The Theatre Royal in Drury Lane is one of the oldest theaters in London. It opened on May 7, 1663. King Charles II was at the first performance. He was the first British king to attend a public theater. Since that time, the theater is called “Royal” and the actors are called the King’s Company. Drury Lane is a theater of traditions.
One tradition, dating back to 1795, happens each Twelfth Night (January 6). The Baddeley cake is given to every member of the Company with a glass of wine.
Robert Baddeley was a pastry cook who became an actor and joined the King's Company at the Theatre Royal. After a successful career, he left money in his will to give cake and wine to the Company every Twelfth Night. After the evening performance, the actors and actresses go off the stage in their costumes and make-up and go to the hall to eat the Baddeley cake.
