Our wonderful Artistic Director Adam Spreadbury-Maher gives us an insight into running the King's Head Theatre!

How long have you been working at the King's Head Theatre?

I’ve been here as the Artistic Director since 2010. When I first started, I was Artistic Director of

OperaUpClose and turned the venue into ‘London’s Little Opera House.’ The company moved on at the end of 2014 but I stayed and refashioned the King's Head Theatre as the charity that you know today. 

What does an Artistic Director do on a day to day basis?

I guess the short answer is everything. The artistic part of my job involves deciding what shows to stage, which companies to work with and which artists to bring into the building, as well as writing and directing my own work. I spend a lot of time in meetings (particularly as we fundraise for the move into our new home) and working with other organisations that share our vision for a better, fairer industry (and society). On any given day I could be doing the washing up, meeting the local council, at a press night or at the Olivier Awards. It’s a wonderful, exciting job; you never know what’s going to land on your desk next!

What is your favourite part of the job?

I love the variety! No two days are ever the same and I get to meet and work alongside so many wonderful people from so many different walks of life. The most rewarding thing is definitely being able to give artists and theatre makers opportunities that they wouldn’t get elsewhere. 

What is one thing that you have learnt from your role?

That collaboration exists at every level of theatre, not just in the rehearsal room. There is always two ways to do things and they usually come out at the same result; so why not choose the kinder? 

What has been your favourite show so far from your time at the King's Head Theatre?

There’s no way I’d ever be able to choose just one so I’m going to give you three! First up, 94 year old Thelma Ruby’s spectacular one-woman show That’s Entertainment, Jessica Lazar’s beautiful, poetic revival of David Greig’s Outlying Islands and Mary Franklin’s disruptive, exciting, radical new version of Bizet’s Carmen. 

And finally, have you tried all 11 flavours of ice cream that the King's Head Theatre sells?

I began a vegan diet a couple of years ago, but before that you can bet your life I did! Back then my favourite was the unsung hero stem ginger. Now you'll find me tucking into a mango sorbet, which is delicious!