about us
The multi award winning Hope Theatre is a place for audiences and companies to explore BIG ideas. We nurture and develop new producing models, working with exciting companies to present a mix of new writing, lost gems from well-known writers, re-polished classics and innovatively staged musicals. We are the little theatre with big ideas!
Although The Hope Theatre receives no public subsidy, it was the first Off West End venue to open with a house agreement with Equity, the UK’s largest performers union, to ensure a legal wage for all actors, stage managers and box office staff working at the theatre.
the team
Artistic Director: Kennedy Bloomer
Associate Director: Toby Hampton
Technical Manager: Dan Johnson
Board of Trustees: Jane Mayfield (Chair), Maggie Daniels & Carsten Hayes
Patron: Paul Clayton
Hope Diamonds: Simon Malpas, Des Seal, Linda Shoare, Tony Shoults, Ria Milton, Bob Lambert, Anonymous Donors x 2
Click here for more info on how to become a supporter of The Hope Theatre and details of all the benefits
In-House Productions
The first in-house production under former Artistic Director Matthew Parker was the award nominated, 5 star European Premiere of Snoo Wilson’s LOVESONG OF THE ELECTRIC BEAR in early 2015. This production transferred to The Arts, West End in Nov 15 and was a finalist in 3 categories at the Off West End Awards (OFFIES) and winning 2.
2016 saw our first in-house season of 3 shows hitting The Hope space.
SEA LIFE, a dark and magical comedy by Lucy Catherine in the spring, STEEL MAGNOLIAS in the summer & HER ACHING HEART, a lesbian bonkbusting, bodice-ripping musical by Bryony Lavery. Both SEA LIFE & HER ACHING HEART were nominated for multiple OFFIE Awards and garnered a record-breaking amount of 5 star reviews. STEEL MAGNOLIAS won Best OffWestEnd Production at the Break A Leg Critic’s Choice Awards as well as garnering ten 5 star reviews. HER ACHING HEART was named Best Off West End Play by Spy In The Stalls and racked up an amazing eleven 5 star reviews.
Former AD Matthew Parker was named Best Artistic Director at the Off West End Awards 2017 for his work at The Hope in 2016.
In May 2017 we staged the 40th anniversary revival of Dennis Potters controversial masterpiece BRIMSTONE & TREACLE. The production once more garnered a staggering amount of 5 star reviews and 2 OFFIE Award nominations. In 2018 we staged the world premiere of Robin Hooper’s FOUL PAGES and a rare revival of Ionesco’s absurdist classic THE LESSON which was nominated for a further 4 OFFIE Awards including a fifth Best Director nomination for our then Artistic Director Matthew Parker.
In 2019 we staged 3 revivals: Joe Orton’s THE RUFFIAN ON THE STAIR, directed by our Patron Paul Clayton, true-crime musical THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD & LOEB STORY, directed by Matthew Parker and which notched up an amazing seven 5 star reviews and 3 OFFIE Award nominations. We followed this with a rare revival of Wendy MacLeod’s dark comic drama THE HOUSE OF YES which gained a further six 5 star reviews and 2 more OFFIE Award nominations including the sixth nomination as Best Director for our AD Matthew Parker. Matthew was also nominated for a London Pub Theatre Standing Ovation Award for his direction of the show.
Team Biogs
Kennedy Bloomer – Artistic Director
Originally from Dudley in the West Midlands, Kennedy attended Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts under Peter James before becoming Theatre Assistant at The Hope Theatre in 2017. She was also Head of Marketing at Jermyn Street Theatre while working as a freehand Theatre Director. Her credits include: JEW…ish (Edinburgh Festival Fringe/Kings Head Theatre); When It Happens (Tristan Bates Theatre); Oh No It Isn’t! (The Hope Theatre/UK Tour) and Broken (Old Red Lion).
Dan Johnson – Technical Manager (From June 2019)
Dan is a freelance technician and creative, also working as an actor, fight director and teacher. Born and raised in the North, from an early age Dan’s always had a passion for the arts and began training as an actor, later followed by becoming qualified in stage combat. With a thirst for the knowledge in the way things work and how to use them; he quickly found an interest behind the scenes in the technical world – leading to becoming a technician for countless theatre shows/corporate events. Whether it be playing Vanya in Moscow, sword fighting across Ireland, teaching at Drama Centre or technically managing one of London’s leading off west end theatres; Dan is constantly pushing forward and working on the next challenge – always appreciating how lucky he is to get to work and play in the industry he loves. www.dj-jw.com
Toby Hampton – Associate Director
Toby is an award-nominated director & producer from London. He joined The Hope Theatre team as the Theatre Assistant in January 2018. Now, as Associate Director, one of Toby’s roles is curating the Sunday/Monday programme. More information about the Sunday/Monday programme can be found on the bring your work page. His credits include: Th’Importance of Bein’ Earnest (Co-Director, The Drayton Arms Theatre); The House Of Yes (Producer, The Hope Theatre); Jew…ISH (Co-Director, Edinburgh Fringe Festival/The King’s Head Theatre); and Oh No It Isn’t (Co-Director, The Hope Theatre/UK Tour).
The Hope Theatre is managed by Solar Plexus Productions Limited. Registered in England and Wales. Company No: 09175959
Solar Plexus Productions Limited is a Registered Charity. Charity No: 1162904
Registered Address: Flat 3, 120 Prince of Wales Road, London NW5 3NE