After 53 years putting on shows in the back room of an Islington pub, the curtain will fall on the famous King's Head Theatre.

The August 13 closure comes ahead of the previously announced move into a purpose-built theatre in Islington Square.

Although contractors are on site, no date has been confirmed for the opening of the new venue, which will include a 200 seat auditorium and 50-seat cabaret space.

Ham & High: The pub theatre was founded in 1970 by Dan Crawford who ran it for 35 years.The pub theatre was founded in 1970 by Dan Crawford who ran it for 35 years. (Image: The King's Head Theatre)

Founded by Dan Crawford in 1970, the Upper Street venue is one of London's oldest pub theatres and became 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.

Under Adam Spreadbury-Maher it won an Olivier award in 2010 for best new opera for La Boheme and gained a reputation for showcasing LBBTQI+ work.

Ham & High: The entrance to the new King's Head Theatre in Islington SquareThe entrance to the new King's Head Theatre in Islington Square (Image: The King's Head Theatre)

The closing shows under Guest Artistic Director David Cummings include Queer cabaret, stand-up, and a musical, and the final performance will be a celebration gala with Mark Gatiss, Ian Hallard, Dame Janet Suzman, Linda Marlowe and Le Gateau Chocolat reviving roles they played at the venue.

Gatiss and Hallard have been staunch supporters of their local theatre especially during the pandemic when they called for increased government support for venues that had to close.

Ham & High: Mark Gatiss and husband Ian Hallard are local residents who have been vocal supporters of The King's Head over the years and perform in the closing night GalaMark Gatiss and husband Ian Hallard are local residents who have been vocal supporters of The King's Head over the years and perform in the closing night Gala (Image: Archant)

The charity which runs the theatre has launched the Angels of Angel fund to commission and produce new work and create a community of like-minded supporters. Donors can ‘sponsor a stair’ in the new theatre, each dedicated to a standout show from its 53 year history.

James Seabright, Chair of Trustees said: "Next month we bid a bittersweet farewell to London’s original pub theatre at 115 Upper Street, as work continues at the new King’s Head Theatre next door at Islington Square. 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 who have worked closely with the charity over the challenging pandemic years to keep the vision on track."

Ham & High: Founder Dan Crawford with wife Stephanie who also ran the pub theatre in Upper StreetFounder Dan Crawford with wife Stephanie who also ran the pub theatre in Upper Street (Image: Courtesy of King's Head Theatre)

Sofi Berenger, Senior Producer, said: "It’s incredibly exciting to be looking towards the future of the new theatre. Our aim is to create a theatre space that can truly respond and react to artists and audiences and reflect, honour and celebrate everything that has made King’s Head Theatre one of the leaders of London’s Fringe for 53 years."

A spokesperson for Young’s Pubs said: "We have loved our partnership over the years and wish the King's Head Theatre every success in their new premises. We look forward to continuing to welcome our local community to the King's Head."