What if a theatre could be a kiln, firing up creativity and reflecting the diverse cultures of its community? That’s precisely what the Kiln Theatre in Kilburn is. It stands proudly on Kilburn High Road. This isn’t just any theatre. The Kiln Theatre is a place with a rich history and a commitment to telling stories that matter.
Originally, the Kiln Theatre was known as the Tricycle Theatre. It was founded in 1980 by Ken Chubb and Shirley Barrie. The Wakefield Tricycle Company was its first name. The name was a playful nod to the Wakefield Cycle of mystery plays. It also referenced the Pindar of Wakefield pub. The initial company had three members.
Initially, the Wakefield Tricycle Company didn’t have a permanent home. They toured around, staging British premieres and new works. They also performed children’s shows and community theatre. They brought their productions to small London theatres like The Bush and King’s Head. The company produced over 60 plays. These included works by Sam Shepard, John Antrobus and Olwen Wymark.
With support from Brent London Borough Council, the Greater London Council and Arts Council England, the company secured a lease. They transformed Foresters’ Hall on Kilburn High Road into the Tricycle Theatre. The location was chosen because Kilburn lacked local entertainment. Foresters’ Hall had a varied past. It served as a cinema and a music hall. It also housed temporary offices.
The auditorium was designed by Tim Foster and Iain Mackintosh. It was modeled on the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond, Yorkshire. The auditorium held 235 seats. In 1987, disaster struck. A fire severely damaged the building. But the theatre was rebuilt and reopened in 1989.
In 1998, a 300-seat cinema was added. In 2001, the Creative Space was built. This space supported the theatre’s education and community work. In April 2018, the Tricycle Theatre became the Kiln Theatre. Artistic director Indhu Rubasingham said the name change connected the venue to Kilburn. She noted kilns symbolize creativity across cultures.
The Kiln Theatre has a capacity of 292 seats. The Kiln Theatre has wheelchair accessibility. It also provides hearing assistance. Since 1980, the Kiln Theatre has presented diverse plays. The Kiln reflects the area’s cultural diversity. It showcases new writing and political works. The Kiln even stages verbatim reconstructions of public inquiries.
The Kiln Theatre has produced original works by many playwrights. Lynn Nottage, Richard Bean and Zadie Smith are among them. The current artistic director is Amit Sharma. He took over from Indhu Rubasingham in December 2023. Rubasingham had succeeded Nicolas Kent in 2012.
The Kiln Theatre continues to be a vital part of Kilburn. It is a place where stories are told and voices are heard. So, as you stand before the Kiln Theatre, remember its journey. Remember its commitment to community and creativity. The Kiln Theatre is more than just a building. The Kiln Theatre is a testament to the power of theatre to shape our world.