The Theatre Royal Haymarket was named in 1855, despite being a performance venue since 1720. Famous theatre manager Herbert Beerbohm Tree took over the theatre in the late 1880’s, transforming it into a successful platform for plays towards the end of the Victorian period. The building, with its Victorian architectural style, is Grade I listed by English Heritage.
The theatre has premiered several important works, including Ibsen’s Ghosts and Oscar Wilde’s A Woman of No Importance. It showcased traditional high-quality drama throughout the twentieth century, including a repertory season from John Gielgud in 1939. In recent years, seasons have been presented by prolific directors such as Trevor Nunn and Jonathan Kent. Other famous actors to walk the stage at Theatre Royal Haymarket include Judi Dench, Alec Guinness, Bradley Cooper and Natalie Dormer.
The Theatre Royal Haymarket has hosted several popular musicals. Heathers: The Musical starring Carrie Hope Fletcher in 2018 and between 2019 and May 2023, was home to Only Fools and Horses the Musical, based on the phenomenally successful British sitcom.
