Ep 1. Theatre Royal Haymarket

Great West End Theatres is a docu-series that takes a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most iconic theatres in London's West End. In season 1 episode 1, the focus is on the Theatre Royal Haymarket, one of the oldest and most historic theatres in the West End.

The episode begins with a brief history of the theatre, which was built in 1720 and has played host to many legendary productions over the years. We learn about some of the famous actors who have graced the stage of the Theatre Royal Haymarket, including Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, and Ralph Richardson.

Next, we are introduced to the current artistic director of the theatre, who takes us on a tour of the building. We get to see some of the behind-the-scenes areas, including the dressing rooms, the props department, and the stage itself.

We also learn about some of the unique challenges that come with running an old and historic theatre like the Theatre Royal Haymarket. The building requires constant maintenance and upkeep in order to keep it in good condition, and there are sometimes unexpected issues that arise, such as leaks or structural damage.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a variety of people who are involved in the day-to-day operations of the theatre. This includes actors, stage managers, technicians, and more. We get a sense of just how many people are required to make a production happen, and how each person's role is vital to the success of the show.

One of the highlights of the episode is a look at the process of creating the sets and costumes for a production. We see the design studio where the creative team works, and then we get to see the costumes being made in the costume department. It's fascinating to see all of the intricate details that go into creating a single costume, and to learn about the research that goes into making sure that the costumes are historically accurate.

Finally, we get to see a bit of a rehearsal for the current production that is running at the theatre. We see the actors working with the director and the stage manager, and we get a sense of just how much work goes into putting on a successful production.

Overall, the first episode of Great West End Theatres is an engaging and informative look at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Whether you're a theatre lover or just someone who is interested in the history of London's West End, this episode is definitely worth watching.