Mark Gatiss was among the performers saying goodbye to the King’s Head Theatre Pub as it closed its doors on its home of half-a-century ahead of moving to a new building.
He joined fellow actors including Dame Janet Suzman, Linda Marlowe and Le Gateau Chocolat on the last night in reviving roles they previously played at the north London venue.
The theatre on Upper Street first opened its doors in 1970 and will now be replaced by a custom-built theatre in nearby Islington Square with a 200-seat auditorium and a 50-seat cabaret space.
The theatre has helped launch the careers of performers from Hugh Grant and Steven Berkoff to Joanna Lumley and Victoria Wood with several performances transferring to the West End while its production of La Boheme won an Olivier Award in 2010.
James Seabright, Chair of Trustees at the theatre, said it was “a bittersweet farewell” to 115 Upper Street.
He said: “The amazing opportunity for the charity to move into a new home that will stand it in good stead for the next five decades has been made possible by a dream team of partners.
“They have worked closely with the charity over the challenging pandemic years to keep the vision on track, including key funder the Mayor of London through Round Three of his Good Growth Fund, our current landlords Young & Co’s Brewery, our future landlords Cain International, the brilliant burghers of Islington Council, and the visionary designs of architects S&Co and PUP.”
Senior Producer Sofi Berenger said: “Our aim is to create a theatre space that can truly respond and react to artists and audiences, heralding in a new era post-pandemic. We are also making sure to look back, reflect, honour and celebrate everything and everyone that has made King’s Head Theatre one of the leaders of London’s Fringe and independent theatre for 53 years.”
