 The following year the circus failed and the site was auctioned.It was bought by theatre entrepreneur Thomas Barrasford who commissioned architect Bertie Crewe to modify the auditorium, replacing the circus ring with seating, and on 22 December 1902 the Hippodrome reopened as a variety theatre.Barrasford died at the venue in February 1910 and the Hippodrome was sold to the Variety Theatres Controlling Company (VTCC).