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Venue

The King’s Head Theatre, 116P, Upper St, London N1 1QP, United Kingdom, N1 1QP

King's Head Theatre

4.4 · 1.6k Google reviewsBox office closed · opens 12pm

Tucked behind a traditional pub facade on Upper Street in Islington, the King's Head Theatre is one of London's most celebrated fringe venues. A pioneer of pub theatre in the UK, it has launched countless careers and continues to champion bold, imaginative work spanning new writing, reimagined classics, opera, and musical theatre. Intimate, unpretentious, and fiercely independent, the King's Head remains a vital part of London's theatrical landscape.

Book You and It | Kings Head Theatre, London020 7226 4443Open in Google Maps

Photos via Google. Attributions: King's Head, Görkem Erdoğan

Current attached shows

1

Google rating

4.4 ★ (1.6k)

Venue info

Tucked behind a traditional pub facade on Upper Street in Islington, the King's Head Theatre is one of London's most celebrated fringe venues. A pioneer of pub theatre in the UK, it has launched countless careers and continues to champion bold, imaginative work spanning new writing, reimagined classics, opera, and musical theatre. Intimate, unpretentious, and fiercely independent, the King's Head remains a vital part of London's theatrical landscape.

History

The King's Head Theatre was founded in 1970 by Dan Crawford, making it one of the earliest pub theatres to establish itself as a serious artistic force in the United Kingdom. Crawford's vision was to bring professional-quality theatre to an informal, accessible setting, and the venue quickly earned a reputation for nurturing emerging talent alongside established names.

Over the decades the King's Head became closely associated with championing work that mainstream venues were reluctant to produce, including early LGBTQ+ theatre at a time when such programming was rare. Many performers and directors who are now household names in British theatre trace important early steps in their careers to productions staged here on Upper Street.

The theatre has faced financial pressures at various points in its history but has demonstrated remarkable resilience, supported by its loyal audience and the broader Islington community. Its continued operation is a testament to the enduring appetite for intimate, risk-taking theatre in London.

Box office hours

Box office closed · opens 12pm

  • Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

These are the box office (ticket desk) hours supplied by Google. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — always check your ticket for the performance start time. You can book online any time through British Theatre.

Transport

Tube

Angel (Northern line)

Train

Essex Road (Overground)

Accessibility

Available at this venue:

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Not available at this venue:

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Accessibility information supplied by Google Maps. Please contact the venue directly to confirm details for your visit.

Shows currently at this venue

Full what's-on listing for King's Head Theatre

What visitors say

5.0· 4 months ago
The bar staff were so welcoming and were engaging in conversation which is rare to see these days. I came with my Mrs and she was very moved to see the bar maid talking to an older gentleman and it looked as if she made his day which my wife loved. These are the type of people you need behind the bar to work. It very much moved us and we’ll be back again for sure.
— William Smith
4.0· a month ago
Lovely experience however going down to -4; was not so lovely.as well as the cramped seating arrangements. The staff was slightly grumpy tbh but overall a good experience mainly die to the excellent performance and performers. I had no idea the lead singer is actually a aTony award winning performer. A mesmerising voice. Definitely. Confirmed by the ladies in the lift who have been 3-6 times just to hear the voice! Such heartwarming news- we need more of this! The pub is a totally different and pleasant place to hang out anytime be or after the theatre downstairs
— MP London
5.0· 4 months ago
I’ve never really written a review before, but I felt this place deserved one. I was first served by a male staff member who was extremely friendly and chatty in the best way. I ordered a couple of pints and a toastie, and he got straight to it. The female staff member brought the food out, and even though she was clearly limping and looked under the weather, she was still brilliant. She was communicating constantly with her co-worker, and the teamwork really showed. The food was great too. A little later, a man and his dog — clearly regulars — came in, and she lit up instantly. Honestly, so did I. It was such a lovely moment and added to the cosy, genuine feel of the whole place. This happened this past Sunday on the 30th
— Harrington Davis
5.0· 4 months ago
Fantastic Christmas Party! We were lucky enough to have our Christmas party at the Kings Head Theatre pub (around 30 guests), the staff were very welcoming and accomodating providing us with delightful food and toasties and catering to many dietary requirements. The atmosphere was lovely and christmassy - a perfect start to the holidays - thank you!
— Rosy Turner

Reviews sourced from Google Maps.

Live venue listings

REVIEW: Holy Crap, Kings Head Theatre ✭✭

14 June 2017

View listing

REVIEW: Living Between Lies, Kings Head Theatre ✭✭✭

19 November 2015

View listing

REVIEW: Nobody's Business, Kings Head Theatre ✭✭✭

5 October 2015

View listing

REVIEW: The Man Who Had All The Luck, Kings Head Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

14 September 2015

View listing

REVIEW: Noonday Demons, Kings Head Theatre ✭

15 July 2015

View listing

Nearby venues

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King's Head Theatre

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the King's Head Theatre located?

<p>The King's Head Theatre is located at 116 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 1QP. It sits within a traditional pub building and is easily recognisable on one of Islington's busiest streets.</p>

Which tube station is closest to the King's Head Theatre?

<p>The nearest London Underground station is <strong>Angel</strong>, served by the Northern line. From Angel it is a short and pleasant walk along Upper Street to the theatre. Essex Road Overground station is also within easy walking distance.</p>

What kind of shows does the King's Head Theatre stage?

<p>The King's Head Theatre programmes a wide variety of work including <strong>new writing</strong>, reimagined classical plays, opera, and musical theatre. The venue has a longstanding commitment to <strong>LGBTQ+ theatre</strong> and to giving opportunities to emerging artists and companies.</p>

How do I book tickets for the King's Head Theatre?

<p>Tickets for King's Head Theatre productions can be booked through <a href='https://tickadoo.com'>tickadoo</a>, built by the founders of London Theatre Direct. The platform offers a simple, secure booking experience for fringe and West End shows alike.</p>

Is the King's Head Theatre suitable for first-time fringe theatre visitors?

<p>Absolutely. The King's Head Theatre is welcoming and informal, with a relaxed bar atmosphere that makes it a great introduction to London's fringe scene. The intimate auditorium means every seat offers an immersive, up-close experience of the performance.</p>

Does the King's Head Theatre have a bar?

<p>Yes. The King's Head Theatre retains its traditional pub bar, which is open to theatregoers before and after performances. It is a popular spot for a drink and adds to the distinctive character that has made this venue a favourite for Islington locals and visitors alike.</p>

What's on at King's Head Theatre?

The current production at King's Head Theatre is You and It | Kings Head Theatre, London. Browse and book tickets directly through British Theatre.

What's the nearest tube station to King's Head Theatre?

The nearest tube station is Angel (Northern line).

Where is King's Head Theatre?

King's Head Theatre is located at The King’s Head Theatre, 116P, Upper St, London N1 1QP, United Kingdom, N1 1QP.

How can I contact King's Head Theatre?

You can call King's Head Theatre on 020 7226 4443. For tickets and bookings, please use British Theatre to secure the best seats.

What are the box office hours at King's Head Theatre?

The King's Head Theatre box office (ticket desk) operates: Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM; Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM. Right now the box office is closed · opens 12pm. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — and you can book online any time through British Theatre.

Is King's Head Theatre accessible?

King's Head Theatre offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible toilets. Please contact the venue directly if you have specific access requirements.

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