Opening in April 1905, Liverpool Olympia was designed as a purpose-built indoor circus and variety theatre by architect Frank Matcham. Just down the road however was the former Hengler’s Circus building that opened in 1876 and had closed in February 1901 before becoming a variety theatre and cinema (The Royal Hippodrome) in 1902 and being used as a cinema from 1931. That building was demolished in 1984, but the Liverpool Olympia still stands to this day and from time to time modern circus performances still take place inside as an hommage to its original purpose.
History
Opening in April 1905, Liverpool Olympia was designed as a purpose-built indoor circus and variety theatre by architect Frank Matcham. The venue enjoys a rich history within the performing arts, hosting a variety of theatre and music productions and even housing a cinema and a bingo hall over it’s 115 year life span. (And yes, the Beatles hit the stage several times in the 1960s!).
In 1990, the current owners purchased the building and brought it back to life after several years of closure, and it has been in the family ever since. It now holds a wide range of events including live music, sports and comedy, as well as providing the backdrop to some of your favourite TV shows, appearing in productions such as Peaky Blinders (BBC) and Tin Star (Sky Atlantic).
During our visit we were also shown the remains of the old water ring that is still there below the auditorium to this day partially. The original stage is also still there as the new current stage was build over it.
Address
OLYMPIA LIVERPOOL
West Derby Road,
Liverpool L6 9BY
United Kingdom
www.liverpoololympia.co.uk
Pictures taken on:
26 & 27 of March 2024
Gallery
