London’s latest cultural attraction has emerged in the form of the King’s Head Theatre’s dazzling new venue, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from its original stomping grounds in Islington. From its modest origins in 1970, this iconic establishment has been an incubator for emerging talents, laying the groundwork for stars like Hugh Grant, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, and Alan Rickman. Now, the theatre has undergone a magnificent makeover, finding a purpose-built home at 116 Upper Street, complete with a 200-seat auditorium, two bars, and a late-night cabaret space, ready to set the stage for the next cohort of innovative creatives.
Sofia Berenger, the theatre’s dynamic CEO and executive producer, is determined to ensure that the electric spirit of the old pub theatre seamlessly transitions to their new home and continues to provide a stage for groundbreaking performances. “We are a haven for artists to push boundaries and explore uncharted territories. We are here for the rebels, the outliers, and the free spirits of the industry to come and experiment,” she asserts, underlining the theatre’s commitment to being a platform for audacious and unconventional artistic expression.
The premiere production at the new venue, “Exhibitionists” by Shaun McKenna and Andrew Van Sickle, promises to be a delightful departure from the ordinary. Spine-tingling suspense? Heart-wrenching tragedy? Think again. This gay romantic comedy is poised to captivate audiences with its light-hearted, amusing narrative, inspired by the classic screwball comedies of yesteryears. McKenna, an esteemed playwright, is venturing into new territory with this production, infusing it with profound themes while ensuring that laughter reigns supreme.
As excitement mounts for the grand opening, the cast and crew are gearing up to break new ground. With the late-night cabaret space adding to the allure, the theatre is poised to become a springboard for emerging talents to showcase their abilities. The adaptability of the main theatre’s layout is also set to infuse performances with an element of unpredictability, offering audiences an immersive and ever-evolving experience.
“Exhibitionists” is all set to take the spotlight on 5th January, marking the commencement of a new era for the King’s Head Theatre. So, if you’re prepared to be spellbound by the allure of live performances and immerse yourself in a transformative theatrical encounter, mark your calendars and head to this lively new cultural epicentre.
For a taste of the finest entertainment from BBC Radio London and to stay in the loop about all things creative, keep tabs on BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. And if you have a story yearning to be brought to life, spill the beans at [email protected] for the chance to see it come to fruition.
