Pentameters was founded in 1968 by Hampstead resident Léonie Scott-Matthews in the cellar of The Freemasons Arms pub – with some big names and future stars staging everything from Shakespeare to new plays, comedy to poetry readings.
In 1971 it moved to its current location above The Horseshoe in Heath Street, but despite being listed an Asset of Community Value, its lease has been terminated by pub managers Urban Pubs and Bars who say it is in disrepair with the rent unpaid.
After more than 55 years of putting on fringe theatre, the curtain came down on its final performance last Sunday ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
Leonie Scott-Matthews, founder of Pentameters Theatre, was awarded a British Empire Medal in 2020 for “services to British theatre and the community in Hampstead”. (Image: Archant) Among the famous names to tread its boards are Kingsley Amis, Ted Hughes, Laurie Lee, Edna O’Brien, Harold Pinter, Stevie Smith, Russell Brand, Adrian Edmondson, Ben Elton, French and Saunders, Nigel Havers, and Celia lmrie.
Ben has donated £500 to the theatre’s Crowdfunder to store props, fund legal fees and draw up contracts with new venues.
He said: “I wanted to make a contribution to the Pentameters campaign in memory of the brilliant good old days and in the hope of an even brighter and more brilliant future.
“Local theatre can be the very heart of a community, and I hope that big hearted Pentameters keeps beating for decades to come. The show must go on!”
Appealing for funds, the theatre said: “We have loved ascending the delightfully creaky staircase above the venue you all know as Pentameters.
“Sadly, the leaseholder and their lawyers don’t appear to share our vision. We are doing all we can to persuade them to allow more time, but last Sunday’s ‘Moon at Night’ may be the last Pentameters event at the Horseshoes pub.
“Of course! the show must go on! – Theatres like Pentameters are the cornerstone of a community, bringing people together to be rewarded with inspiration and entertainment.
“It is Leonie’s passion and not the premises that has made this happen, and that has showcased new talent, some of whom have turned into household names.”
A spokesman added: “We are very grateful to Ben, and it is equally heart-warming that a huge range of people have wanted to voice their support for Pentameters, and recognise the important role it, has, does and will play in their lives.”
The theatre gained ACV status in 2016 and in 2020 Scott-Matthews was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to theatre.
After notice was served last December, she asked the Heath and Hampstead Society for help. Its chair Marc Hutchinson said: “The society is very sorry to see the closure of this Hampstead institution.
“The society did what it could, legally, financially and organisationally, to save the theatre (which enjoyed a protected tenancy) but, without the timely assistance of other interested parties, was unable to do so.”
A spokesperson for The Horseshoe said: “We’ve always valued the important role creative spaces play in our communities, which is why this has been a careful and considered process.
“Unfortunately, the current theatre space has fallen into serious disrepair. Despite multiple attempts to engage, the tenant has not taken steps to address the condition of the premises and has not paid rent for several years.
“In recent years, the venue has also seen a significant decline in performances and no longer serves the local community in the way it once did.
“We are planning to invest in and redevelop the space into a flexible, year-round venue that can host birthdays, small events, amateur dramatics, social clubs, and other local gatherings ensuring it remains a vibrant part of Hampstead life.
“We continue to support theatre and arts in the community, and we are proud to have a successful theatre tenant at The Gatehouse in Highgate, a venue that remains both thriving and well-run.
“It is with great regret that we have been forced to take this action. However, we believe that in doing so, we will preserve and enhance this community space, enabling it to benefit more people, more of the time.”
The pub dates back to 1890 and was originally called The Three Horseshoes.
It had a spell as a Wetherspoons before being bought in 2011 by Jasper Cuppaidge who founded Camden Town Brewery from a microbrewery in the cellar.
After two decades it changed hands to Urban Pubs and Bars, which has a stable of 50 pubs.
