UK Travel Guide

Theatres
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Theatre Royal (Haymarket)

Built in 1720 by John Potter and called the Little Theatre in the Haymarket, this theatre has witnessed many dramatic events, and not always on the stage. Early satires aimed at both political parties and the Royal Family led to the censoring by the Lord Chamberlain of all plays. At a Royal Command performance in 1794 fifteen people were crushed to death in a stampede, and in 1805 hundreds of tailors protested at the staging of The Tailors, which was viewed as an affront to their craft. As a result of alterations in 1800 the theatre boasted the first picture-frame stage, and accompanied by strong protests, orchestra stalls replaced the pit, which had previously offered cheap seats near the front. The present interior is a result of refurbishment carried out in 1905. Many great names in theatre have appeared on the Theatre Royal's stage, including: John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft, Ralph Richardson, Alec Guinness, Claudette Colbert, Christopher Reeve, Lauren Bacall, and Jack Lemmon.

Located at: Haymarket, London, SW1

Telephone: 020 7930 8800

Opens: Box Office:10:00am - 7:45pm

Cost: Varies according to production

Closest Subway Station: Piccadilly Circus Station (Click to see more atrraction at this station)