Founded in 1970 by Dan Crawford, the King's Head Theatre is one of London's oldest and most celebrated pub theatres. Renowned for its intimate atmosphere, it has a rich history of premiering new writing, musicals, and opera, often launching the careers of significant talents. While originally in the back room of the King's Head pub, it recently moved to a new purpose-built space within the same Islington complex, maintaining its unique fringe spirit with improved facilities.
Share this theatre
Seating
- Main House AuditoriumA flexible 200-seat space: expect a different perspective with every show.
- Studio TheatreGet close to the action in this flexible 50-seat studio.
Main House Auditorium
This 200-seat main auditorium is a truly flexible space, designed to transform with each production. You might find yourself in an end-on, thrust, or in-the-round configuration, meaning your perspective and proximity to the stage will shift.
Seating is typically raked, ensuring clear sightlines over the rows in front. Legroom is generally comfortable for a modern theatre of this scale.
While there are no fixed restricted views, depending on the stage and set design, extreme side seats or very front row positions might offer an altered perspective or require you to look up.
Studio Theatre
Step into the intimate 50-seat Studio Theatre for a truly immersive experience. Designed for smaller, experimental productions, seating is highly flexible, often arranged on risers or a single level, bringing you incredibly close to the performance.
Views are generally unobstructed, thanks to the small capacity and direct proximity to the stage. Legroom is standard for a studio venue.
While restricted views are uncommon, specific set designs or audience configurations might occasionally lead to minor obstructions if you're in a seat at the very edges of the arrangement.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the King's Head Theatre, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
Facilities
Toilets
Gender-neutral toilets available. Two accessible toilets: Level -1 (through Courtyard in 'Above Bar') and Level -4 (beside 'Below Bar/Cabaret House'). Baby changing facilities in Level -1 toilets.
Cloakroom
No cloakroom available.
Box office
Opens 45 minutes before each show.
Location
Islington Square, 116P Upper Street, London N1 1QP
Getting there
nearest first
- 5–10 min
Highbury & Islington
VictoriaOvergroundNational Rail - 10–15 min
Angel
Northern
Numerous bus routes serve Upper Street, with stops very close to Islington Square.
Step-by-step walking directions
The King's Head Theatre is located in Islington Square. The nearest Tube station is Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line, Overground, Great Northern), which is approximately a 5-10 minute walk. Alternatively, Angel station (Northern Line) is about a 10-15 minute walk away. Numerous bus routes serve Upper Street, with stops very close to Islington Square.
