Image: Léonie Scott-Matthews with her partner Godfrey Old
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Celebrating Legacy, Community, and the Fight to Survive
By Kayleigh Allenby
By Kayleigh Allenby
Tucked above The Horseshoe pub in the heart of Hampstead sits one of London’s longest-running and most beloved independent theatres—Pentameters Theatre. Since its founding in 1968 by the indefatigable Leonie Scott-Matthews, the theatre has quietly become a cornerstone of London’s grassroots cultural scene, hosting poetry, fringe theatre, experimental music, and emerging voices long before they reached wider acclaim.
But now, after over five decades of unwavering artistic service to the community, the theatre is under threat of eviction—an all-too-common fate for small arts venues in a city increasingly shaped by commercial pressures.
“Pentameters isn’t just a theatre—it’s a sanctuary. It’s where I performed my first poem, saw my first fringe play, and fell in love with the power of intimate performance,” said local poet and educator Sarah Langford, one of many who credit the theatre as their creative springboard.
Pentameters has survived countless challenges in its 55+ year history, including shifts in funding, changes in pub ownership, and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet it has continued to serve the community, with a warmth and resilience that is woven into its very fabric.
Over the decades, the Pentameters stage has welcomed Harold Pinter, Ted Hughes, Kingsley Amis, Margaret Drabble, and countless other literary and theatrical icons. In its early days, it was one of the few places in London where young and untested writers could bring their ideas to life—an ethos that continues today.
Some of Britain’s most beloved comedic performers, including French & Saunders, Ben Elton, Rik Mayall, and Alexei Sayle, once graced its stage during their formative years. Even Russell Brand performed at Pentameters long before the limelight.
“Pentameters isn’t just a theatre—it’s a sanctuary. It’s where I performed my first poem, saw my first fringe play, and fell in love with the power of intimate performance,” said local poet and educator Sarah Langford, one of many who credit the theatre as their creative springboard.
Pentameters has survived countless challenges in its 55+ year history, including shifts in funding, changes in pub ownership, and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet it has continued to serve the community, with a warmth and resilience that is woven into its very fabric.
Over the decades, the Pentameters stage has welcomed Harold Pinter, Ted Hughes, Kingsley Amis, Margaret Drabble, and countless other literary and theatrical icons. In its early days, it was one of the few places in London where young and untested writers could bring their ideas to life—an ethos that continues today.
Some of Britain’s most beloved comedic performers, including French & Saunders, Ben Elton, Rik Mayall, and Alexei Sayle, once graced its stage during their formative years. Even Russell Brand performed at Pentameters long before the limelight.
“You never know who you’re sitting next to or who you’re about to see on stage,” said audience regular Miriam Josephs. “It’s like the spirit of fringe theatre lives and breathes here.”
Pentameters’ contribution has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, Leonie Scott-Matthews was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours list for “services to British theatre and to the community in Hampstead.” She also holds a Camden Good Citizen Award, the London Pub Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Olwen Wymark Award for her encouragement of new writing.
In 2019, the theatre received a grant from the Theatres Trust to upgrade vital infrastructure—a rare feat for a venue that has often operated on the thinnest of margins.
The venue’s original plays have also received critical acclaim. “The Bevin Boys” by Viv Edwards won a London Pub Theatre Standing Ovation Award in 2020 for raising awareness through new writing.
Now in her 80s, Leonie has passed the torch to her daughter Alice Scott-Matthews, who has grown up amidst the poetry, dust, and brilliance of Pentameters. Alice brings fresh energy and a commitment to expanding the theatre’s programme while honouring its roots.
Pentameters’ contribution has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, Leonie Scott-Matthews was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours list for “services to British theatre and to the community in Hampstead.” She also holds a Camden Good Citizen Award, the London Pub Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Olwen Wymark Award for her encouragement of new writing.
In 2019, the theatre received a grant from the Theatres Trust to upgrade vital infrastructure—a rare feat for a venue that has often operated on the thinnest of margins.
The venue’s original plays have also received critical acclaim. “The Bevin Boys” by Viv Edwards won a London Pub Theatre Standing Ovation Award in 2020 for raising awareness through new writing.
Now in her 80s, Leonie has passed the torch to her daughter Alice Scott-Matthews, who has grown up amidst the poetry, dust, and brilliance of Pentameters. Alice brings fresh energy and a commitment to expanding the theatre’s programme while honouring its roots.
Plans for September 2025 include:
– Friday Night Fridge Shows (new works & experimental theatre)
– Saturday Comedy Nights with rising comedians
– Poetry and Spoken Word Salons
– Community afternoons for older residents and youth workshops
– Live acoustic music nights and sound journeys
“I want to make this theatre a living part of Hampstead again,” says Alice. “Not just a memory or a niche venue, but a place where artists, locals, and visitors gather every week to create, share and grow.”
Pentameters is not just a venue—it is an irreplaceable part of London’s artistic heritage. In a city where corporate development continues to squeeze out small, vital cultural spaces, its survival depends on the will of the community—and the support of Camden Council.
“To lose Pentameters would be to lose a living, breathing part of London’s soul,” said arts advocate Julian Marks. “We need places like this more than ever—places that prioritise people, creativity, and conversation.”
There is now a public call to delay the eviction and give the new management time to fundraise for a renewed lease. The theatre is also seeking donations, partnerships, and support from anyone who values independent art and community spirit.
As Pentameters prepares for its next act, one thing is certain: the curtain must not fall here—not now.
Pentameters is not just a venue—it is an irreplaceable part of London’s artistic heritage. In a city where corporate development continues to squeeze out small, vital cultural spaces, its survival depends on the will of the community—and the support of Camden Council.
“To lose Pentameters would be to lose a living, breathing part of London’s soul,” said arts advocate Julian Marks. “We need places like this more than ever—places that prioritise people, creativity, and conversation.”
There is now a public call to delay the eviction and give the new management time to fundraise for a renewed lease. The theatre is also seeking donations, partnerships, and support from anyone who values independent art and community spirit.
As Pentameters prepares for its next act, one thing is certain: the curtain must not fall here—not now.
And…
Pentameters Vigil Rumour
Rumour: Is it true?
A vigil will take place every Sunday evening by musicians and artists performing outside Pentameters until Camden Council, the freeholders, and Urban Inns (the pub leaseholders until 10 December 2026), allow Pentameters to continue in the theatre.
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