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Islington: The King’s Head Theatre in pictures through the years

Lynn Rusk
·2-min read
The August 13 closure comes ahead of the previously announced move into a purpose-built theatre in Islington Square.
The August 13 closure comes ahead of the previously announced move into a purpose-built theatre in Islington Square.

After 53 years of putting on shows in the back room of an Islington pub, the King’s Head theatre will close its doors this weekend.

The August 13 closure comes ahead of a move into a purpose-built theatre in Islington Square.

The new King’s Head doesn’t yet have an official opening date, but it will feature a 200-seat auditorium and a 50-seat cabaret space, with contractors already on site.

Several giants of the London stage nurtured their careers on the stage of the King’s Head, including the likes of Jennifer Saunders, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant and Victoria Wood
Several giants of the London stage nurtured their careers on the stage of the King’s Head, including the likes of Jennifer Saunders, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant and Victoria Wood

The final performance in the pub theatre on Sunday will be a celebration gala with performers including Mark Gatiss, Ian Hallard, Dame Janet Suzman, Linda Marlowe and Le Gateau Chocolat, each reviving roles they played at the King’s Head Theatre’s original home.

Founded by Dan Crawford in 1970, the Upper Street venue is one of London’s oldest pub theatres and became a breeding ground for talent with the likes of Maureen Lipman, Hugh Grant, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Alan Rickman and Richard E Grant performing, and writers such as Steven Berkoff, Tom Stoppard and Victoria Wood premiering their work.

In 2010, the Olivier Award-winning company Opera UpClose Productions became the theatre’s resident company for four years and with Adam Spreadbury-Maher as artistic director, turned King’s Head into “London’s Little Opera House”, winning an Olivier Award for La Boheme in the Best New Opera category.

The King’s Head Theatre is renowned for showcasing LGBTQI+ work and its diverse programme of plays and musicals, opera, cabaret, comedy and drag is expected to continue in its new venue.

Tom Stoppard’s Artist Descending a Staircase premiered at the King’s Head Theatre in 1988 before transferring to Broadway.
Tom Stoppard’s Artist Descending a Staircase premiered at the King’s Head Theatre in 1988 before transferring to Broadway.

To mark the closure of the original King’s Head Theatre space, we’ve taken a look back at moments at the iconic venue throughout the years.

Dating all the way back to 1970, the King’s Head Theatre is the the oldest pub theatre in London
Dating all the way back to 1970, the King’s Head Theatre is the the oldest pub theatre in London
Dan Crawford founded the King’s Head Theatre in 1970 and ran it until his death in 2005. His wife Stephanie took over his role after his death.
Dan Crawford founded the King’s Head Theatre in 1970 and ran it until his death in 2005. His wife Stephanie took over his role after his death.
After 53 years, it’s been announced that the curtain will fall on this era of the iconic theatre’s history.
After 53 years, it’s been announced that the curtain will fall on this era of the iconic theatre’s history.
The King’s Head Theatre launched the careers of many successful actors including Maureen Lipman, Hugh Grant and Richard E Grant
The King’s Head Theatre launched the careers of many successful actors including Maureen Lipman, Hugh Grant and Richard E Grant
The King’s Head Theatre is renowned for showcasing LBBTQI+ work and its diverse programme of plays and musicals, opera, cabaret, comedy and drag is expected to continue in its new venue.
The King’s Head Theatre is renowned for showcasing LBBTQI+ work and its diverse programme of plays and musicals, opera, cabaret, comedy and drag is expected to continue in its new venue.