T he Bristol Hippodrome is one of our most iconic provincial theatres, a palace of entertainment known right across the West Country. So news this week that the Hippodrome is up for sale has surprised many people.

Management has moved swiftly, however, to stress that this wonderful theatre, which opened its doors way back in 1912, will continue doing what it does so well – bringing the biggest shows around to the region.

While the building's future ownership remains uncertain West Country Life decided to roll back the years and raise the curtain on some of the big names who have graced the Hippodrome's stage down the decades.

In more recent times audiences have flocked to see major league musicals such as Mamma Mia!, Cats, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables and Mary Poppins. But there's more to the old place than that. Comedians from the golden age of variety have strutted their stuff there, too. People such as the naughty Max Miller, cheeky George Formby, Old Mother Riley (aka Arthur Lucan), the dapper Arthur Askey, wonderful Will Hay, blustering Jimmy Edwards and the diminutive Jimmy Clitheroe.

Dramatic interludes have been provided by countless great names of the British stage from Flora Robson, Noel Coward and Anna Neagle to name a few.

Even further back, musical hall legends of the stature of George Robey, Little Titch and Marie Lloyd have graced the Hippodrome stage, too.

And then there are all those big name pantos, having everyone from the unlikely bulk of Frank Bruno to the late lamented Danny La Rue.

Unquestionably, the Bristol Hippodrome and its wonderful auditorium, is one of the jewels of regional British theatreland. Long may it continue to glitter and dazzle.