Hampstead Theatre London
Hampstead Theatre Tickets
About the Hampstead Theatre
The Hampstead Theatre has nurtured the careers of many of the UK's top playwrights over the years. The venue, then known as ‘The Hampstead Theatre Club’, began in Moreland Hall, Holly Bush Vale, founded by director James Roose-Evans in 1959. Harold Pinter was a permanent fixture at the venue, and tried and tested many of his newer works before the theatre’s audiences. The venue later relocated to Swiss Cottage in 1962, to a small studio theatre, where it nurtured and staged work by writers including Mike Leigh, Michael Frayn, Roy Williams, Shelagh Stephenson and Dennis Kelly.
In 2003, following a fundraising campaign within the local community, the Hampstead moved to a new purpose-built venue, designed by architecture firm Bennetts Associates, close to the site of the previous studio venue. The theatre's new site was the first freestanding theatre built in London since the National Theatre in 1975. The Hampstead continues to develop the work of emerging writers alongside the work of more established artists to this day, and many notable actors have trodden the theatre’s boards, including John Hurt, Maxine Peak, Tamsin Greig, Faye Dunaway and John Malkovich. The venue is owned and operated by charitable trust Hampstead Theatre Ltd.
Map and Address
Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London, NW3 3EU
Tube: The closest tube stations are Swiss Cottage Tube, which is served by the Jubilee Line, approximately a one-minute walk from the theatre, and South Hampstead Overground, approx 8 minutes away. Finchley Road, Belsize Park, andSt John’s Wood stations are all within a 10-16 minute walk to the theatre.
Bus: The venue is well served by buses, with buses C11, 13, 31, 46, 113, 187, and 268 all stopping near the venue.
Car: Those travelling by car should note that the theatre is in a residential area with on-street pay-and-display parking, so parking is limited; it is recommended customer's use the nearby Regency Car Park, a 4-minute walk from the venue.
Nearby Attractions
The venue’s Swiss Cottage location means there’s plenty to do nearby pre or post theatre. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars in the local area, as well as an Odeon Cinema. There’s also the Swiss Cottage Library, a Grade II listed building with stunning architecture, or to enjoy some green space and stunning views of the London skyline, Primrose Hill is just a ten to fifteen minute walk from the theatre. Foodies can take a visit to the Swiss Cottage Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoons, to purchase fresh bread, local cheese and hot food from local sellers.