Cruchley’s Guide in 1841 singled out the theatre for its comedy (185-6).

The authors also quote Arthur Munby’s description of meeting his mistress Hannah (a domestic servant) at the Haymarket in 1860: “to stand in the mob at the gallery door in the Haymarket, to sit in the gallery among the ‘rough’ by the side of a maid of all work, and drink with her out of the same bottle between the acts – is not this the very nadir of vulgarity and degradation?” (190)

The information provided within this source is much the same as that given within the 1868 edition of the book.

“HAYMARKET THEATRE, the ‘Little Theatre,’ was originally built by one Potter, and opened Dec. 29, 1720 […] The ‘Little Theatre’ was taken down in 1820; the present theatre was built, at a few feet distant, with a lofty Corinthian portico, by Nash, and opened July 14, 1821: here was produced Paul Pry, with Liston, in 1825. In 1853, Mr. B. Webster concluded here a lesseeship of 16 years; the theatre was then let to Mr. Buckstone, who has rendered the Haymarket famous for its excellent performance of the legitimate drama; and this while one of our great national theatres was devoted to Italian opera” (784-5).

Also gives the theatre’s capacity (in 1866) as 1500 (789)

”HAYMARKET THEATRE, at the S. end of the Haymarket. English comedy (Mr and Mrs Bancroft). […] This is now perhaps the finest theatre in London in the interior. The stage is enclosed by a massive gilt frame, the lower part of which conceals the orchestra” (38).

”The HAYMARKET THEATRE (over against the Opera House in the HAYMARKET )was built by Nash, and publicly opened July 4th, 1821. It stands on a piece of ground immediately adjoining a former theatre of the same name, and is still distinguished in the play-bills as the ‘Little Theatre.’ The lessee is Mr. Benjamin Webster, who has done, and is still doing, more towards upholding the English Drama than any other person (Mr. Phelps not excepted) now connected with the stage” (177).

“HAYMARKET THEATRE. Erected on the site of the little theatre in the Haymarket ,from the designs of John Nash, Esq., and opened for dramatic performances July 4th, 1821. The front presents an elevated portico supported by six columns of the Corinthian order, and above the pediment are nine circular windows, tastefully connected by sculptured ornaments. The interior is tastefully decorated and is remarkable for having the sides rectangular, and the centre very slightly curved, thus differing from any of the other theatres. The present lessee is Mr. B. Webster, under whose admirable management it has for several years been one of the most attractive theatres in the metropolis” (124-5).

“THE HAYMARKET THEATRE, the name of which indicates its locality, was built from Nash's design, and opened in 1821. In a theatre which stood only a few feet distant from the site of the present one, the Beggar's Opera, that made Gay rich, and Rich gay, was produced in 1727. Foote afterwards became manager, and was succeeded by the Colmans. Mr Buckstone is lessee of the present house” (213).