"£30 million well spent on Camden’s vast arts centre"

Added Wed 07 Sep 2011 by Leila

Not only has the Roundhouse had incarnations as varied as a gin production warehouse and a steam engine repair factory, it has also managed to spring back to life after a period of neglect during the dark 1980s, when finding funding for art was like searching for water in the desert. Thankfully the venue was revitalized in the mid-90s to serve as a live music and dance venue, but its glory days are now, after undergoing a £30 million refurbishment in 2004. Since erroneous judgements like the Millennium Dome expenditures such as these come under intense scrutiny, but in this case the money seems to have been well spent, as the 3,000 capacity Roundhouse is now one of London’s most highly regarded venues thanks to its programme of music, art installations, dance, circus performances and other curious activities that never quite fit anywhere else. From pop stars performing to a mostly teenage crowd at the iTunes Festival to silent films being screened on a giant silicon curtain while DJs perform the soundtrack live, there’s something for all tastes. One downside – possibly the only one - is that the acoustics aren’t really suited to DJ performances, as the music sounds boomy, something which tends to drown out all the mid-ranges. Other than that it’s a great building; aside from the main space there is a large outdoor terrace with a bar, and the restaurant, Made in Camden, draws in diners irrespective of whether they’ve come to see a show or not. Additionally, the Roundhouse is a registered charity which has an ambitious programme for 11 to 25 year olds encompassing workshops in radio, sound engineering, photography, TV and more; membership is a highly inclusive £15 a year.