Accrington's theatrical past

[pennine]

One of the great comics of the 1930's, 40's and 50's, Frank Randle, has many connections with the Accrington area. He tried to revive the old Accrington Hippodrome in the early 1950's, but sadly failed.
Frank has a biography at Literary Peeks Frank's humour could be a bit subversive, but what a comic!!!!

[Bob Dobson]

Eric Sykes' first professional engagement was at the Accrington Hippodrome.

[pennine]

The roll call of those who have walked the boards at Accrington Hippodrome is impressive indeed. Harry Houdini and Charlie Chaplin to name but two.

[magpie]

Hilda Baker...( just read her book... she knows you know)

[Rowlf]

I remember going to the Hippodrome most Saturday nights in the early 50's. Saw loads of big stars and it gave me a love of live theatre. I would still rather go to a live show than the cinema. I love Frank Randle. We have quite a few of his films on DVD. My favourite is the one where he is in the army, gets drunk and attempts to climb a staircase with a statue beside it.He says to the nude statue ' Art 't cowld love ' and noticing it has no arms ' ast 't bin feighting' . He had umpteen run ins with Blackpool Council. He once hired a plane and dropped hundreds of toilet rolls on the prom after one dispute with them.

[Rowlf]

The actor Keith Clifford once toured with a show called Randles Scandals and he was brilliant as Frank Randle. Wish he would do a repeat of the show I would love to see it again.