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| UK’S FIRST WORLD CLASS CASINO LAUNCHES IN LONDON Posted: 13 Jul 2012 03:33 PM PDT
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, performed the opening ceremony and unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion. Mayor Johnson said: “The creation of this superb new entertainment complex in the heart of the West End is yet another ringing endorsement of London as a great place to invest.  Boris Johnson Mayor of London This huge project has not only restored and retained the glorious fabric of this historic building but also created hundreds of new jobs for the capital and provided a major boost for local business.” Father and son team Jimmy and Simon Thomas, who have invested more than £40 million in the Casino – housed within the former Hippodrome Theatre and adjacent Cranbourn Mansions – hailed the opening as an important new era for the casino industry in the UK.  James Thomas, Boris Johnson, Simon Thomas Said Simon Thomas, CEO and co-founder: "We will challenge the long-held conceptions of casinos in the UK as either too expensive for the normal man on the street, or tucked away in back alleys in the wrong part of town. In fact we're determined to not only challenge them, but redefine the way in which visitors to the West End celebrate an evening out. "The opening of the Hippodrome Casino marks a new direction for the country's entertainment sector, and we have created 450 new jobs in the process. But it's not just about the gaming. "We embody the ambitions of the changes to the Gaming Act which allows venues to offer visitors the opportunity to eat, drink, gamble and watch some of the world's top entertainers…all under the same roof." The Hippodrome Casino comprises:
Said Simon Thomas: "This is a venue whose front door leads onto the busiest street in Europe above Leicester Square tube station through which 40 million people travel every year, and a secondary entrance that leads directly onto Chinatown. We couldn't have found a better location. "And we have restored one of London's iconic buildings to its former glory, reinstating hundreds of original features and bringing back much of the magic of the original theatre built by Frank Matcham in 1900." The Casino hopes to attract tens of thousands of new visitors to the Leicester Square area, which has just reopened after a £15 million investment. The PLACE The opening of the Casino marks a new beginning for the Hippodrome. Originally opened in 1900 by the renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham as a circus variety theatre, the Hippodrome featured a 100,000 gallon tank in which polar bears and sea lions would swim. Works in 1909 enlarged the stage and advanced the proscenium to suit the theatre for variety rather than circus use and, from 1912, revue-style performances. Harry Houdini performed there and the venue staged the country's first ever performance of Swan Lake. In the 1950s the Hippodrome was transformed into the legendary Talk of the Town, and featured stars including Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland and Tom Jones. After various different reincarnations, including a nightclub under the management of Peter Stringfellow, in 2008 the venue returned to its roots as a circus venue for burlesque cabaret La Clique, which closed in June 2009. Facts about the Hippodrome Casino building
The TRANSFORMATION "An iconic building that conveys the spirit of its heritage in a contemporary way." (Simon Thomas, Owner) Within only a few years of its completion, changes were made to the interior of the Hippodrome to adapt it to a new, different and ever-evolving style of entertainment. Designed by the West End's most prolific and feted theatre architect Frank Matcham, it has undergone several transformations down the years, from a circus variety venue to Talk Of the Town dinner and dance club and, more recently, a circus act venue once again. There was even one dark period of reconstruction called 'Operation Pickaxe' that saw substantial damage wrought to the infrastructure. Owners Simon and Jimmy Thomas vowed to do as much as they could to repair the damage and restore many original features through careful research and painstaking attention to detail. Planning permission to renovate the building and restore many of the original theatre's features – including hundreds of pieces of plasterwork – began as far back as August 2006. Work to strip out the building lasted nine months from April to December 2009, with shell construction work beginning January 2010. Paula Reason, the architect behind the Hippodrome's transformation, said her team's biggest challenge were the 'unknowns' in tackling a building that had been covered up and pulled apart again for more than 100 years. "At each turn it has unveiled something new, both good and bad. Some of the more awkward lumps of masonry have become pointers, from the original architect Frank Matcham, as to what the original scale and form the building had. A combination of different historical references from original drawings, newspaper articles, posters and programmes has helped the conversion. "In planning out the space we found that there were many more opportunities, rather than problems, thanks to the complexity of the building. The sheer number of different areas within the building, on different levels, is what makes this Casino unique in the world. It will be truly a voyage of discovery for guests. "There has to be a balance between the requirements of gaming, live performance and the bars and restaurant- the challenge is that they all connect into the main central auditorium and contribute to the atmosphere of the whole place." The aim of the redesign was to recapture some of the 'out of this world' atmosphere of the original auditorium by using three devices:
Additional features will include some floors paved with real pennies "for luck" and the renovation of the ornate central elevator, now housing a modern glass lift. The entire project has also been guided by the UK's foremost Feng Shui expert Paul Darby "to make the building luckier for owner and visitor alike." His work included an initial dowsing session to gauge the energies of the site, and recommendations throughout the build on the best areas for tables, offices and bars, the perfect colour scheme and even which plants to put on the roof terrace. Said Paul: "We inherited a fantastic statue – a horse and charioteer – sited at the very top of the building by the original architect, Frank Matcham. This figure is a sign of success and determination, and I always seek to incorporate something from the original building in any new designs. Which is why this has been incorporated into the new logo for the company, and sits atop the entrance to the Casino. Paul has also incorporated a number of Chinese symbols in his designs to reflect the proximity of London's Chinatown.
The RESTAURANT – Heliot The food and beverage operation throughout the Hippodrome Casino will be masterminded by The ONE Group – a company founded in the UK which has seen phenomenal success and growth in the USA. The Hippodrome Casino will be The ONE Group's first UK venture, and will include a restaurant (Heliot), a late night lounge area and five bars including a cocktail bar. The Casino's restaurant will reflect The ONE Group's ethos that the environment and atmosphere are of equal importance as the food itself.
The name of the restaurant – Heliot – hails from the name of a renowned lion tamer, Claire Heliot, who appeared in the early days of the Hippodrome Theatre and was famous for feeding lions on stage with meat from a fork. It will encapsulate the concept of 'vibe dining' in an American brasserie setting, respecting the variety and circus heritage of the building itself. Chief Executive Jonathan Segal, who has masterminded hotels, restaurants and lounges in New York's Park Avenue and South Beach, Miami, said: "As a British expat in the USA I am delighted to be the food and beverage operating partner in a building with such heritage and such memories for so many people." The ENTERTAINMENT – The Matcham Room The Hippodrome will once again become a venue that attract top acts and artists from throughout the world and one that champions emerging talent. The ambitions for the dedicated entertainment space are ground-breaking, to reflect its past glory as a venue that, in times gone by, provided headline-making, popular entertainment. The Matcham Room, which comprises both at-table and balcony seating, is sited on a new stage built one floor up from the original, with a capacity of 180. A fold back acoustic screen will close the area off from the main auditorium and is cleverly concealed behind a series of theatrical curtains. The vision for this unique performance area belongs to Theatrical Director Nick Frankfort, formerly Executive Producer at London's prestigious Donmar Warehouse: "London is the world leader in live performing arts, but currently there is no premiere venue for cabaret in London. The nearest similar space is Ronnie Scotts in Soho, but this is much smaller, catering almost exclusively for jazz performers and not cabaret with a more general appeal. Nick will deliver a varied mix of talent with an emphasis on song and music. "Our aim is to secure a star performer each month to keep the Hippodrome in the headlines as a performance destination. "In addition, we will look to Broadway for emerging American stars and also look to present musical theatre artists who are either not known in the UK but might have a huge following in their own countries or are on the way up." The GAMING The casino’s three gaming floors will offer all of the very best in table gaming and the latest electronic games and slots from across the world, including Roulette, Blackjack, Poker and Punto Banco. The main arena gaming floor, with its central bar and full-height ceiling stretching up to the minstrel’s gallery of the original theatre, will offer a particularly spectacular gaming experience. Up in ‘The Gods’, the Poker Deck will offer tournaments and cash games and on the top floor the VIP room will offer high minimums for those invited. Four private rooms will offer the opportunity for dining and/or gaming in a more private environment. The top floor bar will lead out onto our two open air gaming and smoking terraces – a unique outdoor environment within the casino walls.
The PEOPLE JAMES THOMAS – PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER Born in 1934, James was educated at Uppingham School in Leicestershire, part of a family that, for six generations, has been immersed in the tradition of the UK leisure industry. In the early 60s, he founded Thomas Automatics Co Ltd, which quickly established itself as one of the world's largest manufacturers, designers, suppliers and exporters (to 37 countries) of amusement and leisure equipment. He founded Showboat Holdings Limited which comprised a number of companies including Showboat Entertainment Centre Limited which grew to be the leading privately owned group of amusement centres in the country, and also Beacon Entertainments Limited, acknowledged as the market leader in the operation, innovation and luxury design of bingo and social clubs. A sale took place in 1987 to The Rank Organisation together with a demerger of some of the companies. These were retained by the Thomas family and the parent company, Thomas Holdings Limited, was formed. As Chief Executive and later, with his son Simon Thomas as Managing Director, the group companies -Thomas Estates Limited (Showboat Amusement Centres) & Beacon Entertainments Limited (Beacon Bingo & Social Clubs) continued to operate with the same ethos – the highest quality sites in first class retail locations, stringently managed and always providing outstanding luxury facilities. In August 2006 this group of companies was sold to Mayfair Acquisitions Co Limited and operated under Riva Gaming Limited, subsequently purchased by Praesepe plc. This, however, did not reduce Mr. Thomas' ongoing total involvement with, and passion for, the industry. He remains extremely active on behalf of the interests of the industry, principally through the national Association – BACTA. James continues to pursue his entrepreneurial career. Alongside the Hippodrome Casino he is also involved with a company which has developed new and pioneering electronic bingo machines to contribute to the modernisation of the bingo industry. He has represented the industry in negotiations with members of the Government and other members of Parliament, the Gaming Board, Gambling Commission, Home Office, DCMS, Customs and Excise, HMRC and the Royal Mint. He has represented the industry during the formative legislative procedures for the current Gambling Act; The Gaming Act 1968 and The Lotteries and Amusement Act 1976; the presentation of information to the Royal Commission on Gambling and the Deregulation Bills 1997 including giving evidence to the All Party Consultative Committee. He is a member of many industry bodies including BACTA (British Amusement & Catering Trades Association) of which he is a Life Member, Vice President and Chairman of the BACTA Charitable Trust; and EAGE Ltd (European Amusement & Gaming Expo Ltd) Director since its formation in May 2009.
SIMON THOMAS – CHAIRMAN and CO-FOUNDER Simon Thomas was born in 1965. He received a First Class Honours Degree from Bristol University and then spent two years at the city merchant bankers, Singer & Friedlander Limited. Simon was then Managing Director of Thomas Estates Ltd, a company acknowledged as one of the main innovators in the bingo and amusement industry in the UK, until he sold it to Riva gaming in Aug 2006. He was the youngest ever President of the industry trade association BACTA, is a very pro-active member of its principal committee, and was also a member of the equivalent committee of the Bingo Association. His various roles led to high level involvement with the Government, MPs, the Gaming Commission, DCMS and HMRC. He has also had Gaming Board Certification for over 20 years. His company employed nearly 600 people and ran a national chain of adult gaming centres and 3 very large bingo halls, including the Beacon Bingo in Cricklewood, the largest and most successful Bingo club in the country. It also had four betting office licenses. He has extensive multi-site leisure experience ranging from sites with six to 120 employees, and products including bingo, slot machines, betting, roulette, bars, restaurants, cinema, cabaret and live entertainment. He is a director of a number of companies including Next Generation Australia Ltd (Health and Tennis Clubs), World Bingo Tech (who are introducing Electronic Bingo terminals into the UK), Praesepe Plc, a gaming operator and is also a trustee of Gamcare, the problem gambling charity. Simon's home is in London, he is married to Fiona and they have 3 young children (a son Freddie and two daughters, Ella and Luisa). He speaks French, is a member of MENSA and, when he has some spare time, among his other interests he enjoys reading, swimming and skiing. PETER McNALLY – Managing Director Peter McNally started in the Casino industry in 1966 prior to the introduction of the 1968 Gaming Act, which came into force in 1970. He started as a croupier, quickly rising through the ranks of Inspector, Pit Boss and General Manager to the position of Group Supervisor in 1968 when he took control of the Company's overall gaming operation in 8 casinos throughout the UK. In 1968 he went on to establish the first casino training school in London concentrating on dealing, security, and casino management. These management procedures and the high levels of technical excellence that were laid down have long since become the standards by which others in the industry are judged world-wide. In 1969 he received the Manager's Grey Licence from the Gaming Board and in 1977 became a Board Director of London Club Ltd. (formerly Mecca Sportsman Ltd and a division of Grand Metropolitan plc) with responsibilities for all casino operations within the Group. He played a major role in the development of the Company: from the time of joining the Board in 1977 the number of London casinos increased from 3 to 6 by 1983. These casinos covered every sector of the London Market. They were The Golden Nugget (in the bottom sector), The Sportsman, The Palm Beach and The Rendezvous (in the middle and upper-middle sector respectively), as well as The Casanova Club and The Ritz Club (at the top level). In 1989 the Company had 6 out of 20 casinos and held 45% of the turnover in London. He had special responsibilities for Casino Design and Layout, Technical Procedures in Gaming, Training and Management Development. He was also the Director responsible for the 5 casinos on board Cunard Ships, including the QE2. Mr. McNally has been very closely involved with the British Casino Association which is the Industry's Trade Organisation. He has been a member of the Council responsible for the Association's liaison with the Government body, the Gaming Board for Great Britain.
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