The theatre was constructed as a replacement of the old Comediehuset, which was by then considered too decrepit.

It was financed by the wealthy Laurentius Segerlind and designed by Jonas Hagberg.

Influenced by the building of the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, it had was situated by the street Södra Hamngatan and had room for 1 269 spectators.

The theatre was inaugurated on 12 August 1816 by the theater company of Johan Anton Lindqvist, which had moved there from the Comediehuset.

Attempts were made to create a permanent theatre by Johan Anton Lindqvist (1816-20) and Gustaf Åbergsson (1820-23).