Killigrew, Thomas (1612–1683)

English dramatist and theatre manager. His most popular work was The Parson's Wedding, written in about 1640 and produced in 1664 with a cast of women only. In 1663 he built the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London.

Killigrew was page to Charles I in 1633. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he lived abroad with the English court. At the Restoration, he returned and was appointed groom of the bedchamber by Charles II, from whom he received a patent permitting him to maintain a theatre. He was responsible for the production of many Restoration plays, and established a training school for young actors. His dramatic works were collected and published in 1664.