In the summer of , Mr. Astley, sen., the original projector of Horsemanship amusements, and proprietor of the Amphitheatre, , obtained a license from the Lord Chamberlain to exhibit similar amusements in the City of , during the period his (as he styled it) was closed, viz., from Michaelmas until the Passion Week following. He had seen, and was in treaty for a piece of seemingly waste ground, part of the site on which stood the well-known tavern, named after the Queen of Bohemia, who, subsequent to the death of her royal consort, was privately married to the Earl of Craven, and resided here, when it was called Craven House; but afterwards being converted to a tavern, the owner adopted the sign of the Queen of Bohemia's Head, in commemoration of her residence in the house. The ground Mr. Astley speculated on, seemed the most unfit and confined for theatrical purposes, being everything in shape but a square, round, or oval; indeed, it was composed of almost every possible angle. Notwithstanding this disadvantage Mr. Astley commenced building, and was his own designer and architect. On the , it was opened, under the title of the OLYMPIC PAVILION. The auditory part represented a large tent, showing the timbers, roof and rafters, &c., &c., &c. The accommodation consisted of round tier of boxes, a pit underneath, and a gallery at the back of the pit, enclosed with iron chains, which was a very dungeon. There was a ride in the centre, and an orchestra ranging with the boxes upstairs: the stage was on a level with the ride, and part of it was taken into the ride whenever the latter was used for horsemanship; the horses came through the stage-door, and the preparation occupied considerable time. The Theatre was lighted by Grecian (patent) lamps, suspended from the roof, and a centre lustre of patent lamps.

The building was entirely of wood; the roof (with a small dome in the centre) covered with sheets of tin, canvassed over, and then pitched and tarred. The expense attending this temporary building was as much as would have erected a substantial Theatre; and Mr. Astley resorted to every species of exhibition, as horses, elephants, dogs, tumblers, jumpers, and flyers, to fill his house, but to very little purpose.

In Mr. Elliston purchased all Astley's right for (and a small annuity during his life), subject to a ground-rent of a year for the Theatre, and house in Craven Buildings connected with the Theatre. The lease is for years, with the option of purchase from the ground landlord (Lord Craven) at A short time before Elliston's purchase, Astley had considerably altered the house, removing the gallery to its proper situation over the boxes; to effect which, he materially raised the roof, converted the ride into a commodious pit, and at a great expense, and on an entirely new plan, made the HORSE-RIDE on the stage. Every time the horsemanship was exhibited, large and heavy flaps were to be hoisted up by tackle, and the circular ride appeared about feet below the level of the stage; the loss of time this preparation occasioned, made him soon abandon it entirely.

Besides the internal improvements, a colonnade was formed on sides of the Theatre, which has greatly added to the convenience of the public.

In Astley was, from money expended and ill success, nearly minus by this concern, when Mr. Elliston took it off his hands, and placed the amusements on a more respectable footing than ever they had been conducted under his predecessor. It was opened in the autumn of that year, under the title of the LITTLE , with an excellent company, and the Theatre much altered, improved, and decorated. In weeks the Lord Chamberlain obliged Mr. Elliston to close his exhibitions; but on the , he re-opened as the Olympic Theatre, and during that and the subsequent season, the House was more numerously and respectably attended than it had ever been before; but not to equal the expense the proprietor had put himself to in the fittings up, decorations, and alterations.

After the close of the season , Mr. Elliston, in his usual liberal and spirited manner, expended a considerable sum, in order to give the public a very superior Theatre and entertainments, to any hitherto produced in what are styled Minor Theatres. The whole of the interior was rebuilt and elegantly decorated; private boxes added, a commodious pit and spacious entrances made; superb new chandeliers put up, a handsome coffee-room, &c., &c., &c.

For the stage (which was all new, both scenery and decorations) was engaged an excellent company to act the pieces, and Messrs. Dibdin, Oulton, Barrymore, Lawler, and Moncrief, were retained as authors; Messrs. Charles Horn, G. W. Reeve, M. Corri, and Nicholson, as composers.

, and , written by Mr. Moncrief (a young man of great talent), deserve most particular mention as pieces of very superior merit. Neither of our Theatres Royal could have preserved better order in their Theatres, or their performances have been more punctually conducted than was that year observed here. The Theatre was well attended; but season cannot repay the heavy expense of extensive alteration and improvements.

The prices are, boxes , pit , gallery ; half-price is taken at half past , and the house will hold The stage is very large, and capable of exhibiting any stage performance.

Mr. Elliston, about years ago, had plans made by Mr. Wilkins, for building a superb Theatre, extending its front into (and had negotiated for or houses which stood in his way, and were to have been pulled down; the expense, however, of his last improvement, we believe, has caused him to abandon the idea entirely. The Theatre was to have cost