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Venue

King's Head Theatre, London

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

The Kings Head Theatre sits on Upper Street in Islington, a short walk from Angel station. It is a compact Main House fringe venue known for new writing, drag, opera and musical theatre, plus its annual Christmas pantos: Dick Whittington: Adults Only (16+) and the separate family show Dick Whittington and His Cat. Book via British Theatre show pages linked from this venue.

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

Current attached shows

3

Google rating

4.4 ★ (1.6k)

Venue info

The Kings Head Theatre sits on Upper Street in Islington, a short walk from Angel station. It is a compact Main House fringe venue known for new writing, drag, opera and musical theatre, plus its annual Christmas pantos: Dick Whittington: Adults Only (16+) and the separate family show Dick Whittington and His Cat. Book via British Theatre show pages linked from this venue.

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), a short walk along Upper Street.

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, London

Previous productions

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

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

5 October 2015

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

14 September 2015

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REVIEW: Noonday Demons, Kings Head Theatre ✭

15 July 2015

View listing

Nearby venues

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Kings Head Theatre?

On Upper Street in Islington, London N1, a short walk from Angel station.

What is on at the Kings Head Theatre?

The Main House programme includes new writing and seasonal pantos. Dick Whittington: Adults Only runs 26 November 2026 to 2 January 2027 (16+). A separate family panto, Dick Whittington and His Cat, runs on different dates.

What is the nearest Tube station?

Angel on the Northern line is the usual tip.

Is Dick Whittington: Adults Only for children?

No. The adults only panto is for ages 16+. Anyone aged 16 or 17 must come with a parent. Book the family panto if you want an all-ages show.

What's on at King's Head Theatre, London?

The current production at King's Head Theatre, London is Dick Whittington: Adults Only. Browse and book tickets directly through British Theatre.

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

The nearest tube station is Angel (Northern line), a short walk along Upper Street..

How can I contact King's Head Theatre, London?

You can call King's Head Theatre, London 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, London?

The King's Head Theatre, London 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, London accessible?

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