The venue, previously a showcase for old-style music hall, has been leased by the owners of Hampstead’s New End theatre who hope to put it back on the West End map with medium-scale shows. It’s 21 years since Snoopy! was last seen in Theatreland, when the Olivier Award-winning musical (which originated in the U.S.) opened in 1983. It brings the Charles Schultz comic-strip to life with a big-band score by Larry Grossman and Hal Hackady. This production also marks the return to the show of its original co writer, producer and director Arthur Whitelaw; Grossman; and the original designer David Graden.

Robin Armstrong plays the title role. Also in the cast are Sarah Lark, Stuart Piper, Clare Louise Connelly, Alex Woodhall, Steven Kynman and Kellie Ryan. Morning Vicar Productions, run by actors Piper and Stephen Carlile, are mounting the show, with the support of corporate sponsors Paramount Home Entertainment, who released the feature-length DVD “Snoopy, Come Home” on July 12, to coincide with the stage production.