King's Head Theatre
What date did the King's Head Theatre open?
18 December 1970
What was the first production at the King's Head Theatre?
The Empire Builders by Boris Vian
1970 – Dan Crawford founds the first pub theatre in London since Shakespeare’s day and the King’s Head Theatre is born. Dan Crawford serves as Artistic Director for 35 years.
1983 – A revival of Mr Cinders, opens at the King’s Head Theatre before transferring to the West End. It goes on to run for 527 performances.
1983 – Noel and Gurtie, starring Joanna Lumley, premieres at the King’s Head Theatre.
1985 – Hugh Grant makes his acting debut at the King’s Head Theatre.
1986 – Maureen Lipman stars in Olivier Award nominated Wonderful Town at the King’s Head Theatre.
1988 – The premier of Tom Stoppard’s Artist Descending a Staircase opens at the King’s Head Theatre before transferring to Broadway.
1991 – Steven Berkoff directs and stars in the UK premiere of Kvetch at the King’s Head Theatre.
2002 – Dan and Stephanie Crawford receive Her Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for Contribution to the Arts and The Trainee Resident Directors Scheme wins the Royal Anniversary Trust Award. The scheme is still running today.
2006 – The documentary, The King’s Head Theatre: A Maverick in London, is made. It airs on SkyARTS World for 3 years.
2010 – Opera Up Close, founded by Adam Spreadbury-Maher and and Robin Norton-Hale become resident company for 4 years. Adam Spreadbury-Maher becomes Artistic Director of the King’s Head Theatre.
2011 – La bohème wins the Olivier Award for Best New Opera Performance.
2012 – Vieux Carre by Tennessee Williams receives its UK premiere before transferring to the West End.
2015 – King’s Head Theatre forms a new charity to secure the future of the theatre.
2015 – Shock Treatment, the sequel to The Rocky Horror Show Picture Show has its world premiere at the King’s Head Theatre.
2015 – Trainspotting is first performed at the King’s Head Theatre – in August 2017 it hits its 900th performance.
2016 – 43,857 audience members see a show at our London home – our highest footfall ever.
2017 – King’s Head Theatre announces the transfer of La bohème & Strangers in Between to Trafalgar Studios 2 in London’s West End. La bohème goes on to be nominated for Best New Opera Production at the Olivier Awards.
2019 – King’s Head Theatre’s production of Kevin Elyot’s Coming Clean transfers to Trafalgar Studios 2 in London’s West End
2021 – Mark Ravenhill and Hannah Price appointed joint artistic directors
2022 – The King’s Head Theatre plans to move into its brand new building, behind the existing venue in Islington Square
2023 -13 August 13 – The King’s Head closed its doors for the last time at 115 Upper Street with a gala to celebrate its 53 years.
2024 – 8 January – The King’s Head Theatre officially opens at its new venue at Islington Square 116 Upper Street
Past shows that have played at the King's Head Theatre include:
You & It
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
His Majesty's Theatre
Garrick Theatre
Lyceum Theatre
Sondheim Theatre
Criterion Theatre
