The Stage

Lion & Unicorn announces reopening season

Published Wednesday 13 April 2011 at 14:39 by Adam Baker

Kentish Town’s Lion & Unicorn has revealed the re-opening seasons in its fully refurbished venue.

Run by in-house company Giant Olive, the refurbished theatre will kick-start with a new comedy night on May 16, featuring comedian Steve Furst and special guests in the improvised character comedy show Q&A. The fringe theatre will then stage a production of Tom Jones, based on the Henry Fielding novel. Previews start from May 24.

The Lion & Unicorn Pub in which the theatre is house will now offer a new bar and dining space serving British dishes, Sunday roasts and an outside BBQ.

Giant Olive artistic director George Sallis, said: “We’re coming up to our third anniversary since taking over the Lion & Unicorn Theatre. With the introduction of a quality food and drink operator and a continuation and expansion of our eclectic theatre programme, I see an exciting year ahead.”

Other events to be held include Immaculate, by Oliver Lansley and the Exchange Theatre Company for Bastille Week - a week of theatre dedicated to French writing, performance and culture.

Meanwhile, two weeks of Edinburgh comedy previews will wrap up the end of July with 28 performances from comedians performing at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Giant Olive will also host the Gaea Theatre Festival in August, described as a new festival celebrating female playwrights, performers and directors.