Published: 18 Feb 2026
Don't miss Rosalyn Wilder and Patricia Hodge sharing some extraordinary memories of their careers!
We’ll be hosting West End Memories: Rosalyn Wilder in conversation with Patricia Hodge on Monday 9 March 2026 at 7pm at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino with tickets priced at £27.50.
Book your tickets here!
This exciting evening – the first in an occasional series – invites you on a trip down memory lane to hear what it was like working with producers and artists at The London Hippodrome, The London Palladium and all over the West End.
They’ll discuss famous impresarios like Bernard Delfont and Binkie Beaumont, as well as global stars including Sammy Davis Jr. and Danny La Rue. A special highlight includes Wilder’s memories of Judy Garland and her involvement in the 2019 biopic Judy, where she was portrayed on screen by Jessie Buckley.
The event will also offer a rare opportunity to hear footage of Judy Garland singing at the Talk of the Town cabaret in 1968, a recording which was confiscated at the time from an audience member, and has never been broadcast publicly in its entirety.
Don’t miss this truly special event, in the company of two extraordinary women, and enjoy a rare insight into one of London entertainment’s most dazzling chapters!
Plus, your attendance will raise vital funds, allowing us to continue our work increasing accessibility to live theatre and the arts for all children and young people.
Book your tickets here!
Rosalyn Wilder offers a unique insider perspective. Having worked at the venue with the producers for 20 years, she helped run the glittering array of star-studded seasons and many Royal Variety Performances. In 1968 she was solely responsible for ensuring Garland appeared nightly during her turbulent engagement.
Patricia Hodge trained at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and has enjoyed a distinguished career across stage and screen, earning six award nominations, an Olivier Award and Spoken Word Performer of the Year. Her television work includes Rumpole of the Bailey, Miranda and All Creatures Great and Small, alongside extensive film roles and acclaimed appearances at the National Theatre and in the West End.
Rosalyn Wilder: ‘It is always a delight to return to the Hippodrome – one of London’s most historic entertainment venues. On this occasion the pleasure is all the greater because I am being given the privilege of discussing part of its heritage with the delightful Patricia Hodge. We will trip through the earlier years, remember the Talk of the Town and its many international stars and glamorous floorshows and spend some time paying tribute to the late great Judy Garland and the 2019 film starring Renée Zellweger documenting her last engagement at the Talk of the Town.’
Patricia Hodge: ‘The Hippodrome/Talk of the Town, as described to me with awe and wonder by my parents, was the Emerald City of my imagination when I was a child. I am therefore excited to be in the company of the amazing Rosalyn Wilder, herself a living legend that was such a vital part of its history, and indeed of the history of Show Business in the 20th Century.’
Our Chief Executive Sita McIntosh: ‘West End Memories promises to be a very special evening of sparkling conversation and reminisces that will appeal to anyone who has an interest in the West End. We are hugely grateful to Rosalyn and Patricia as well as Ian Haworth from the Hippodrome and Ryan Woods from Playing Field who have been instrumental in putting this evening together in aid of Go Live.’
