The King's Head Theatre
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The King's Head Theatre was the first pub theatre in the UK. It was founded in 1970 by the King's Head public house landlord, Dan Crawford.
The fringe theatre is located in the back room behind the bar at the King's Head pub on Upper Street, Islington, London. Performances and meals take place in a space which was formerly a Victorian boxing ring. The small area creates a very intimate setting for actors and audience alike.
The King's Head has presented a wide array of productions: musicals, stand-up comedy, revues, forgotten classics, British contemporary classics, and new works by both newcomers on the theatre scene and established playwrights. It has won multiple awards. Numerous productions have moved into the more mainstream West End and Broadway venues.
Among the artists appearing at the King' Head are: Steven Berkoff, Kenneth Branagh, Kathy Burke, Ken Campbell, Quentin Crisp, Anita Dobson, Dawn French, Brian Friel, Rupert Graves, Patricia Hodge, John Hurt, Neil Innes, Ben Kingsley, Joanna Lumley, Jean Marsh, Sylvester McCoy, Ron Moody, Gary Oldman, Clive Owen, Susan Penhaligon, Nigel Planer, Michael Praed, Corin Redgrave, Alan Rickman, Prunella Scales, Mel Smith, Victor Spinetti, John Standing, Dire Straits, Tom Stoppard, Janet Suzman, Sylvia Simms, Victoria Wood, Susannah York and Leigh Zimmerman.