The Hippodrome was built in 1938 on the site of the Dudley Opera House, which was destroyed by fire in 1936,[2] and remained open as a variety theatre until 1964.

Since 2009 it has been owned by Dudley Council, with plans to demolish the site to make way for redevelopment, though local campaigners who protested these proposals, favouring a return to theatre use, finally lost their battle in December 2021.

[6] The opening ceremony was performed by local MP, Dudley Joel and the first headline act was Jack Hylton and his band.

[7] The owner, Benjamin Kennedy died on 10 April 1939, passing on responsibility for running the theatre to his sons, Maurice and Robert although ownership was retained by the trustees of the former proprietor.

[15] The building was acquired by Ladbrokes which introduced a nightclub with live acts under the brand "Cesar's Palace", which opened on 15 November 1973.