The Gatehouse is said to be the oldest pub in Highgate, with the building itself dating back to 1337, and it is atop this pub that the theatre is located. Oddly enough, the boundary between Middlesex and London once ran through the building, a border which later divided the boroughs of Haringey and Camden. Back in the 17th century there was a courtroom on the premises, with a physical rope serving as barrier to prevent prisoners escaping to the area belonging to the neighbouring council. It also served as a meeting place that both Lord Byron and Charles Dickens are said to have used over the years. In 1895 the auditorium was opened, designed to host musical performances and balls; it wouldn’t become a theatre for almost another 100 years. It is a small venue it approximatly seats up to 100 seats on three different levels. Up and coming playwrights and directors are generally favoured, and productions range from Greek tragedies to Jane Eyre; it is also one of the hosting theatres of the annual Camden Fringe Festival.