[1] It is named after the Australian performer Nancye Hayes.
Its first production, a revival of Sweet Charity, opened in January 2014.
The production transferred to the Sydney Opera House and a national tour, and was nominated for and received multiple Helpmann Awards.
[2] Its ongoing programming includes many world premieres of new Australian musicals and Australian premieres of international musicals, which has gathered significant attention.
[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Notable performers who have performed at the Hayes include Nancye Hayes, Caroline O'Connor, David Campbell, Verity Hunt-Ballard, Simon Burke, Mitchel Butel, Emma Matthews, Genevieve Lemon, Rowan Witt, Virginia Gay, Tim Draxl, Hellen Dallimore, Bobby Fox, Seann Miley Moore, Trevor Ashley, Marika Aubrey, Blake Bowden, Paul Capsis, Chloe Dallimore, Esther Hannaford, Lucy Maunder, Timomatic, Hayden Tee, Amanda Harrison, Elise McCann, and Bert LaBonté.