Hampstead Theatre

Hampstead Theatre stands in South Hampstead, within the London Borough of Camden. It occupies a purpose-built building opened in 2003, replacing a former prefabricated structure near Swiss Cottage. The main auditorium seats 373 people, while the studio theatre, Hampstead Downstairs, holds up to 100. The theatre specialises in new writing, supporting writers at the start of their careers. Harold Pinter’s early plays were staged in the original 1959–1960 season. The theatre’s history began in 1959 when James Roose-Evans founded the Hampstead Theatre Club in a church school hall. The first season featured works by Pinter, Eugène Ionesco and Ann Jellicoe. After moving to a temporary site in 1962, it remained there for over forty years. In 2010, the studio theatre became a dedicated laboratory for developing new writing. The list of artistic directors includes Michael Rudman, Anthony Clark and Edward Hall. Visitors find a modern theatre with two performance spaces. The main auditorium presents full productions, while Hampstead Downstairs hosts smaller, experimental works. The building sits close to Swiss Cottage Library and leisure facilities. The theatre’s programme highlights emerging playwrights alongside established names. Its location in Hampstead offers easy access to local cafés and green spaces.