PIN Theatre Royal Haymarket

Unique, wonderful and unmissable

This is a beautiful theatre in the heart of Piccadilly. It is a delivers a memorable theatre experience for audiences coming to see productions from all around the world. Theatre Royal Haymarket Productions was set up in 2007 and has since produced some of the theatre’s most successful productions including Waiting for Godot and Flare Path. Some of the stages most famous names have performed here in equally famous plays.

History

The Haymarket holds a position of historical importance in London’s theatreland. It was the first theatre to defy the monopoly of the patent houses and the ‘Little Theatre in the Hay’ (next to the present site) was built in 1720. It gained a restricted patent in 1766-77 and some time afterwards was granted a special license. The theatre was rebuilt on the present site by the famous playhouse architect John Nash in 1821.

Although this theatre is much studied and the subject of many books there is little detailed architectural accounts published. The ‘Survey of London’ is, for once, inadequate compared to, say, the Survey’s outstandingly account of Her Majesty’s Theatre – directly opposite. This beautiful building is of unique interest in its own right and is one of the few pre-1880 theatre buildings in London - Drury Lane Theatre Royal and the Lyceum being the others that keep their pre- Victorian visage.

The auditorium has two balconies which climb steeply toward the roof. Architecturally and decoratively this is one of the most impressive and well-preserved interiors in London. There are still some traces of old stage machinery in the building. The main roof space and stage house roof are still lit by dormers.

Three Fascinating Facts

1. John Nash, who designed the current theatre, also designed Brighton Pavilion and Buckingham Palace.
2. Aspiring actors working here often practice their craft with the Theatre Royal Haymarket’s Masterclass programme. Bravo 22 is a highly worthy programme helping injured ex-servicemen rehabilitate
3. In 1949, a riot occurred after a popular act, including a man getting inside a wine bottle, failed to show up and the theatre was gutted.

TripTide Thoughts

It gave us a beautiful experience. The interior and the architecture design of the theatre were mesmerising

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Owner

Lucy TripTide

Lucy is a TripTide stalwart and has been with the company since inception. She is a font of knowledge of all things in our metropolis but she has a special penchant for London's historical past. She says:"London is a multi-layered confection of hi...