Hampstead Theatre

Hampstead Theatre is a prominent cultural institution located at Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London. Established in 1959, the theatre has a rich history of over 60 years, during which it has become one of London's most vibrant venues for the performing arts. The Hampstead Theatre has a storied past of originating plays that have filled theatres across the United Kingdom and internationally. The theatre's inception can be traced back to Moreland Hall, Holly Bush Vale, where it was initially known as The Hampstead Theatre Club. Founded by British theatre director James Roose-Evans, the theatre quickly became a hub for new and experimental works. Harold Pinter, a Nobel Prize-winning playwright, was a fixture in the theatre's early years, using the space to test many of his plays before a dedicated Hampstead audience. The theatre's first season featured works such as Pinter's "The Dumb Waiter" and "The Room," "Jacques" by Eugene Ionesco, and "The Sport of My Mad Mother" by Ann Jellicoe. In 1962, the company moved to a studio in Swiss Cottage, where it remained for nearly four decades. During this time, Hampstead Theatre supported, developed, and produced the works of new and emerging writers, including notable figures such as Mike Leigh, Michael Frayn, Brian Friel, Terry Johnson, Hanif Kureishi, and many others. The turn of the millennium marked a significant milestone for Hampstead Theatre. In 2003, thanks to the immense generosity of the local community and the theatre's supporters, a new, purpose-built 325-seat venue was completed, near the site of the old studio theatre. This modern space allowed Hampstead Theatre to continue its tradition of fostering new talent while nurturing mid-career and established writers. The list of playwrights associated with the theatre reads like a who's who of the literary world, with Howard Brenton, Nicholas Wright, Athol Fugard, David Hare, and others developing internationally acclaimed work there. Hampstead Theatre's Main Stage is known for its epic dimensions and unique flexibility, which allows for a diverse range of productions. The stage has hosted everything from grand-scale opera to intimate productions, with the theatre priding itself on the unexpected experiences it offers to audiences. In addition to the Main Stage, Hampstead Theatre features Hampstead Downstairs, a fully equipped studio theatre with unreserved seating for approximately 80 people. This intimate venue is dedicated to new writing and offers audiences and industry professionals a chance to engage with world-class artists presenting work without formal press evaluation. The theatre's commitment to nurturing new talent and innovation is evident through its various programs, including The Inspire Programme, Open Script Submissions, and the Phoebe Frances Brown Award. Hampstead Theatre also participates in initiatives such as the London Theatre Consortium and has a focus on sustainability through its HT Green program. Hampstead Theatre is a registered charity (no: 218506) and continues to build on its exceptional foundations with a mission to become one of the world's leading theatres in the future. The theatre invites patrons to keep in touch by subscribing to emails for the latest show and casting announcements, emphasizing that subscriber privacy is respected and emails are never shared. For those looking to visit, Hampstead Theatre is accessible by various modes of transportation, including tube, train, bus, car, bike, or on foot, and is located at Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London, NW3 3EU. The Box Office can be contacted at 020 7722 9301.