King's Head Theatre

King’s Head Theatre is a celebrated Off-West End venue in Islington, known for its intimate setting, bold programming, and rich legacy of nurturing emerging talent. The theatre champions the LGBTQ+ community onstage and off, presenting a diverse mix of plays, musicals, cabaret, drag, comedy, and opera. Its artistic policy is joyful, irreverent, colourful, and queer, ensuring every production is engaging, daring, and distinctive.

Founded in 1970, it was the first pub theatre established in London since Shakespeare’s day, and since opening its new home - at 116P Upper Street, Islington Square in January 2024 - it has continued to be a hub for emerging and established creatives, hosting multiple productions each day across its two performance spaces: a 200-seat Main House and the 50-seat Below cabaret space. The venue’s intimate design fosters a strong connection between audience and performance, making each visit a memorable night out.

The History of King's Head Theatre

King’s Head Theatre was established in 1970 by Dan Crawford, who led the venue for 35 years. Under his guidance, the theatre became a breeding ground for new talent, with renowned actors including Maureen Lipman, Hugh Grant, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Alan Rickman, and Richard E. Grant performing on its stage. Many productions transferred to the West End and Broadway, and writers such as Steven Berkoff, Tom Stoppard, Bryony Lavery, and Victoria Wood premiered work here.

From 2010, Olivier Award-winning company Opera UpClose became the resident company, transforming the theatre into “London’s Little Opera House” and winning an Olivier Award for La bohème. During the pandemic, Mark Ravenhill took tenureship as Artistic Director, solidifying the theatre’s focus on LGBTQ+ work. The venue also ran a Guest Artistic Director programme, featuring artists such as David Cumming, Isabel Adomakoh-Young, Tom Ratcliffe, and Tania Azevedo.

After 53 years at the King’s Head Pub, the theatre closed its doors on 13th August 2023 and reopened in its new building in January 2024 with Exhibitionists by Olivier-Award-winning writer Sean McKenna. In its first year, the theatre hosted 110 shows, nearly 50,000 visitors, and productions featuring artists including Heartstopper’s Cormac Hyde-Corrin, Ella Vaday, Jonathan Maitland, Luke Bayer, Neil Ashton, and Rob Madge.

Where is King's Head Theatre?

King’s Head Theatre is located at 116P Upper Street, Islington Square, London, N1 1QP

From Upper Street, facing the King’s Head Pub, turn right and take the next left under the arches into Islington Square. The theatre is on the left-hand side, opposite the Bewliehill Café. The theatre’s bar is open 45 minutes before performances, offering pre-show drinks—please do not bring drinks from the pub.

King's Head Theatre Nearest Tube

The King's Head Theatre nearest tube stations are:

• Angel Station (Northern Line) – a 5-minute walk via Upper Street
• Highbury & Islington Station (Victoria Line, Overground) – a 10-minute walk along Upper Street Both stations provide quick and easy connections to central London.

King's Head Theatre Nearest Train Station

The nearest mainline station is Highbury & Islington, which is served by National Rail and London Overground services. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk south on Upper Street to reach King’s Head Theatre London.

Buses to King's Head Theatre

Several London bus routes serve Upper Street, with stops just a few steps from the theatre:

• Day routes: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 56, 73, 341, 476
• Night buses: N19, N38, N41, N73 Alight at the St Mary’s Church stop or Islington Green, then walk 1–2 minutes to the King's Head Theatre.

King’s Head Theatre Accessibility

King’s Head Theatre is committed to making every visit welcoming, comfortable, and inclusive for both audiences and artists. The venue is continually working to improve accessibility and ensure everyone can enjoy their experience with ease.

Full details of the theatre’s access scheme, including mobility access, disabled and access tickets, baby changing facilities, gender-neutral toilets, and adapted and accessible performances, can be found on the theatre’s website. Members of the theatre team are always happy to answer questions or offer support, ensuring all visitors feel confident and cared for during their visit.

King's Head Theatre Safety Policy

Visitors may be subject to bag checks upon entry. The venue encourages early arrival to allow for these safety measures and to help ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all guests.

King's Head Theatre Dress Code

There is no formal dress code at King’s Head Theatre—audiences are welcome in smart-casual or relaxed attire. Whether you’re popping in after work or heading out for a special evening, dress comfortably. On opening nights or press performances, some patrons choose to dress up a little more, but it’s entirely optional. Read our What to Wear Guide to find out more.

King's Head Theatre Notable Productions

Over the years, King’s Head Theatre London has staged a wide range of acclaimed productions, including Trainspotting Live, La bohème, F**king Men, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens.

King's Head Theatre Seating Plan

The Main House seats 200 in a raked, single-level auditorium for unobstructed views. The 4Below cabaret space seats 50. The theatre often reconfigures spaces to suit different productions, creating an immersive and intimate experience for every audience member.