Selsey Hippodrome – March Past Pavilion

This month we look back to the time in 1919 when the Selsey Hall / Pavilion undertook a change of identity, transforming itself into the Selsey Hippodrome. The change of identity proved to be a fleeting one!

The first mention of the new name change appears in the following article. However, old habits die hard as two different names are mentioned within a single paragraph!

SELSEY NOTES. At the Cinema Hall to-night, the little pupils of Miss Bird, Vine Terrace, will give variety entertainment at 7-30, and we hope the Hall will be well filled. At the Hippodrome on Wednesday last, Mackie Lee’s London Company gave a first-class entertainment to a crowded house, who thoroughly enjoyed what was undoubtedly the best show seen in Selsey for some time. On Friday evening, the usual weekly dance took place at the same place, and on Saturday, a fine picture show again drew crowded audiences.

17th December 1919 Chichester Observer

Entertainment. — Miss Bird's pupils gave very successful entertainment at the Hippodrome on Wednesday, and good audience was present. The programme consisted of songs, recitations, dances (including the sailors’ hornpipe). French songs, etc., and a scene from the reign of Henry VIII., adapted for children. One or two additional items by a few friends were included in the programme. The children's items were capitally rendered and reflected great credit on Miss Bird and her assistants responsible for their training.

24th December 1919 Chichester Observer

SELSEY CONCERT. A concert was held on Thursday last at the Selsey Hippodrome, in aid of the funds of the Football Club. A good audience was present, and a most enjoyable entertainment was carried out by the following ladies and gentlemen: Mrs. Simpson (songs at the piano), Mrs. Greville-Williams, Miss Head, Mrs. Anderson, Dolly and Dot (step dancers), Mr. Greville-Williams (humorist), and Mr. Rex Carew (humorist). At the conclusion of the programme, Dr. A. A. Humphreys thanked the artistes for their services. It is expected that a sum of £5 will be handed over to the Football Club. DANCE- A very enjoyable fancy dress dance was held on Tuesday last, at the Hippodrome, in aid of the funds of the Ladies' Hockey Club. There was an excellent attendance, and some very pretty and effective costumes were worn. Dancing was kept up with spirit until 1 a.m. Prizes for the best costumes were offered, and the following awards were made Ladies. —First prize, Miss Dorothy Tadd (America); second, Miss C. Lambert (Players' Cigarettes). Gentlemen. — First prize, Mr. E. Smith (Dazzling Pierrot); second, Mr. M. Bonner (Pierrot). Young persons' best costumes, Miss Molly Phipps (Knave of Hearts); Master Perk (Dick Whittington) Waltzing competition. — First prize, Mr. W. Williams and Miss Winnie Radford; second prize, Mr. Clifford Smith and Miss Ida Radford. The prizes were presented by Mrs. Deeble.

25th February 1920 Bognor Regis Observer

The refurbishment of the Hippodrome was first mentioned in the following article.

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The Pavilion. —The re-named Selsey Hippodrome will be opened on Easter Monday, when McKenzie Lee will present his latest production, Joy (of 1920). The Pavilion has been entirely re-decorated, and the lighting brought up to date, and alterations made to the stage, which has been considerably enlarged. There will be matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 3.15

31st March 1920 Chichester Observer

The use of the name Hippodrome rapidly disappeared and it became known as the Pavilion or Cinema once again. The refurbishments were also rather temporary thanks to the fire of 1926.