Robert and I made contact, after 50 years, through the internet. I read the sections of his book, Are You Going to do That Little Jump part one. about his time at the King’s Head and sent him my piece, Here’s to The King’s Head, which he has published on this website.

I want to express my appreciation to him for giving it a platform. When I wrote it I chose, for dramatic effect, the most dizzying events of my time at the King’s Head, which meant that much was left out. For example, Mr Joyce is Leaving Paris, a wonderful play by Tom Gallacher which Robert directed in 1972, was one of the artistic high points in the early years. You can see it here on YouTube.

Robert’s contribution to the King’s Head, both during my time and in subsequent years, was hugely significant. He directed 17 productions over 15 years. Apart from the productions he directed, he was generous with all that he gave on many levels. It seems that this piece of Kings Head history has also been “lost”.

Robert’s postscript

After the epic power struggle for control of the King’s Head pub Theatre Islington, which Joan lost, she faded out of my theatre scene. It has been a great pleasure to discover that she’s still not so far away and has had a very interesting – non-theatrical – life. There’s still lots to learn and know about but, for the time being, this tale of a lost treasure found ends here.

Mikel Lambert and Robert Bernal in Mr Joyce is Leaving Paris, one of the artistic high points in the early years