Transferring directly from Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024 is Fringe First Award winning A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God; Whoever Reads This First (4-14 Sept) by New York duo Xhloe Rice & Natasha Roland who, with this production, have just received their third consecutive Fringe First. The duo return after their other Fringe First hits And Then the Rodeo Burnt Down and What If They Ate The Baby performed at King’s Head Theatre in 2023 and earlier in 2024. For two-nights only Missing Rib Collective will also transfer 4 girls the first letter e (11 & 13 Sept) telling the true story of the Wisconsin Slenderman case in a psychological thriller exploring how four girls can begin to believe a fictional character is driving them to do unspeakable acts. Prepare to get serious In 4Below, as Serious Theatre from Serious People (7-8 Sept), perform their double act comedy show, about how far two actors are willing to go to make it. More Edinburgh Fringe transfers will be announced.
Also throughout autumn, in the Main House straight off the back of another hit run of My Son’s A Queer… at the Edinburgh Fringe, Rob Madge will be starring in Jonathan Tolins’ love-letter to Barbara Streisand Buyer & Cellar (18 Sept-19 Oct). Jonathan Maitland’s (The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson, The Interview Park 200) adaptation of his hit memoir How To Survive Your Mother will have its UK premier (23 October – 24 November). 2023 fringe hit Wiesenthal will return for a limited two week run (3 – 15 September).
Playing over the top in the Main House Later programme features one woman’s hilarious, camp search for an orgasm The Little Death (26 Aug – 31 Aug), director Scott le Crass (Rose, West End) returns to King’s Head Theatre with The Mad Gay King (3-19 Oct) delving into the real life of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, an infamous 19th Century monarch who was deposed on grounds of homosexual insanity, and biographical play about legendary actress Bette Davis, Queen Bette (5 Nov – 23 Nov) transfers from an Australian tour.
Also in the Main House, will be tribute nights Freddie and the Queen Experience (1 Nov) and You’ve Got A Friend (8 Nov) and a series of live-podcast recordings, to be announced.
The venue’s intimate @4Below cabaret theatre will also play host to everything from new writing theatre, a unique piano cabaret with Ross Harmon (Wicked, Harmon) and improvised comedy.
Previously announced for Christmas, King’s Head Theatre and the Little Angel Theatre collaborate on a new pantomime written & directed by panto legend Andy Pollard, Cinderella. Cast to be announced, along with other Christmas programming.
LISTING INFORMATION
MAIN HOUSE SHOWS
Wiesenthal
3 – 15 September
The London premiere of the true story of an ordinary man who did extraordinary things.
Filled with hope, humanity and humour, Wiesenthal comes to the King’s Head Theatre following an acclaimed, sell-out Edinburgh season in 2023.
Wiesenthal is based on the life of Simon Wiesenthal, who survived the Holocaust and devoted the rest of his life to bringing Nazi war criminals to justice.
Intelligent, funny, flawed and noble, Wiesenthal was a universal hero. His unbelievable dedication and tenacity over decades is honoured in this play, which takes place on his final day in his Vienna office in 2003.
Buyer & Cellar
18 Sept – 19 October
Press Night: 23 September, 7pm
Meet Alex, an out-of-work actor who finds himself working beneath Barbra Streisand’s Malibu home in her legendary basement shopping mall. A big hit in New York and London, Buyer & Cellar is an outrageous comedy about the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs.
Ten years after the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway production closed, this hilarious one-person show returns to London with the magnificent Rob Madge starring as Alex. Rob is best known for writing and starring in their hit show My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?), which won the 2022 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Off-West End show and, following two West End runs, was nominated for a 2023 Laurence Olivier Award.
How To Survive Your Mother
23 October – 24 November
Press Night: 28 October
By Jonathan Maitland (Dead Sheep, An Audience with Jimmy Savile, The Interview)
How do you navigate a crazy, glamorous, narcissistic, scandal-loving mother whose idea of fun is to turn your 1970s family home into Britain’s first ever gay hotel?
A chance meeting leads a writer to investigate his mother’s secret past and trawl through memories of her colourful life. It’s perfect subject matter for a play. But should he be exposing her private life for public entertainment? And why is he starring in the play as himself?
Cinderella
30 November – 5 January
Cinderella will be written and directed by the 2023 and 2019 OFFIE Winner and 2023 British Panto Award winner Andrew Pollard (Known for CBeebies’ Robin Hood and his 15-year run as writer/director/dame at Greenwich Theatre).
In drizzly London, it’s hard to find romance these days – everyone is so busy! Cinderella needs help to leave her life of drudgery and explore a world full of adventures. A shy Prince needs someone to help bring him out of his shell and find his mojo. Could they help each other find the courage to change their lives? The Fairy Godmother thinks so! So, join her on this romantic roller-coaster of Christmas adventure! Boo the selfish step-sisters, Peckham and Dalston! Cheer on our North London lovers, Cinderella and the Prince! Boogie on down with Buttons and his daffy duck, Quackers! You’re all invited to the big Disco Ball this Christmas! So wave your hands in the air, like you just don’t care – and have the time of your lives at the King’s Head’s intimate, immersive panto spectacular!
MAIN HOUSE LATER SHOWS
The Little Death
26 – 31 August
Press Night: 27th Aug, 9pm
One woman’s search for an orgasm. This show is rooted in the true, outrageous tales of co-writer/co-performer Mina Orak’s sex life. With a vibrant soundtrack, surreal multi-media CGI projections, a live drag queen, and constant fourth wall-breaking, The Little Death is an electrifying celebration of resilience, shamelessness, and the universal quest for fulfilment. Mixing psychotic glamour with fun and sadness, The Little Death promises to be a camp extravaganza like no other.
Mina needs your support like Tinkerbell needs attention! So, snap your fingers and get ready for a wild ride. Will she finally find the Big O? Or will her obsessive search be her undoing? Loneliness lies under the inability of being able to orgasm with a partner.
A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God; Whoever Reads This First
4-14 September
Press Night: 5 October, 9pm
Three time Fringe First Winners, Xhloe and Natasha Present their new show at King’s Head Theatre stage.
Boyhood is all about spit-shakes, rope swings and playing soldiers. But what happens when the pretend becomes all too real and childhood tales become harder to retell? Whether it’s stories around the campfire, letters home to mom, or a prayer to your favourite president, these two Boy Scouts just want a turn to play the good guy and get their moms to see the big strong men they’ve become… Scout’s Honour.
4 girls with first letter e
11 and 13 September
It starts in an alley. It starts with four girls and a video game. It ends with three girls and a video game and a blood-stained cobblestone.
Evie and her friends are obsessed with the video-game world of The King. a frighteningly tall, spider-like man. They play every night over the course of one summer, gathering to play the game and spend time without the watchful eyes of parents or guardians, or so they think. This folk-loreeque play questions how we are raising young girls and are they ever really safe?
A Comfort Woman
22 September
In a moving one-woman performance, experience the powerful story of Minja, a young girl from a remote South Korean village whose life is shattered by World War II.
The play follows Minja’s journey from childhood to her innocence being cruelly stripped away when she is deceived and abducted by the Japanese Army, thrust into a life of unimaginable servitude. This poignant performance captures Minja’s harrowing experiences and her indomitable will to survive.
Through Minja’s story, “The Comfort Woman” portrays the resilience of women facing the darkest periods in history, shedding light on a painful chapter that is often overlooked. It is a powerful narrative of endurance, and the unyielding spirit of those who lived through such hardships.
The Mad Gay King
3 – 19 October
Pres Night: 7th October, 9pm
Based on true events, The Mad Gay King is a queer retelling of the life and love of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, an infamous 19th century monarch who funded the operas of Richard Wagner, built a flight of fairy tale castles, and was ultimately deposed by his conservative government on the grounds of homosexual insanity. Directed by Scott Le Crass (Rose, West End) and written by Christopher Adams-Cohen.
Queen Bette
5 – 23 November
Press Night TBC
“A top stage moment of the year” – ????? Sydney Morning Herald
Bette Davis was a true movie legend. Following its success in Australia, this acclaimed one-woman show comes to the UK and retraces her remarkable steps, from fledgling stage actress via an unrivalled glittering movie career that also saw her battling the studios in an unprecedented attempt to gain independence as an artist.
Freddie and the Queen Experience
One off show, 1 November
Internationally and critically acclaimed, The Freddie & QUEEN Experience are the UK’s Premier Queen and Freddie Mercury tribute band, who deliver a passionate and energy packed show full of all QUEEN’s greatest hits. The band is made up of some of the finest musicians in the UK, including the accomplished professional Brian May tribute, Andy Wills. The five-piece band perform, with replica outfits and instruments, a full recreation of QUEEN’s Live shows, based around QUEEN at their very best – the 86 ‘Magic tour’. This show is not to be missed. Mama, get yourself there.
You’ve Got A Friend
One off show, 8 November
A celebration of the music of Carole King and James Taylor, the show takes the audience through a timeline of their music and their collaborations with other writers. Some were hits for themselves and some for other artists. The show contains many backstage stories and anecdotes and is one for any music fan.
@4Below Shows
Rosie’s Brain
1 September
Rosie’s Brain is a delightful and heartwarming one-woman musical comedy about a young woman who battles anxiety and OCD. This poignant and humorous musical explores the complexities of mental health and the journey toward self-belief and resilience, offering an uplifting performance filled with laughter and heart.
Serious Theatre from Serious People
7- 8 September
At Bet On It Youth Theatre, aspiring actors will do anything to climb the ladder of success. Teachers and students alike believe in taking the work seriously. They also believe in taking themselves seriously. Prepare to get serious.
Returning after sell-out Edinburgh Fringe shows in 2023, join writer-performers Charlotte Anne-Tilley (Almost Adult) and Mabel Thomas (Sugar) for big egos, emotional outbursts and a whole lot of drama in this unmissable character-driven satire.
Spit it Out
12 – 15 September
As Emily comes to accept she is a transgender woman, it dawns on her that coming out is not a one-time deal. It’s something she must do again, and again, and again through different areas of her life. Spit It Out is the new play written by Alice K Stephens and directed by Jamie Coenen, with Isobel Sheard co-directing. The play stars trans actress Willow MacDonald (PECs, 11 Miles) as Emily. Robyn Faye (Les Enfant Terribles) and Isobel Sheard (The S is Silent) accompany MacDonald to play a cascade of characters who complicate Emily’s coming out.
The Piano Man
15 September
King’s Head Theatre becomes your new favourite Piano Bar as we welcome West End superstar Ross Harmon (Wicked, Heathers) and his brand new show ‘The Piano Man’.
In this completely unique cabaret, Ross will be playing and singing all your favourite songs – yes, YOU pick the setlist!
Whether you want to blend into the background and take it all in, shout out requests or jump up on stage and sing something yourself (bonus points if you bring your instrument!), all are welcome at this interactive, collaborative cabaret.
Book Club presents: An Improv Variety Show
20 September & 17 November
Improvised Comedy is back! Join us for ‘Book Club presents’ – a magical night of fully-improvised comedy, mixing long-form, short-form, narrative and even musicals! This is all improv – so there are no scripts, no sets, and no limits. Catch some of the best shows and players from the London improv circuit at this new night, as well as some brilliant up and coming teams – all creating fun narratives, games and worlds out of nothing more than a conversation, a phrase or even a word!
Degenerate
21 September & 5 October
Get ready for your Halloween fix. This dark comedy about a woman (sometimes funny), her vampire (kills every night) and the reality of ageing in a youth-obsessed culture. Using stories, song, dance, avocados and Shania Twain, Degenerate weighs the experience of middle age versus living forever.
Full details and tickets available