Dame Shirley returns to the Hippodrome

Dame Shirley Bassey returns to the Hippodrome after celebrating 86th birthday.
The Welsh star was invited back to tour the 75,000 sq ft entertainment and casino venue in Leicester Square.

(by the Evening Standard and special thanks to Liz Brewer)

 

Dame Shirley Bassey said she was “thrilled” to be back at the Hippodrome as she made an appearance at the London venue for the first time in around 50 years.

The Welsh singer was invited back to tour the 75,000 sq ft entertainment and casino venue in Leicester Square after she celebrated her 86th birthday on Sunday.

In 1958, the Hippodrome launched as a dinner theatre called the Talk of the Town.

The likes of Julie Andrews, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Bruce Forsyth and Dame Shirley performed before the shows ended in 1983.

The Hippodrome name was revived that year and it was used as a disco until 2012, when the Hippodrome Casino was opened by Boris Johnson when he was mayor of London.
Dame Shirley said on Tuesday: “I’m thrilled to return to the Hippodrome for the first time in half a century. It has a very special place in my heart and my life.

“I’ll always remember my appearances here at Talk of the Town on a stage that welcomed the likes of Judy Garland and Sammy Davis Jr. It’s wonderful to be back.”

After she celebrated her birthday in London, she told her Instagram followers on Wednesday: “Thank you to everybody who sent me birthday wishes!

“I have had a fantastic time in London with friends & family. Here’s to another year of us all being fabulous!”

 

1970 Live at The Talk Of The Town

Dame Shirley arriving at her birthday party

Wayne Sleep OBE, Simon Thomas, Liz Brewer & The Dame celebrating her birthday at the Hippodrome London organised by Liz

Debbie Moore OBE, Sebastian Knoerr, Liz & The Dame with her birthday cake inscribed with Hey Big Spender!!

Toasting the Dame and telling a few tales

Liz recounting the time 30 odd years ago when she was stopped by the police for crashing a red light at Marble Arch and the Dame sat on the bonnet and sang Hey Big Spender!!!

Arriving with Dame Shirley Bassey at The Hippodrome and being greeted by the Founder & CEO Simon Thomas.

Simon Thomas presenting the Dame with the Hippodrome Book made all the More enjoyable with champagne L-P. Dame Shirley wrote the foreword of the book

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