The Hippodrome has hosted an ice rink, circus acts, variety theatre, vaudeville shows and bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

In July 2010, the owner announced that it would cost £9 million to restore the building and convert it into a live music venue, and a charitable trust expressed concern over its future.

By the end of the 19th century, Brighton had been a fashionable and thriving seaside resort, which had experienced rapid growth, for more than 100 years.

It developed around the medieval fishing village of Brighthelmstone—a grid of streets running inland from the sea, intercut with narrow twittens.

[4][7] Barrasford died at the venue in February 1910 and the Hippodrome was sold to the Variety Theatres Controlling Company (VTCC).

[5] One of Charlie Chaplin's first roles was a bit-part in theatre impresario Fred Karno's comedy Saturday to Monday, staged in May 1907;[11] and Vivien Leigh gave an acclaimed performance in George Bernard Shaw's play The Doctor's Dilemma in January 1942.

[8] Local stars also featured: Max Miller, the Brighton-born music hall entertainer and comedian, appeared on many occasions between 1928 and 1960;[7] and the conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, whose vaudeville career began in their home town in 1911 at the age of three, topped the bill with their variety show.

After World War II, the popularity of variety theatre waned,[7] and the new practice of centralised booking of productions by an agency in London meant that the tastes of Brighton audiences were not specifically catered for: the venue typically received shows that had toured around the country and had no local connection.

[7][8] In 1967, it was turned into a Mecca Bingo hall;[7][8] the conversion work included the insertion of a raised floor above the stage and through the proscenium arch.

[17] Brighton and Hove City Council stated in October 2011 that AMG had met officers from the licensing and planning departments in an attempt to move the situation forward.

[20] A local and national campaign, preferring the building to be used for live theatre or similar events, protested against the plans; but by January 2014 Alaska Development Consultants' proposals had evolved into a £35 million scheme including a restaurant on a removable floor above the auditorium.

Elaborate single-storey entrance bays flank the towers, with chamfered arches, ornate mouldings, Ionic columns and a cornice.

[13] Inside, much of Frank Matcham's original work remains, and the design is considered to be one of his finest[5] and to display "his hallmark decorative richness".

Above this is a proscenium arch featuring elaborate Rococo-style moulded plasterwork showing dolphins and female figures, and with egg-and-dart decoration to the architrave.

[13] The newer rooms on the northern side, all decorated in an elaborate Middle Eastern style, include a conservatory and bars.