Joanna Lumley uses luvvie charm to aid theatre

Published: 26 February 2010
by JOSH LOEB

ACTRESS Joanna Lumley has described the news that her intervention helped secure the future of Islington’s most famous pub theatre as “thrilling”.

Ms Lumley came to the aid of the King’s Head Theatre in Upper Street by negotiating with owners, Punch Taverns.

The chain initially rejected a bid of £1.4million from the theatre’s chief executive Stephanie Sinclaire – but affected an about turn after Ms Lumley wrote a letter to the company’s chairman Giles Thorley.
The Absolutely

Fabulous star, who is a patron of the theatre, told the Tribune London’s theatre scene was “much richer and brighter” because of the sale, which was completed last week after nine months of wrangling.

She said: “How thrilling and right that the King’s Head Theatre now has a secure future. It is the cradle of so many new plays, directors and playwrights and the showcase for excellent and inventive work.”

Ms Sinclair – the widow of the King’s Head’s legendary founder Dan Crawford, who died in 2005,  said she had plans to add a second storey to the venue, which launched the careers of scores of actors including Hugh Grant. She paid tribute to Ms Lumley, saying: “I think we should make her a Dame. She’s like a beautiful headteacher. Joanna for Prime Minister!”

However, she also warned of challenging times ahead for the King’s Head, which she said was overextended” financially.

She said: “It’s going to be harder at first but it will be better in the long run. After Dan died we wanted to buy the freehold for so long. It was as if he was pushing me to do it.”

Ms Sinclaire said she was “not 100 per cent sure” why Punch Taverns finally agreed to sell one of its  flagship pubs.