The Pitchfork Disney

The Pitchfork Disney: Philip Ridley’s Groundbreaking Modern Classic

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT: 27 August – 4 October 2025
King’s Head Theatre, Islington

Experience the Play That Changed British Theatre Forever

This autumn, witness the haunting brilliance of Philip Ridley’s revolutionary debut play, The Pitchfork Disney, brought to vivid life by the acclaimed Lidless Theatre company following their sell-out, five-star productions at Park Theatre. Perfect for visitors seeking a profound and provocative theatrical experience beyond the typical tourist attractions, this production offers a rare opportunity to see the play that transformed the landscape of British drama.

Set in an intimate, historic theatre venue in one of London’s most vibrant cultural districts, this powerful production provides international visitors with an authentic taste of London’s cutting-edge theatre scene.

A Nightmarish Fairy Tale for Modern Times

For ten years, siblings Presley and Haley have lived alone in their dead parents’ house, doors bolted against the terrors of the outside world. Something unspeakable shattered their lives a decade ago, leaving them isolated in a fantasy world of chocolate, medicine, and recurring nightmares.

Their fragile existence is upended when Presley, while his sister peacefully sleeps, invites a beautiful stranger from the street into their sanctuary—unwittingly welcoming their worst nightmare into their carefully constructed safe haven. What follows is a mesmerizing exploration of fear, fantasy, and the dangerous allure of the unknown.

The Play That Defined a Generation

When it premiered in 1991, The Pitchfork Disney sent shockwaves through British theatre, inaugurating a new era of provocative, visceral drama that came to be known as “In-Yer-Face Theatre.” Ridley’s groundbreaking work:

• Changed the course of British drama with its unflinching examination of fear, fantasy, and sexual anxiety
• Influenced a generation of playwrights including Mark Ravenhill and Sarah Kane
• Established Philip Ridley as one of Britain’s most distinctive and visionary theatrical voices
• Remains perpetually relevant, its themes and emotions always timely and immediate

Award-Winning Production Team

This powerful new production is brought to life by Lidless Theatre, renowned for their long-standing collaboration with Philip Ridley and their ability to capture the raw intensity of his unique theatrical vision:

• Direction by Max Harrison – The acclaimed director whose previous Ridley productions have received multiple five-star reviews
• Production by Zoe Weldon – The visionary producer behind Lidless Theatre’s sell-out run of Ridley’s Leaves of Glass, which broke Park90’s box office records
• Design by Kit Hinchliffe – Creating the claustrophobic yet dreamlike world of Presley and Haley’s sanctuary
• Lighting by Ben Jacobs – Crafting the play’s distinctive visual atmosphere of beauty and menace

The Perfect Venue

The historic King’s Head Theatre in Islington provides the ideal intimate setting for this intense psychological drama. As London’s oldest pub theatre, recently relocated to a purpose-built space within Islington Square, it offers:

• An intimate theatrical experience where every seat is close to the action
• A vibrant location in one of London’s most exciting cultural districts
• Easy access to excellent pre- and post-theater dining options
• A quintessentially London experience combining theatre with the city’s historic pub culture

Why Book With Theatre-London.uk?

For visitors seeking authentic, cutting-edge London theatre:

• Direct tickets without inflated prices – avoid the markup from resellers
• Secure payment options including PayPal for your peace of mind
• Expert recommendations tailored to international visitors
• Easy booking process designed with non-UK residents in mind

Performance Details

• Venue: King’s Head Theatre, 116 Upper Street, Islington, London
• Dates: 27 August – 4 October 2025
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (no interval)
• Age Recommendation: 16+ (contains strong language, disturbing themes, and scenes of a shocking nature)
• Easily accessible from Angel tube station on the Northern Line

A Theatrical Experience You Won’t Forget

The Pitchfork Disney offers visitors to London the chance to experience truly groundbreaking British theatre in an intimate setting. This is not just a play—it’s a landmark theatrical event that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its premiere, examining timeless themes of fear, isolation, and the human need for connection.

Make your London visit truly unforgettable by securing tickets today for this limited engagement of Philip Ridley’s modern classic. Experience the play that changed the face of British drama and continues to captivate and shock audiences with its nightmarish poetry and unforgettable imagery.

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