Gallery - The Pantomime and Backstage in an Edwardian Theatre

Darlington Hippodrome

An unusual opportunity to interpret the history and stories associated with a working theatre celebrating its comprehensive restoration. Two key themes were selected - the development of Pantomime, particularly in the context of the original Civic Theatre, and a glimpse backstage into an Edwardian Theatre.  The information and images made full use of the resources from the Council's archives and libraries, and a comprehensive collection of theatre images from David Wilmore of Theatresearch. The interpretation was curated by the director of the Darlington Hippodrome, Lynda Winstanley.

Through anecdote and imagery, the visitor is introduced to the fascinating personalities who played their part in the history of this working theatre, together with the astonishing techniques of stage craft developed in the Edwardian period. As well as the two key exhibition areas, life-sized images are used to 'dress' all areas of the building.

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