry Houdini famously escaped from its depths in 1904.
As the decades passed, the Hippodrome reinvented itself to match the spirit of the times. Between 1958 and 1982, it became the "Talk of the Town," the UK’s most famous dinner theater, hosting icons like Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, and Frank Sinatra. In the 1980s, it shifted gears again to become the epicenter of London’s club scene under Peter Stringfellow, defining the city's nightlife for an entire generation before its eventual transition into the "super-casino" format seen today.
Following a £40 million restoration in 2012, the venue now boasts the award-winning Heliot Steak House and a 325-seat theater hosting high-energy live shows like Magic Mike Live.
