Khan and Salinsky


Khan and Salinsky are a British playwriting partnership consisting of Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky. Active since the early 2010s, they are known for a series of political and historical satires staged at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and in London theatres, including Coalition, Making News, Kingmaker, Impossible, Brexit and The Gang of Three. Their works have been reviewed in national publications including The Times, The Guardian, The Observer, The Scotsman, The Stage and The Spectator.

Background

Robert Khan

Robert Khan studied law at the University of Cambridge and the University of Southampton. He worked in public policy and government, serving for eight years as an Islington councillor and as the borough’s Arts Champion. He is Chair of the Board of the King's Head Theatre.

Tom Salinsky

Tom Salinsky is Artistic Director of The Spontaneity Shop. He is co-author of The Improv Handbook and has written additional books for Pen & Sword. Salinsky teaches communication and storytelling internationally. He is producer of the podcast The Guilty Feminist and co-creator and host of the film podcast Best Pick. His book Best Pick: A Journey Through Film History was published by Rowman & Littlefield.

Playwriting career

Coalition (2012)

Coalition premiered at the Pleasance Dome during the 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It starred Thom Tuck
Reviews included:The Times: "Real class — don’t miss it".The Scotsman: "slick and funny".Metro: praised its "cracking dialogue".Sunday Express: called it "an absolute gem".

Making News (2013)

Making News premiered at Pleasance One during the 2013 Fringe. The Times wrote that the show had "more punch than a Paxman interrogation".

Kingmaker (2014–2015)

Kingmaker opened at Pleasance Beneath and later transferred to the St James Theatre and the Arts Theatre. The Times reviewed it on multiple occasions. The Observer discussed its exploration of political leadership.

Impossible (2015)

Impossible examines the relationship between Harry Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle. Reviews included:The Scotsman: "Intriguing… enjoyable… told with terrific style".

Brexit (2018)

Brexit premiered at Pleasance Beyond and transferred to the King’s Head Theatre. Reviews included:The Scotsman: ★★★★★ — "Deliciously played… wonderful".The Times: covered the play in a feature on Brexit-themed Fringe shows.Daily Mail: ★★★★ — "Hilariously pessimistic vision".Daily Business : described the play as "razor sharp".

The Gang of Three (2025)

The Gang of Three premiered at the King’s Head Theatre in 2025. Reviews included:The Stage.The Guardian: "inside an old boys’ club of Labour intrigue".The Spectator: "Khan and Salinsky capture the characters beautifully".The House.Islington Gazette and related local press.The Reviews Hub.The Arts Desk.
Additional political commentary relating to themes of the play appeared in:The Spectator.UnHerd.

In the Print (2026)

In the Print, a play about the Siege of Wapping, was announced for production at the King’s Head Theatre in 2026. The production was announced by BroadwayWorld and is set to be directed by Josh Roche.

Audio drama

Khan and Salinsky have written audio dramas for Big Finish Productions, including:The Ravelli ConspiracyEntanglementChurchill VictoriousKingdom of Lies
  • ''World’s Beyond''

Selected works

YearTitleTypeVenue / PublisherNotes
2012CoalitionStage playPleasance DomeEdinburgh Festival Fringe
2013Making NewsStage playPleasance OneEdinburgh Festival Fringe
2014–15KingmakerStage playPleasance / St James Theatre / Arts TheatrePolitical satire
2015ImpossibleStage playPleasance DomeEdinburgh Festival Fringe
2018BrexitStage playPleasance Beyond / King’s Head TheatrePublished by Oberon
2025The Gang of ThreeStage playKing’s Head TheatreNational tour planned
2026In the PrintStage playKing’s Head TheatreAnnounced production