Galleries
The restored Darlington Hippodrome features three new galleries. The Pantomime Gallery celebrate the history and traditions of pantomime, while the young person's gallery, supported by the Gillian Dickinson Trust, is a changing space dedicated to celebrating and displaying work for and by young people, in and around Darlington. The ground floor heritage promenade hosts changing exhibitions, drawing on the theatre's archival collection.
What's on in the galleries
The Catherine Cookson Heritage Gallery - Heritage Promenade
Thursday 21 June - November 2018
The Great Joe Wilson Story
A new exhibition charting the incredible life story of Joe Wilson, ‘The Bard of Tyneside’, and the development of music hall in Darlington. Joe’s best known song, ‘Keep Your Feet Still, Geordie, Hinny’, is one of 360 songs
he wrote during his brief life. He was the undisputed music hall superstar of his day and he appeared at all the major music hall venues across the north-east, until his untimely death in 1875. His story and his songs are also brought to life in a new play from acclaimed north-east playwright Ed Waugh. The Great Joe Wilson premieres at Darlington Hippodrome in September and is a funny, moving and uplifting show which will have everyone laughing and singing along.
Until November 2018
From the New Hippodrome and Palace Theatre of Varieties to Darlington Hippodrome: Our Story in Pictures
The Gillian Dickinson Gallery - Dress Circle Level
Friday 8 June - January 2019
Celebrate Youth Theatre and Youth Dance at the Hipp
Showcasing the amazing work and skill of our youth classes, this exhibition will explore the opportunities the young people have being part of our youth programme. This photography-led exhibition will celebrate the achievements of past and current students as well as offering sneak peaks into their upcoming performances and events!
Pantomime Gallery - 2nd Floor
Permanent exhibition
Hooray for the Hipp - 110 Years of Pantomime
Celebrating 110 years of pantomimes at the Hippodrome, this permanent exhibition will guide you through the A-Z of pantomime traditions and popular practices. Tracing pantomime from its classical and European roots as the commedia dell’arte, through its Victoriana revival, you will be able to learn about the origins of some of your favourite jokes, characters and stories.
Footlights bar
Within the Footlights Bar this permanent exhibition is a chance to step back in time and explore the backstage world of an Edwardian theatre. You will be able to learn the secrets behind the tricks and techniques that astonished Edwardian audiences, such as the ghostly apparitions on stage, flying actors and quick change scenery.