Later that decade the venue was transformed into a theatre, which hosted many memorable performances – including the English premiere of Swan Lake – until it was closed in the 1950s. In 1957 it was reopened as “The Talk of the Town”, a nightclub at which international stars such as Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey made appearances. It continued to be a nightclub in various incarnations until 2004, after which time it was variously a burlesque venue, corporate events space and theatre once more.

On 13th July this year this venerable building was reopened as The Hippodrome Casino, which features a restaurant, bars and event spaces as well as a plethora of gaming opportunities. Indeed, the live entertainment should be as much of a draw as the gambling, as their Matcham Room boasts appearances from Miss Polly Rae, Ruthie Henshall, Cerys Matthews and many more.

The overall feel of the Hippodrome is discreetly stylish, and it’s worth visiting just to inspect the building and get a feel of its rich past. Although the main room’s large, flower-like lights are the sort of thing a teenage girl might choose for her bedroom, they don’t detract from the pleasant experience of simply walking around the building’s many floors – at any time of day or night – and mingling with the well-heeled crowd.

Gaming opportunities are everywhere, including the swanky Top Deck poker area, but there’s no sense of being pressured into playing. If you don’t gamble, the two-tier smoking terrace and reasonably priced bars (their unexpectedly large selection of beer starts from £4.10 per pint and bottles of wine from £19.50) are an attractive proposition, especially as they serve until 5am.

Although I visited after the Heliot restaurant had closed for the evening, its menu boasts some interesting dishes that will undoubtedly lure people away from the inedible sort of chips – Millionaire’s Mac “n” Cheese, anyone?

The Hippodrome Casino is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except for Christmas Day. Heliot opens at 5pm daily. Let us know what you think of the new Hippodrome in the comments section below.

And I have news of another TV star returning to London’s theatre this week: Denise Van Outen is joining the cast of Legally Blonde from 25 October. New mum Denise is replacing Jill Halfpenny in the role of Paulette. She’s starting alongside former Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson and talent show graduate Siobhan Dillon who are also newcomers to the girly musical; Sheridan Smith has recently announced she’s continuing in the role of Elle Woods until at least 9 January. I couldn’t be happier!

Finally for cast news this week, Olivier Award-winning actress Ruthie Henshall is going to be starring in Blithe Spirit at the Apollo theatre next spring. She joins an already star-studded cast including Alison Steadman, Hermione Norris and Robert Bathurst.

And looking even further ahead, I’ve got long-range news from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Get your 2011 diaries ready for these dates: the RSC is premiering three new plays at the Hampstead Theatre from April to June next year, as part of A Season of World Premieres:

• Playwright Rona Munro opens the season on 16 April with Little Eagles, directed by Roxana Silbert
• Followed by former Lyric Hammersmith Artistic Director David Farr’s piece Silence from 12 May
• Finally, American playwright Tarrell Alvin McCraney, (who wrote In The Red And Brown Water and The Brothers Size), presents his new play American Trade from 2 June

Edward Hall, Hampstead theatre’s Artistic Director, said, “I am delighted to be creating A Season Of World Premieres with the RSC and to be working so closely with Roxana Silbert on what will be a very exciting programme of new work at Hampstead theatre. Six pieces of major new work over a 10-week period… cause for celebration indeed.” I certainly think so.