Islington’s favourite panto is about to get naughty!
Join us for a wild ride on Jack’s beanstalk in this scandalous Adults Only version of our fabulous family show, complete with extra special guest stars…
Last year’s Adults Only performances were such a hit that this year, we’ve added double! Previous guest stars have included Christina Bianco, Cassidy Janson, Vinegar Strokes, Trevor Ashley, Danielle Steers, John Owen-Jones, Amy Ross and Helen Woolf and this year we’ll have even more.
Heroes don't always wear capes... but ours occasionally wears latex! Dashing milkman Jack finds himself thrust into the limelight when his mum's dairy farm, Angel Delight on Udder Street - and Islington itself - is threatened by a greedy old giant! He may be young, dumb, and full of fee fi fo fum, but Jack is determined to do battle with the giant… Can he get it up for the job?
Join Jack on his moo-vellous journey, and see if he can rise to the occasion to rescue his Moosical Theatre-loving bovine bestie Cowpatti Lupone from the clutches of the giant!
Strap on for this full-on, no holds barred spectacle: expect show tunes, slapstick and a cheeky twist on traditional pantomime fun!
King’s Head Theatre returns for their second annual adult panto after 2024’s five-star hit Cinderella. Join us for North London’s most scandalous panto - a perfect excuse to hit the town with your work bestie and celebrate the holidays.
It's sure to be both a grower and a show-er!
📍 Venue Description: King’s Head Theatre is a celebrated Off-West End venue in Islington, known for its intimate setting, bold programming, and rich legacy of nurturing emerging talent. The theatre champions the LGBTQ+ community onstage and off, presenting a diverse mix of plays, musicals, cabaret, drag, comedy, and opera. Its artistic policy is joyful, irreverent, colourful, and queer, ensuring every production is engaging, daring, and distinctive.
Founded in 1970, it was the first pub theatre established in London since Shakespeare’s day, and since opening its new home - at 116P Upper Street, Islington Square in January 2024 - it has continued to be a hub for emerging and established creatives, hosting multiple productions each day across its two performance spaces: a 200-seat Main House and the 50-seat Below cabaret space. The venue’s intimate design fosters a strong connection between audience and performance, making each visit a memorable night out.
### The History of King's Head Theatre
King’s Head Theatre was established in 1970 by Dan Crawford, who led the venue for 35 years. Under his guidance, the theatre became a breeding ground for new talent, with renowned actors including Maureen Lipman, Hugh Grant, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Alan Rickman, and Richard E. Grant performing on its stage. Many productions transferred to the West End and Broadway, and writers such as Steven Berkoff, Tom Stoppard, Bryony Lavery, and Victoria Wood premiered work here.
From 2010, Olivier Award-winning company Opera UpClose became the resident company, transforming the theatre into “London’s Little Opera House” and winning an Olivier Award for La bohème. During the pandemic, Mark Ravenhill took tenureship as Artistic Director, solidifying the theatre’s focus on LGBTQ+ work. The venue also ran a Guest Artistic Director programme, featuring artists such as David Cumming, Isabel Adomakoh-Young, Tom Ratcliffe, and Tania Azevedo.
After 53 years at the King’s Head Pub, the theatre closed its doors on 13th August 2023 and reopened in its new building in January 2024 with Exhibitionists by Olivier-Award-winning writer Sean McKenna. In its first year, the theatre hosted 110 shows, nearly 50,000 visitors, and productions featuring artists including Heartstopper’s Cormac Hyde-Corrin, Ella Vaday, Jonathan Maitland, Luke Bayer, Neil Ashton, and Rob Madge.
### Where is King's Head Theatre?
King’s Head Theatre is located at 116P Upper Street, Islington Square, London, N1 1QP
From Upper Street, facing the King’s Head Pub, turn right and take the next left under the arches into Islington Square. The theatre is on the left-hand side, opposite the Bewliehill Café. The theatre’s bar is open 45 minutes before performances, offering pre-show drinks—please do not bring drinks from the pub.
### King's Head Theatre Nearest Tube
The King's Head Theatre nearest tube stations are:
- Angel Station (Northern Line) – a 5-minute walk via Upper Street
- Highbury & Islington Station (Victoria Line, Overground) – a 10-minute walk along Upper Street Both stations provide quick and easy connections to central London.
### King's Head Theatre Nearest Train Station
The nearest mainline station is Highbury & Islington, which is served by National Rail and London Overground services. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk south on Upper Street to reach King’s Head Theatre London.
### Buses to King's Head Theatre
Several London bus routes serve Upper Street, with stops just a few steps from the theatre:
- Day routes: 4, 19, 30, 38, 43, 56, 73, 341, 476
- Night buses: N19, N38, N41, N73
Alight at the St Mary’s Church stop or Islington Green, then walk 1–2 minutes to the King's Head Theatre.
### King’s Head Theatre Accessibility
King’s Head Theatre is committed to making every visit welcoming, comfortable, and inclusive for both audiences and artists. The venue is continually working to improve accessibility and ensure everyone can enjoy their experience with ease.
Full details of the theatre’s access scheme, including mobility access, disabled and access tickets, baby changing facilities, gender-neutral toilets, and adapted and accessible performances, can be found on the theatre’s website. Members of the theatre team are always happy to answer questions or offer support, ensuring all visitors feel confident and cared for during their visit.
### King's Head Theatre Safety Policy
Visitors may be subject to bag checks upon entry. The venue encourages early arrival to allow for these safety measures and to help ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all guests.
### King's Head Theatre Dress Code
There is no formal dress code at King’s Head Theatre—audiences are welcome in smart-casual or relaxed attire. Whether you’re popping in after work or heading out for a special evening, dress comfortably. On opening nights or press performances, some patrons choose to dress up a little more, but it’s entirely optional. Read our What to Wear Guide to find out more.
### King's Head Theatre Notable Productions
Over the years, King’s Head Theatre London has staged a wide range of acclaimed productions, including Trainspotting Live, La bohème, F**king Men, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens.
### King's Head Theatre Seating Plan
The Main House seats 200 in a raked, single-level auditorium for unobstructed views. The 4Below cabaret space seats 50. The theatre often reconfigures spaces to suit different productions, creating an immersive and intimate experience for every audience member.
✨ Experience the magic of
Jack and the Beanstalk - Adult, where moments become memories that last a lifetime! 🏛️ The iconic
King's Head Theatre in
London,
EN sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable celebration on
November 27th, 2025 at
07:00 PM. 🌟 It's been a curated experience that brings together the best of entertainment and innovation, creating an atmosphere of wonder and excitement. From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in a world where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. 🎟️ Secure your spot with tickets at
37.00 GBP. 🎊 Book early to secure your place in what promises to be an event that will be talked about for years to come!
Also check out other Arts events in London, Theatre events in London, Literary Art events in London.
