TheRoundhouse_Credit_AnniqueDelphine_press2012.jpg
© Annique Delphine | Coldplay at the iTunes Music Festival 2011

Roundhouse

This brick behemoth is a place to soak up Camden's radical past and present
  • Music | Music venues
  • Chalk Farm
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Time Out says

This aptly-named Camden landmark has decades of radical theatre and music history behind it: its round brick walls have been rocked by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and The Doors, and it staged theatre critic Kenneth Tynan's scandalous nude revue 'Oh Calcutta' in 1969. These days things are a little more sedate, but it still plays host to an eclectic range of big-name music acts from Alex G and Stereolab to Pavement. 

Constructed in 1846 as a turntable shed for the London and Birmingham railway, the Roundhouse – a Grade II-listed building – has a long and illustrious history, including spells as a liquor warehouse and long periods of disuse. But it came into its own as a legendary music venue in the '60s/'70s, when it hosted radical happenings of every flavour. Work on the extensive overhaul/refurbishment began in 2004 and it reopened in 2006 as a modern arts and mixed-media performance space with strong community bias. The main room benefits from a high domed ceiling and Victorian metal 'ribs', and a flexible auditorium that can house seated audiences for theatre or cabaret shows, or standing crowds for gigs. 

Details

Address
Chalk Farm Rd
London
NW1 8EH
Transport:
Tube: Chalk Farm
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What’s on

Roundhouse Three Sixty

Serving up an eclectic mix of live music, visual arts, spoken word, podcasts and club nights, Roundhouse Three Sixty is a springtime festival at Chalk Farm’s famous circular arts venue. After its first edition last year, it's back for a second run that coincides with the 20th anniversary of Roundhouse's big relaunch as a youth-centric arts space. The month is headlined by some massive names. Imogen Heap will drop in for an evening of songs and conversations with her AI-powered alias ai.mogen (Apr 17). Kae Tempest will introduce his new novel ‘Having Spent Life Seeking’ (Apr 16). And Amaarae's ‘Black Star Experience’ (Apr 23) is a live show based on her acclaimed latest album. But elsewhere on the line-up you'll find loads of opportunities for rising voices to make their mark. Academy Award-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya is collaborating with 21 emerging theatremakers to create new play ‘Centre 59’ (Apr 9-12). Gorillaz drummer and Ezra Collective bandleader Femi Koleoso will host ‘Good Vibes Day’ (Apr 25), with affordable family music workshops followed by a club night in the evening. And there's also an experiental exhibition based on the lives of young people called ‘From Soundboy to Streaming: Collective and Individual Joy.’ The prices are refreshingly low, too, with tickets for under-30s starting at just a fiver. Get down there for an affordable, inspiring dose of culture this spring.
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