Haymarket Theatre Bath Mat

An antique engraving of the Theatre Royal Haymarket in the City of Westminister, from the workshop of Albert H. Payne. Customisable text reading "Haymarket Theatre" also appears. Originally produced for Payne's "Illustrated London, or a Series of Views in the British Metropolis and its Vicinity" (London : 1846-1847). The Theatre Royal Haymarket (also known as Haymarket Theatre or the Little Theatre) dates back to 1720, making it the third-oldest London playhouse still in use. Samuel Foot acquired the lease in 1747, and in 1766 he gained a royal patent to play legitimate drama (spoken drama, as opposed to opera, concerts or plays with music) in the summer months. The original building was a little further north in the same street. It has been at its current location since 1821. The Haymarket has been the site of a significant innovation in theatre. In 1873, it was the venue for the first scheduled matinée performance, establishing a custom soon followed in theatres everywhere.