But tonight will be a little different. Tonight Al tells the story he doesn’t want to tell. The story of what happened back in 1955 when moral panic swept through the community. When fear and suspicion over hidden lives sent this town into a tailspin. Will Al's Show on the Roof reveal the truth behind the tunes? The secrets beneath the sequins? Well you’ll just have to find out for yourself…
This joyful new musical by Tom Ford and Alex Syiek, directed by Rory Pelsue, shines a light on a pivotal yet overlooked chapter of LGBTQ+ history. The Show on the Roof is a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come since 1955, and how much further we still have to go.
Come on up!
📍 Venue Description:
The King’s Head Theatre stands on a plot of land that has been used as a public house since 1543, though for most of its history it has been known as the King’s Head Tavern (the name itself coming from an old story about Henry VIII supposedly stopping for a pint on his way to see his mistress). The current building dates back to the 1800s.
Dan Crawford took over The King's Head in 1970, and founded the King’s Head Theatre in a room that had been used as a boxing ring and pool hall, establishing the first pub theatre in London since Shakespeare’s day. Under his leadership the pub became well-known for ringing up pounds, shillings and pence until 2008, a full thirty-seven years after the rest of the UK had switched to decimal currency. Five years on, the old till still sits behind the bar. The pub is packed full of other period details, including gas lights, the original bar, old photography, and coal fires that burn continuously throughout the winter.
Crawford led The King's Head for thirty-five years, establishing it as a breeding ground for new talent and great work. The walls of the pub display the multitude of famous faces that began their career here. In 2010, Olivier Award-winning UpClose Productions became The King's Head Theatre’s resident company, and Adam Spreadbury-Maher was appointed the venue’s second Artistic Director, working alongside Robin Norton-Hale who leads the company’s opera programme. UpClose Productions produce at least eight shows a year, and curate the work of visiting companies all year round. The venue’s reputation for nurturing new talent continues, with pioneering Trainee Director scheme (winner of the Royal Anniversary Trust Award in 1992) still being run by UpClose Productions. Recent graduates have gone on to work at the National Theatre, RSC, Lyric Hammersmith and the Globe, plus many other internationally-renowned companies.
✨ Enter a world of endless possibilities at The Show On The Roof, where every moment tells a story! 🏛️ The stunning King's Head Theatre in vibrant London, EN transforms into a realm of wonder on July 11th, 2025 at 07:30 PM. 🌟 They have crafted an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, combining elements of surprise, delight, and pure entertainment. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure your journey with us is nothing short of extraordinary. 🎯 Join fellow adventure seekers and memory makers in this celebration of imagination and innovation. 🎫 Get your tickets at 13.00 GBP. 🎊 Reserve your spot today and be part of something truly special!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper St, Islington, , King's Head Theatre, London, United Kingdom
