But until now, he’s never run a venue.
All that changed when his former agent tipped him off about a notice pinned to the door of Pentameters in Hampstead.
The long-standing fringe theatre had occupied rooms above the Horseshoe pub in Heath Street for 51 years, but landlords Urban Pubs and Bars had served notice citing unpaid rent, disrepair and lack of use.
As luck would have it, Furst knew Urban Pubs co-founder Nick Pring and approached him with a business plan to draw on his industry contacts and set up a new venue for big name acts and up-and-coming performers.
Pentameters founder Leonie Scott Matthews finally packed up last month and now the venue is undergoing a transformation with new backstage facilities, toilets, and top quality sound and lights.
Furst is no stranger to the area; his mum worked in legendary boutique Hampstead Bazaar, and he practically grew up in Hampstead.
“I have run many cabaret nights and promoted comedy shows over the years but this is the first time I have run a venue,” he says.
“This felt like the right thing to do. When I told friends I was launching my own place, people said ‘of course, it’s a no-brainer’.”
Furst is a versatile performer with talents ranging from writing songs with Robbie Williams’ collaborator Guy Chambers, to acting in plays and West End musicals and writing one-man shows.
His programme at the 60-seat Circle&Star will feature a monthly residency with Chambers and Bond composer David Arnold, plus an opening slate of big names he’s worked with.
There’s David Walliams performing his children’s stories; an audience with Mel Giedroyc; a comedy gig by Marcus Brigstocke; an improvised chat show hosted by Matt Lucas; an evening with Jay Rayner; and Matt Berry reading stories from vintage adult mags.
“I’ve worked in so many areas, never just in one lane, and this brings together all my expertise,” says Furst.
He’s an engaging personality and has clearly stayed on good terms with his famous collaborators – who are donating their services to help get his venue started.
He’s aware of community unrest over the departure of Pentameters – but says issues over the lease is “not my business”.
“My friend had inquired about doing shows there for the past few years but had no response and it looked like there was nothing happening,” he says.
“I don’t want to trample on the legacy of Pentameters and I am at great pains to acknowledge Leonie’s incredible 50 years in that building. When it was running at full throttle it was a great place for many people I know to get a start and do important shows.
“I am not trading on the past but approaching this as starting from ground zero.”
Furst struck a deal with Urban Pubs & Bars to renovate the room, installing air con, heating, new floors, and basic infrastructure, while he supplied equipment and programming.
“I asked Nick what were his plans for it and he said the idea was to have a function room. I said, ‘at a time when venues are closing we need them to be opening’, and I drew up a detailed business proposal with how much money I would need to raise.
“He said he would meet meet me half way. He realises the importance of community pubs but he’s also a businessman.
“My part of the deal is to bring in sound, lights, curtain, seating to run it as a theatre – I’ve had to raise a significant sum of money, it’s a big commitment.”
He’s at pains to stress he’s “not making a penny from this”.
“Everything will be going back into the business and if I renege on the deal I’ll be out.”
And he’s hoping to continue Leonie’s community work by giving away half price seats to locals.
“We are starting with bigger names and premier shows to put us on the map and fundraise for a general manager to run it day to day, but it’s not just big names,” he added.
“The plan is to be a platform for up an coming talent in theatre comedy, music and writing, with tickets at £10 to £15.”
Furst is particularly interested in giving space to younger Jewish performers and creatives at a time when it’s “difficult to put their head above the parapet”.
Other plans include a camp cabaret, short runs of theatre shows and a showcase for new singers.
He adds: “Hampstead has always been a writer’s enclave with a theatrical community. I’ve had a lot of supportive feedback to continue this space as a creative venue.
“It’s great to offer something on their doorstep where they can see a show, get some fantastic food at the pub, and walk home.”
Circle&Star opens at The Horseshoe in Heath Street on December 9. www.circleandstar.com
