Mum was part of the Hippodrome family

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Plans by the owner of Derby’s historic Hippodrome to demolish the Grade II listed building have produced an outcry from members of the public who recall the former theatre in its heyday. To Sheila Hague (nee Pattison), of Alvaston, the building has particular significance, as she recalls here.

Derby Hippodrome after it became a cinema in the 1930s

I was really sad to read about the proposed demise of the Hippodrome in the Evening Telegraph.

When I was a child, my mum, Sheila Pattison, used to work there as a cleaner but it was more like being a member of a family.

Raymond Lane, the manager, and his wife, Fiona, were really good to my mum and dad.

Mum used to go to their house and clean for them as well. The extra money was a great help, with my dad being ill a lot.

Fiona’s mum and dad, I believe, were of Wilson, Keppel and Betty fame. As a child, I remember meeting them once at Fiona’s house.

When Raymond and Fiona were away on their holidays, we used to look after their dog, Brandy.

Dad, my brother, Michael, and I used to regularly go to watch a production at the Hippodrome.

We were always given a seat in the gods but it didn’t matter as the atmosphere was lovely.

We often went in the dressing rooms especially when my mum was made wardrobe mistress for Dick Whittington. They must have realised what a brilliant seamstress she was to offer her the job as she didn’t have any training.

I think it was the last pantomime at the Hippodrome. The hustle and bustle was lovely but it was sad when it finished.

John Williamson, who was the dance producer, lodged at our house for the duration of the production.

Mum was given loads of presents when it closed. I still have a mohair wrap that one of the girls gave her, which she often wore when it was cold.

Although Mum has since passed away, she would hate to think of the Hippodrome being bulldozed. When it turned into Walker’s bingo, she went regularly – I think because she still felt part of the place.

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