Islington's pub theatre to have opera on tap

A London pub that made history 40 years ago by launching its own theatre is breaking new ground again, this time by staging opera.

A host of stars have appeared on stage in the past at the King's Head Theatre in Islington including Hugh Grant, Ben Kingsley and Alan Rickman.

Now the venue is being relaunched as an opera house — the capital's first for more than 40 years. Stephanie Sinclaire, who bought the venue last year with support from comedy star and patron Joanna Lumley, has appointed opera singer Adam Spreadbury-Maher, 28, as artistic director.

He has pledged that tickets during the first season will cost no more than £15.

The theatre, to be known in future as London's Little Opera House, starts its new life with a production of The Barber Of Seville (Or Salisbury), from October 6 until November 13.