King's Head Theatre announces major expansion for autumn 2018

The King's Head theatre on Upper Street has today announced plans to move to a major new venue with significantly more facilities by late 2018.

The submitted proposals would see the creation of a 250-seat subterranean auditorium and an 85-seat studio, along with a dedicated bar and foyer area. The existing King's Head venue will be transformed into dining space for the currently adjoined pub.

While the brand new space is built, the King’s Head Theatre will move to temporary home in the current John Salt Bar at 131 Upper Street. This temporary space has been designed to match the capacity and specifications of the current King’s Head Theatre and will bridge the gap before the move to the new permanent theatre.

The new King’s Head Theatre box office will be at ground level; accessed through the Islington Square arcade via the Grade II listed former Post Office. This is immediately neighbouring the current location, with access to the theatre space at basement level.

Artistic director Adam Spreadbury-Maher said, "I'm thrilled to be able to share this wonderful news: just feet away from the current auditorium, the planned new space will celebrate our illustrious heritage, while securing our future for decades to come. We can't wait until people see what we have in store for our brand-new home."

King’s Head regular Mark Gatiss commented: "It's great to see one of the stalwarts of London's fringe going onwards and upwards… and a bit to the left."

With 65 per cent of funds for the build and fit out already raised, the King’s Head Theatre team is now actively seeking donations to help secure the remaining £2 million needed to see the project through.