Haymarket Theatre Poster

An antique engraving of the Theatre Royal Haymarket in the City of Westminister, from the workshop of Albert H. Payne. 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.