Established in 1970, King’s Head Theatre was the oldest pub Theatres in London.  For 53 years it was housed in the back room of the King’s Head Pub on Upper Street in Islington, West London in an old boxing ring and pool hall, becoming the UK's oldest pub Theatre.  

Founded by Dan Crawford in 1970, the Theatre was a breeding ground for talent with the likes of Maureen Lipman, Hugh Grant, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Alan Rickman and Richard E Grant performing, and writers such as Steven Berkoff, Tom Stoppard and Victoria Wood premiering their work. 

But on 13 August last year, the curtain came down for the last time in the famous pub Theatre in anticipation of moving into a purpose-built Theatre in Islington Square, right behind the pub at 116 Upper Street.  On 15 December, the curtain rose for the first time in the new Theatre. 

KJ Tait are delighted to have been part of this project with the new Theatre offering increased capacity facilities comprising a 270 seat main auditorium with a bar and facilities for both actors and guests.  The Theatre space is located 4 storeys below ground level with the box office at ground level. 

As the Theatre is incorporated into the large mixed use development of Islington Square, our involvement included detailing the ventilation, heating and cooling, smoke ventilation and life safety requirements for interface and incorporation into the larger mixed use scheme.  The Theatre uses the Landlord’s ground source system for heating and cooling and incorporates all specialist services to cater for major productions. 

We wish the Kings Head Theatre ongoing success for many years to come.