During the late 1970s, several commercial concerns expressed an interest in the building for such purposes as a video recording studio, a sports centre and a multi-entertainment complex. None of these came to fruition for one reason or another. However, in 1979, the owner of the theatre wanted to sell the land and so would not renew the lease and without funds to find another base, members were widely resigned to the closure of both the building and the company. Hope was assisted by celebrity friends in fund-raising for the theatre. While negotiations for the purchase of the building continued,
Dickie Henderson (vice-chairman of the Bob Hope British Golf Classic) gave a benefit performance of his one-man show at the theatre to raise funds towards refurbishment. This was a tremendous evening of entertainment, enhanced by the presence in the audience of several star personalities, including
Max Wall. In November 1982, the purchase of the freehold was completed and Eltham Little Theatre was renamed The Bob Hope Theatre. In September 1982, Hope became co-honorary president of Eltham Little Theatre Company along with former
President of the United States Gerald Ford, who was heavily involved with the
Bob Hope Classic Golf Tournament. In August 1991, Hope donated £28,000 from the benefit performance he staged at the London Palladium to raise money directly for the theatre. ==Famous alumni==