Theatre Of Hate

In 1980, Kirk Brandon formed Theatre Of Hate from the ashes of heralded punk band The Pack. Joining Kirk on vocals were notable punk musicians Stan Stammers and Luke Rendall, along with old school friend, Steve Guthrie and Canadian born John “Boy” Lennard, who revolutionised the band’s sound with his haunting sax lines.
Theatre Of Hate’s debut double-A-side single, “Legion”/”Original Sin”, topped the independent chart in 1980, and “Westworld”, their debut album, produced by Mick Jones from The Clash and released in 1982, held the number one position for 21 weeks. The single taken from the album, “Do You Believe In The West- world?” has become an anthem and is still widely played in clubs and on international radio, as well as featuring on numerous compilation albums.
Theatre Of Hate imploded in 1982, with Kirk taking Stan forward to form Spear Of Destiny, but the band has resurfaced over the years to play some very special shows.
Having been asked by John Curd to join The Damned for a massive show at London’s infamous Round-house in December 2014 the band once again joined the fray. A short set of dates around the London Roundhouse anchor show attracted rave reviews.
2015 saw the band play two short jaunts across the UK in April and December both sets of dates wowed large crowds. Whilst touring the band recorded and released, Kinshi funded by a fans pledge campaign - the first new studio album in 30+ years. The 12 track album launched in November 2016 sublimely linked the past and present to great press and fan acclaim leading to further extensive live shows across the UK, Europe and the USA.
With a now settled line up of Kirk Brandon, Stan Stammers, Chris Bell & Clive Osborne (currently deputising for John Lennard) the band released two EP's I.Sensou (War) & II.Heiwa (Peace) in 2019 which have maintained the ongoing success and paved the way for the bands latest and, appropriately named, studio album, A Thing Of Beauty, again funded by the growing fanbase via very specially packaged releases on CD & Vinyl. Recorded during the 2020 lockdowns and officially released in March 2021 this venture has already become a favourite amongst the loyal fanbase, many shows to support the release followed.
During 2023 TOH joined both The Mission and The Chameleons for a now legendary 39 date coast to coast of the USA, sell out shows with The Mission in Manchester, Whitby and London's Roundhouse finished the year.
2024 will see TOH release a completely re-recorded and re-worked version of their iconic 1982 'Westworld” album, many many live shows are planned across the globe...

This will be a standing only gig. Please contact the venue on 01582 878100 should you have any accessibility needs.

The performance space is on the ground floor and is fully accessible to all. Accessible toilets are also located near the space.

Situated in the heart of the cultural quarter, the Hat Factory is a stone’s throw from Luton’s mainline train station and bus interchange. 

If you are planning to drive to the event please find below a list of the closest car parks to our venue:

Midland Road Station Car Park, Station Road, Luton LU2 0HR - £2.90 to £3.90 depending on day and time

The Mall Central Car Park, John St, Luton LU1 2JE - £1.10 after 6pm

The Mall Market Car Park, Melson Street, Luton LU1 2JX - £1.00 after 6pm

Power Court, 26 Power Court, Luton LU1 3L J - £0.80 after 6pm

Library Road Car Park, Library Road, Luton LU1 2NG – Up to £3.50 for 3 hours

Each car park is a 2-5 minute walk from our venue and are open 24 hours.

At The Hat Factory we are a cashless venue. Therefore, we kindly request that all payments made at the box office and cafe be via electronic methods. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.