It's great to see this fabulous arts venue re-open its doors after a stunning refurbishment. Boasting a colourful history, the Roundhouse initially started life as an engine shed. It was later transformed into a bonded warehouse for Gilbey's Gin before Arnold Wesker the playwright came along in 1964 and established Centre 42 here, insisting it became one of the most cutting-edge performing arts venue in the country. Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd played several memorable concerts there and it is these performances that have sealed the Roundhouse's legendary reputation. London seems to hold a fondness for her curvaceous walls - the blend of industrial past and Victorian grandeur means it grabs your attention on the way down Chalk Farm Road. By the 1980s it was a crumbling wreck of its former self and it has taken £27 million to buff it up so to speak. A shiny, angular, glass three-storey extension has been attached to the original, windowless, dark-grey drum. As many as 4,000 people can now cram into the building at once, as many as the National Theatre. Underneath the auditorium, hidden among a labyrinth of rooms and corridors, are a raft of recording studios, edit suites, television studios and rehearsal spaces. Referred to as the Roundhouse studios, this area is exclusively for young people aged 13-25. Tickets for main performances here can be a little steep but you can rest assured that you're supporting one of the best artistic initiatives in north London.
Short Circuit Festival
Roundhouse, NW1 8EH
14th May - 17th May 2009
Rather than a series dedicated to the 1986 film starring Steve Guttenberg about a malfunctioning robot... More
Morrissey
The Roundhouse, NW1 8EH
21st January 2008 - 27th January 2008
After the furore of his 'racist' NME interview, we're not certain that Morrissey is going to... More
Local Hotels
Near Roundhouse
Hotel special offers
LondonTown.com Exclusive Offer
Receive 3 free gifts with this booking worth over £38
Within three minutes’ walk of Euston Station, between Regent's Park and the British Museum and close to Kings Cross Station, this modern hotel offers guests ... More
It’s great to see this fabulous arts venue re-open its doors after a stunning refurbishment. Boasting a colourful 160-year history, the buliding was first ... More
Arch 65,
The Catacombs,Stables Market,Camden Town,
London,
NW1Map
3 minutes walk from Roundhouse
As well as housing a renowned ceramic art gallery, Painted Earth offers kids a fantastic opportunity to test their own artistic talents. Supervised by friendly ... More
With the majority of produce sourced from the British Isles, Melrose and Morgan work with producers who use traditional methods of farming, curing, baking or ... More
Ladies go weak at the knees for Miss Lala’s. This beautiful little boutique stocks wonderful cheeky lingerie labels. Wickedly indulgent, it’s a dressing ...More
Cottons is a slightly upmarket version of a traditional Caribbean restaurant. It’s still very informal, friendly in fact, and there’s plenty of music and laughter, ...More
Going into Belgo Noord feels like being whisked away to some Northern European drinking den. Fat men with moustaches smile at you from the walls, ... More
Unique and innovative workshops teaching flower arranging and floristry with monthly, weekly or daily workshops. This is a really enjoyable art form that allows its ... More
The Open University is a national institution. Thousands have studied for a degree by watching their inspired 1970s-style television programmes and although the courses are ...More
The Lock Tavern would be a great place to drop in and escape the tiresome, tie-dye-clad vendors of Camden’s famous street market. Unfortunately that wouldn’t ... More
Now that the Camden Palace has been pointlessly rebranded as 'KOKO', an started putting on funky house nights, the Electric Ballroom is the last great ...More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.