Always on
This project successfully funded on 21st September 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
#SaveOurTheatres - Pentameters - Our Community
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Aim
London's oldest fringe theatre needs your support.
The Situation
Pentameters Theatre is a non-profit making organisation, that previoulsy relied solely on box office revenue to keep going. Sadly, despite over half a century of service, with thousands of productions to enrich and support our community, our lease to operate was terminated.
This is an action we do not believe was justified and sadly, no support or help has been received from the building owners (Camden Council), with whom the Pentameters lease was made in 1971.
We are undeterred, and when all is said and done, Pentameters is your Theatre, not just a function room in an otherwise unremarkable Pub. We continue to seek new premises, despite the denial of income, and of course having to meet the costs of storing the theatres belongings. Our only funding is from pensions, and the kind donations we have received.
Pentameters also continues to contribute to the community with several weekly events to support the vulnerable, disadvantaged members of our community. One of the best ways to benefit from this is to visit the weekly sessions in the Monro House Conservatory (10:30 - 13:30) in 116 Fitzjohns Avenue.
You have asked us to, and we want to 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.
We are actively working towards new pop-up events, in venues in our comunity, but this takes time (and of cousre, money). We are also hoping to transfer some of the social history of Pentameters to a national Museum.
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 fulfill your wishes, for us 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 regular ‘Moon at Night’ Open Mic Nights 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