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The Hippodrome has been classed among the wonders of the London, and, like Westminster Abbey, is one of the "sights." Moreover, the Hippodrome may claim the still higher distinction of being unique as a place of entertainment combining the specialties of the circus with the attractions of the variety stage; whilst its huge water shows, its splendid stage equipment, and its wonderful mechanical contrivances make it a showplace without rival. It is decorated in the Flemish style, with marble stairs and walls, and mosaic floors and painted ceilings.

Perrhaps the mention of the fact that the Hippodrome cost a quarter of a million to erect will convey a clearer conception of the beauty of this triumph of architectural construction.

Above - Caption Reads: Beneath the arena of the Hippodrome. Heavy properties are about to be conveyed above, and supers and stage hands crowd together in readiness for their particular duties.

When Mr. H. E. Moss, the managing director, threw open the doors some three years ago, it was never supposed that the London Hippodrome, with two shows daily, would attain to the gigantic success it has undoubtedly achieved, but the genius of the man who during twenty years has caused no less than seventeen handsome "Empires" to spring up throughout the land, viewed his biggest venture with the calm confidence which comes to a full knowledge of the public want and repeated successes in the past.

Right - Mrs Gertrude Scott, one of the actresses appearing in the new Hippodrome sensation, The Bandits.

The London Hippodrome can and does accommodate upwards of six thousand persons daily, while in the suburbs and provinces no less than 50,000 persons have amusement provided for them at Moss's Empires. This fact almost places Mr. H. E. Moss in the category of a public benefactor; at any rate, that is the opinion probably of the shareholders of the company who enjoyed a dividend of twelve and a half percent, on the ordinary shares.

The magnificence of the Hippodrome impresses you most as you sit in your comfortable stall, whilst listening to the music of the splendid band led by Mr. Carl Kiefert, the well known conductor, composer, and orchestrator.

Your programme will tell you that below the arena there is a huge tank 8 feet deep and 23 feet in circumference which, when the flooring of the arena has been lowered to the bottom, plays a sensational part in the stirring water dramas of Siberia and Talley Ho in the past, and of The Bandits of to-day.

Above - Caption Reads: The Interior of The London Hippodrome is decorated in the Flemish Renaissance style. The auditorium is of very fine proportions, being quite free from any stiffness which usually pervades a circus, while, thanks to the cantilever system, every seat commands a clear and uninterrupted view of the arena and stage. The arena, with its ingenious and elaborate machinery, is one of the most interesting mechanical devices of modern days. It has three entrances; one opposite the stage, and one on either side of the proscenium, and through these latter water can be made to flow when necessary for boats, naval displays, etc. A feature of the ceiling is an opening in the centre surrounded by an open colonnade, with handsome balcony front. This gallery is a great acquisition; high dives can be taken into the water n the arena below, and snow storms and lime-light effects can be worked from it.

Nor must one forget Eddie E. Gifford, the one legged cyclist, who not long ago dived from the roof of the building into the cool depth of this body of water; whilst another phase of the resources of the tank is on the occasions, all too rare, when the eight fountains are set to playing, by which means mighty jets of water are sent up almost to the roof, falling in cascades of diamond saphire, and ruby drops under the coloured limelight: needless to say, the result is beautiful to behold and delightfully refreshing.

Besides the general uses of the arena for equestrian feats, tumbling, and bicycling, it serves frequently as a huge menagerie, and the lion-tamers, Herr Seeth and Mdlle. Heliot, and others, have already given blood curdling exhibitions in the midst of the stalls, and in perfect safety as regards the spectators.

For those shows an ingenious contrivance in the shape of a huge grille rises, under hydraulic pressure, round the edge of the arena, forming a complete cage. But the mechanical wonders do not cease here...

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