History of The Haymarket

History
A photo of a newspaper clipping with the headline From Corn Exchange to Theatre which features a photo of The Haymarket with an entrance in the centre of the main building and lots of large advertisements outside

A newspaper clipping about The Haymarkets transformation from a Corn Exchange to a theatre

The building which now houses The Haymarket opened in 1865 as the Corn Exchange for the town at a cost of £4,000, and was bought by the Basingstoke Corporation in 1874. The Corn Exchange often served as a public meeting hall, and General Booth famously addressed the Salvation Army Rally here in 1880. By 1910 it was being used as a roller skating rink, when it had a polished marble floor.

In 1913 it was refitted and renamed The Grand Exchange Cinema, operating as both cinema and variety house.

In 1925 it was gutted by fire, which left only the external walls and roof girders standing. Somewhat ironically, the town's Fire Engine was housed in the basement. Having been rebuilt, it continued as a cinema until 1940.

Between 1940 and 1950 the building was operated by Will Hammer Theatres Ltd - remembered nowadays primarily for its Hammer Horror films.

In 1951 it was renamed the Haymarket Theatre and run by a non-profit making company. Local amateur companies used the building extensively, including the Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra, Basingstoke Choral Society, BATS and BAOS – all still performing today.

In 1974, Artistic Director Guy Slater formed the Horseshoe Theatre Company, a professional repertory and touring company. In 1986 this company combined with the company running the theatre and became based there.

In 2007 the company folded and the theatre was closed. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council asked The Anvil Trust to take over the lease. After extensive refurbishment of the box office, bars and foyers, the building re-opened as The Haymarket in September.

Wote Street historical photo showing The Haymarket

Wote Street historical photo showing The Haymarket

A black and white photo from the top of Wote Street looking down towards the outside of The Haymarket in the 1970s. Notable differences is that there is a small door at the bottom of the arches as well as large doors where the lion wall fountain currently resides. The building now used as the box office and two upper floor foyer is single level and houses two shops called Nicola and F.Scott.

The outside of The Haymarket in the 1970s

Take a virtual tour

See inside The Haymarket
Click for more

Anvil Arts is committed to Environmental Sustainability

Click for more