About the Leicester Haymarket Theatre

A brief history

Leicester Haymarket Theatre was opened on 17 October 1973 by Sir Ralph Richardson, before a performance of The Recruiting Officer.

The theatre was built as part of the Haymarket Shopping Centre complex and was designed by Stephen George and Dick Bryant.

During its years of operation, the Haymarket welcomed many huge names to the stage in a plethora of productions, including Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Sir Anthony Hopkins and more.

The theatre was operated by the Leicester Theatre Trust for over 30 years but closed in 2007 when operations were moved to a new purpose-built theatre in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter, Curve.

The last production was held at the theatre in 2006 – The Wizard Of Oz, starring Ceri Dupree and Helena Blackman.

The Haymarket reopened briefly in 2017, ran by the Leicester Consortium, but closed again during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Architecture and design

At the time of its inception the theatre’s stage was the largest in the country. This, combined with a high fly tower, an orchestra pit, stage traps and fores, and a wide viewing area, made it perfect for high-end and imaginative productions.

Backstage there was a large paint workshop for painting scenery, an area for set design, dressing rooms, offices and rehearsal space. This was later converted into the Studio Theatre and used for smaller productions.

The auditorium is still of the same design, now with a capacity of 901 seats, and is split into the Stalls on the lower level and Circles in the balcony above. It’s fan-like shape gives a great view of the stage from any seat.

All seating is tiered, with the upstairs being at a steeper angle but cleverly designed in five blocks, on differing levels, that all interconnect.

Sculpture

At the entrance to the theatre lives one of the first pieces of abstract public art in Leicester – The Metal Tree. It was unveiled in 1974 and is a work by Hubert Cyril Dalwood.

The new vision

In 2021, Leicester City Council purchased the theatre, with day-to-day operations being overseen by the De Montfort Hall service area.

A short-term license was agreed in 2023 with local dance company Addict Dance Academy, to teach degree and diploma level performing arts courses at the theatre.

Further investment secured in 2024 has created more rehearsal and teaching spaces and brought the auditorium back into use to support the role of the theatre as having a focus for learning and young people.

Longer-term agreements have now been made with Addict Dance Academy and Leicestershire Music, to create a venue based around learning and teaching for the young people in the city.

Addict Dance Academy, founded in 2012 by Gareth Chown, offers aspiring performers professional dance training in a supportive environment. Industry-experienced teachers provide a range of styles, combining technical skill and career-focused knowledge for long-term success.

Founded in 1948 by Eric Pinkett, Leicestershire Music has inspired generations of young people to play instruments and sing. With a history of supporting music education, it continues to nurture talent across Leicester and Leicestershire through professional guidance and encouragement.