The Hampstead resident – who wrote the 1997 hit with pop star Robbie Williams – was among the guests at a launch event on Monday (December 8) in revamped rooms above The Horseshoe Pub.
For more than 50 years the Heath Street space was run as Pentameters Theatre by local actor Léonie Scott-Matthews.
But its lease was terminated earlier this year by pub landlords Urban Pubs & Bars, citing disrepair, unpaid rent, and dwindling performances.
The legacy of Léonie and her partner Godfrey Old were praised by the theatre’s new artistic director Steve Furst on opening night.
A veteran of the London comedy scene, he has appeared in TV shows such as Little Britain and promoted numerous club nights.
Furst appeared as his alter ego Lenny Beige and, alongside Guy Chambers the musical entertainment was provided by guitarist Todd Sharpville, DJ and singer Count Indigo, David McAlmont performing versions of Yes and Last Christmas, cabaret guru Aidan Sadler, and Blair MacKichan on piano.
Belsize Park resident and founder of Songlink International David Stark said: “Big celebrations at the opening night of the Circle & Star Theatre in Hampstead, formerly the much-loved Pentameters which ran for over 50 years under the direction of Léonie Scott-Matthews BEM, and where I gave a couple of Beatles book talks.
“Léonie’s legacy, and that of partner Godfey Old, was rightly acknowledged by new boss Steve Furst, whose team have renovated the space to a very high standard in just a matter of months, including new toilets at theatre-level instead of having to traipse down to the Horseshoe pub downstairs.”
Writing on Instagram, the theatre wrote: “Hampstead, you filled the room.
Our launch night was packed, electric and full of heart — a true celebration of what this little 50-seat theatre can be when it’s alive with people, music and laughter.”
Furst has a brimming contacts book and has secured a celebrity line-up ranging from Mel Giedroyc to David Walliams, and Marcus Brigstocke, to Matt Lucas, who appeared at the official sold out opening night on Tuesday, December 9.
