FROZEN in time, the Hippodrome lies waiting for its next performance.

Almost two years after the final curtain came down, these exclusive pictures by our photographer Ian Caveney, show that behind the tired facade of the 106-year-old theatre lies a hidden gem little changed over the years.

From the empty dressing room with hangers still waiting for the next costume change, to the sound system silenced since the last performance and surrounded by discarded CDs, everything is cocooned while its owners, Tameside Council, try to decide its future.

Even behind the scenes memories are everywhere, from the scenery used in past productions to posters and pictures on the walls showing the glitz that once kept audiences entertained for more than a century.

Now a little dusty and scruffy, the glamour of the golden age of theatre is still apparent in the intricate cornicing and the vast, warmly lit auditorium complete with its plush red seats, that have seen stars including Charlie Chaplin, Harry Houdini and Gracie Fields tread the boards in times past.

Needing significant refurbishment to bring it up to modern standards, the building became too expensive to be maintained by the council and closed from 1 April 2008. It was put to tender last year but had no takers and its demolition was planned. But eleventh hour action by English Heritage saw it become grade two listed – preventing demolition.

Its future as a theatre and as a building is still uncertain.

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