The Tricycle was a theatre, cinema, theatre bar and meeting place on the Kilburn High Road, loved by the people of Kilburn and admired for its theatrical reputation around the world.
The Tricycle Theatre opened in 1980, becoming the permanent home of what had previously been the Wakefield Tricycle Company, a touring theatre company that was known for producing new writing, children’s shows and community theatre for London and the South East.
After securing the support of the London Borough of Brent, the Greater London Council and the Arts Council, the company began work converting an old music and dance hall on the Kilburn High Road, into what became known as the Tricycle Theatre.
Under the leadership of Nicholas Kent, Artistic Director from 1984 to 2012, Its mission was to produce work that attracts and reflects the culturally diverse communities in the local area, now including its African-Caribbean, Asian, Irish, Jewish, Muslim and South African audiences.
A veritable phoenix
Surviving two fires, the Tricycle showcased the most daring and diverse voices in British drama. Many of its original productions, such as the blockbuster version of The 39 Steps and Handbagged, went on to enjoy long runs in the West End. Famous for its dramatization of public enquiries held behind closed doors, which Nicholas Kent called “Public Service Theatre”, one such hard-hitting political drama, The Great Game, was even performed at the Pentagon.
Art house cinema
In 1999, the Tricycle Cinema was added to the theatre complex, bringing art-house to the Kilburn High Road. The Tricycle theatre, cinema and café were used as welcoming meeting places, a gallery for local artists and a venue for the theatre’s schools’ programme.
Tales of the Tricycle Theatre, by Terry Stoller
If you would like to learn more about the Tricycle Theatre, we recommend an excellent book called Tales of the Tricycle Theatre by Terry Stoller. Terry is a supporter of the Tricycle campaign, however there is no association between the book and the campaign and no benefit to the campaign from any sales. Find out about Tales of the Tricycle Theatre.