Unrestricted View marks 25 years of theatrical innovation at Hen & Chickens Theatre

Unrestricted View, a prominent London theatre company known for its commitment to new writing and comedy, is celebrating a significant milestone this year. The company is marking its 25^th year of operations at the Hen & Chickens Theatre, a venue renowned for its support of emerging talent and innovative programming. Over the past quarter-century, Unrestricted View has played a pivotal role in the careers of many now-famous performers such as The Mighty Boosh, Sarah Millican and Jimmy Carr, and continues to offer a diverse range of theatrical experiences including plays, musicals, comedy, and more.

The story of Unrestricted View began in 1997, born from a gift of a simple paper pad from Felicity Wren to James Wren on their first wedding anniversary. This seemingly modest present ignited a creative spark, leading James to write his first play. This initial step marked the start of an extraordinary journey for the couple, who, despite divorcing, have continued to collaborate and drive the theatre company forward. Their work found a home at the Hen & Chickens Theatre, a 54-seat black box pub theatre, when they were offered to take the reins after their second production in 1999. Since then, Unrestricted View has transformed the venue into a sanctuary for artists to hone their craft and connect with the wider industry.

Reflecting on the journey, Felicity Wren expressed pride in the company’s achievements, stating, “For 25 years, Unrestricted View has been a catalyst for artistic expression. We are incredibly proud of the diverse voices we have championed and the artists we have helped launch. Our dedication to fostering new writing and comedy remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to many more years of pushing boundaries and celebrating artistic audacity at the Hen & Chickens Theatre.”

In addition to providing a stage for live performances, Unrestricted View has also established itself in the film community by curating three annual film festivals, including the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) qualifying Unrestricted View Film Festival. This further underscores the company’s commitment to supporting independent artists across different mediums.

The Unrestricted View team, comprising co-founders Felicity and James Wren, and theatre manager Mark Lyminster, have been instrumental in shaping the venue’s success. Despite the challenges faced over the years, including fires, love stories and the loss of dear friends, their passion for the arts has remained unwavering.

As Unrestricted View looks to the future, it continues to invite audiences to explore the bold and varied programming that has defined its past 25 years. With plans for a celebratory event on 12^th May featuring performers from the theatre’s rich history, the company is set to honour its legacy while paving the way for new artistic achievements.

The editorial unit

For further information on the current season of shows, visit the theatre’s website here.