End Of An Era

“End Of An Era”
Dudley Opera House

In 1933, The Opera House burned down, bringing a sad demise and the end of an era. Eventually it was to be replaced by a fine modern theatre, renamed “THE DUDLEY HIPPODROME”.  The same year that the theatre opened its doors in 1936, “THE STATION HOTEL” was extended and modernised.  Many of the big stars that appeared at the Hippodrome chose to complement their visit to the Black Country by residing at The Station Hotel.

One story of this era is that when George Formby was starring at the Hippodrome he stayed at the hotel. A large crowd of fans gathered to get a glimpse of the star. And he reportedly performed for the crowd from the balcony of his suite! Other stars that have stayed at the Station Hotel include BOB HOPE, LAUREL & HARDY & JONNY RAY.  The hotel was considered very upper class and modern for the era.
Station Hotel And Dudley Opera House

In the 60s, the hotel was modernised and a cocktail bar opened upstairs. In addition, a function room bar was added downstairs-this was reputed to be the longest bar in the country at the time! An elderly gentleman reminisces that after watching shows at the Hippodrome, he and his wife would long to visit The Station Hotel for an after-show drink but recalled that they could not afford to drink in such an upmarket establishment!

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