THE centenary of Todmorden Hippodrome next year has been marked by a new book, which charts its 100-year history.

From starting life as a professional theatre in 1908, the Hippodrome is traced through two world wars, its many years as a cinema, being leased by the operatic society in the mid 1950s, to its final purchase by the Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society in 1990.

Authors, husband and wife Freda and Malcolm Heywood, also look at the countless characters who have been involved both on and off the stage.

It's taken three years to research and is also packed with photographs of the countless, varied productions which have been staged.

At the beginning of the 20th century, serious drama in Todmorden was provided by amateur societies, The Shakespearian Society put on its plays at the National School and the churches had their own societies.

Then Richard (Dickie) Dewhirst, who combined a stationery and tobacconists business in Halifax Road, with publishing the Todmorden Herald, decided to build a permanent theatre adjoining his print works and the grand opening was planned for October 1908.

The opening programme was Messrs Hardy and Von Leer's Company, in the great drama Two Lancashire Lasses in London. Admission was orchestra stalls 2s, gallery 6d, or you could get in for half price at 9pm!

In its first season it provided 34 weeks of continuous entertainment; three pantomimes, nine musical comedies, 19 dramas, one circus, one variety show and another which combined variety with animated pictures.

No wonder it closed for a month in the summer of 1909 for refurbishment!

It's second season saw Stan Laurel appear from September 13 to 18 and the theatre also acquired its own bioscope' to show silent pictures.

Two were shown that Christmas Day and Saturday film matinees were a great success, children could sit in the cheaper seats for 1d.

Local talent contests were held and Ethel Ball, who had begun work at 14 in Hollins Mill, won one for singing. She was offered £2 for a week's engagement at the Hippodrome and then trained as a soprano under local teacher Eva Chadwick, who played leading roles for Todmorden Operatic Society.

Ethel pursued a theatrical career under the surname Manners and her appearances at the Hippodrome in 1926 and 1938 always ensured a packed house.

Part of its history was as a picture house, when it was bought by Herbert Hartley who had cinemas in Nelson and Burnley.

Now the home of Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, the scouts' and guides' annual gang show has also been a permanent feature since 1965. This show was first started by Philip Suthers, scout leader at Cornholme and Ernest Strongitharm, scout master of Walsden back in 1959.

l Todmorden Hippodrome, 100 years of theatre, 1908 to 2008, is priced at £14.95 and for sale in Todmorden at at Border Books, Cryer's newsagent and the information centre, as well as Badger Books in Burnley.