#SaveOurTheatres - Pentameters - Our Community

Aim: London's oldest fringe theatre needs your support. Changes of premises, legal, energy, development cost are more than ticket sales can cover

The Situation

Pentameters Theatre is a non-profit making organisation and has relied solely on box office revenue to keep going. Sadly, it appears this may be insufficient to enable us to hold on to the tenancy at the Horseshoes Public House.

We are undeterred, and if we cannot maintain the premises, we will adapt so that we can continue to add to our rich history of nurturing Hampstead's creative community, with new productions, to continue the cultural and community benefits of artistry, education and entertainment that has been the cornerstone of making Hampstead a vibrant and interesting place to visit, work and live in.  

Currently, we estimate that we need around £8000 to challenge the issues, fund, removals and storage as well as all the various fees and administration involved. What is equally important, especially if there may be no income, is to retain enough funds to pay the bonds and guarantees needed for us to rent other premises on a production-by-production basis.

Pentameters - A love letter to capture the Art of Hampstead 

For over 50 years, we have delighted in ascending the wonderfully creaky staircase above the place you all know as Pentameters. This has been a big part of our rich history, of providing inclusive, low cost, authentic experiences for everyone.

It is of course Pentameters, and not the premises, that is the heart of this rich history, and which has made a cultural legacy that is worth fighting for. We want to add new productions to the long list in Pentameters history, which includes for example; Ted Hughes, Dannie Abse, Ivor Cutler, Roger McGough, Kingsley Amis, Rosemary Tonks, Edna O’Brien, and Harold Pinter as just some of the amazing artists who work Pentameters have brought to the stage.  

Pentameters showcases talent, some of whom have turned into household names, including Rik Mayall, Ben Elton, French and Saunders, a legacy that continues to attract scouts, and celebrity interest - including for example a recent impromptu performance with Nigel Kennedy (the world’s leading violin virtuoso). Pentameters has a lasting legacy and for example the celebrated producer Sonia Friedman credits her time working at Pentameters as inspiring her to a fantastic career in theatre.

Pentameter’s ever present artistic director Léonie Scott-Matthews BEM, has created the oldest, longest running and respected creative productions. Through Léonie’s energy and passion, Pentameters has put on hundreds of professional shows from Shakespeare, classic revivals and new plays to alternative comedy, music and poetry events.

Of course!, the show must go on!

About Save Our Theatres

Theatre is the cornerstone of a community, bringing people together to be rewarded with inspiration and entertainment and providing the opportunity for actors, musicians, poets and performers learn their craft. There are proven links between theatre and positive mental health, as well as creating a sense of belonging.

We are determined to build on this!

Our innovative approach to productions and performance has to meet its costs – we are proud to have been independent, we are not funded by grants, but despite this we ensure affordability for all, and the our not for profit ethos is a critical aspect of our culture. We want to go forward with confidence and energy, and to continue to bring the joy and love so many of us have experienced.

With your help, we can continue ‘Moon at Night’ and begin to bring forward our plans for new productions. We already have great opportunities in excellent, accessible perfomance spaces nearby.

Please help us to do this if you can – and in any case, we hope to see you soon, and share in what only the ‘Pentameters’ of this world can provide.

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Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 21st September 2025 at 11:01am