Small spaces. Big ideas.

‘A thing of passion and vitality; a neighbourhood playhouse for the community’
Hampstead Theatre founder James Roose-Evans, 1959

Almost 70 years on, our vision remains the same. We are the home of big ideas, told on our two intimate, state-of-the art stages. New work, new talent and new stories. We commission and programme plays from world-class writers, be it a new writer’s debut play, or a revival of a classic by a titan of our industry. Vital stories, expertly told by outstanding artists. Creating unforgettable live experiences that provoke, enthral and inspire.

We believe variety is vital – variety in the stories we tell, the artists that create our productions, and as wide a variety of audiences as possible. Beyond the professional work presented on our stages, we also have dedicated programmes for early-stage artists and local communities to foster and champion their own creativity, cultivating the next generation of creatives.

All of our work, on and off stage, is delivered without regular public funding. We survive on box office income and philanthropy alone. This includes our £10 Under 30s tickets, an extensive Access scheme, and a mentoring programme for promising young playwrights, to name but a few. Through this work, we aim to engage as great and diverse a community as possible. We exist for our audiences: whether you see a show, participate in a community programme or just come in for coffee, you’re welcome at Hampstead Theatre.

Exceptional theatre exists beyond the West End – big ideas are closer than you think.