This December marks the revival of one of London’s most storied creative landmarks. The Pentameters Theatre, widely recognised as one of the city’s very first modern pub theatres, will reopen as The Circle & Star Theatre, located above The Horseshoe in Hampstead.
The 60-seat venue has been part of London’s cultural landscape for over half a century. Founded in 1968 and opened in its current space in 1972, it was one of the first modern pub theatres and became a home for new writing, poetry, comedy and experimental performance. Now, after years of quiet, it returns with a new identity and an opening season curated by actor, writer and musician Steve Furst, also known to audiences as his long-running cabaret alter ego Lenny Beige.
Some of Britain’s most recognisable performers, including Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Mel Giedroyc, Jay Rayner, Guy Chambers, Marcus Brigstocke, Liane Carroll, Jess Robinson, Clinton Baptiste and Simon Day, will take to the stage as part of the theatre’s opening programme.
The theatre will officially reopen on Monday 8 December with a press and members launch night hosted by Lenny Beige, followed by a packed programme featuring comedy, conversation and live music. Several shows will be livestreamed, and proceeds from the season will help fund a dedicated General Manager role from February 2026.
Steve Furst said: “The Circle & Star Theatre is about bringing people together in a space that’s full of history, warmth and creativity. Hampstead has always been a home for artists and performers, and this is our way of celebrating that spirit for a new generation.”
Alongside the individual show programming, the theatre will also feature monthly residencies hosted by Debs Tammer, David Arnold and Guy Chambers.
Just 30 seconds from Hampstead Underground station, the theatre pairs the charm of a traditional pub with modern facilities for live performance, streaming and recording. Audiences can enjoy The Horseshoe’s acclaimed food and drink before and after performances, keeping the social spirit of the old Pentameters alive.
Opening Programme Listings
Monday 8th December:
Press and members launch night with Lenny Beige. An intimate cabaret night with guests.
Tuesday 9th December:
MATT LUCAS in Chatshow Roulette with Justin Edwards,
An improvised Chatshow format with some Stella guests led by Matt Lucas.
Wednesday 10th December:
An Audience with Guy Chambers, one of the UK’s most successful songwriters of all time joined Steve Furst in conversation about his illustrious career and his plans for a regularly curated monthly rising stars night.
Thursday 11th December:
Clinton Baptiste’s Paranormal Christmas Seance
Clinton made his name in Peter kay’s Phoenix Nights but has since gone on to sell out theatres up and down the country for years.
Friday 12th December:
An audience with David Arnold, composer of James Bond, Good Omens and many many others. He will be chatting to Steve Furst and playing many of his compositions.
Monday 15th December:
Liane Carroll’s Christmas Cracker. A night of chat and songs with one of the country’s finest jazz artistes.
Tuesday 16th December:
Marcus Brigstocke. Marcus is without doubt one of the UK’s finest stand up comedians; always current, insightful and a damn fine impressionist to boot.
Thursday 18th December:
Sexy Stories. the first of a semi-regular night featuring a group of brilliant comedy actors including Matt Berry, Lewis Macleod (Deadringers) Doon Mackichan (Smack the Pony) Steve Furst, Adam Longworth - reading stories from vintage adult publications.
Saturday 20th December:
12 Days of JESSMAS. The Queen of female singing impressionists Jess Robinson presents her festive show.
Saturday 17th January:
David Walliams in person - a matinee for kids, and an evening show where anything could happen. The show names TBC
Wednesday 21st January:
An Evening With Mel Giedroyc - Steve Furst interviews half of legendary double act Mel & Sue, former Bake Off hosts, in what will be a hilarious and frank show.
Thursday 22nd January:
An Evening with Jay Rayner. Jay is one of this country’s most beloved restaurant critics and a damn fine jazz musician too. Hear him in conversation with Steve Furst and hear him play too.
Saturday 7th February:
Simon Day in Character. An evening of the Fast Show’s Simon Day presenting some of his best loved characters in conversation with Steve Furst
REGULAR MONTHLY NIGHTS (TBC)
C&MP - with Debs Tammer
A monthly night of comedy and variety hosted by Debs with some superb established circuit names and featuring rising stars.
The last Thursday of the month
DAVID ARNOLD Presents - Songwriters
This monthly night is curated by legendary composer David Arnold. It will feature songwriters showcasing their craft.IN a world where there are fewer and fewer venues to showcase talent.
The last Monday of the month
GUY CHAMBERS Presents - Acoustic Showcase
Guy is without doubt one of this country’s best known and most successful songwriters. He still works with many of tomorrow’s stars and will be showcasing some of the most exciting up and coming talents.
The last Wednesday of the month
Website: https://circleandstar.com/
