The Roundhouse

The Roundhouse is a 3,300-capacity Grade II listed performing arts venue in Camden, North London, housed in a former railway engine shed built in 1847. The venue was converted into a performing arts space in 1964 and has since hosted concerts, theatre productions, circus performances, and immersive events. It is operated as a charity (The Roundhouse Trust) and runs one of the UK's largest youth creative programs, serving over 6,000 young people per year. The venue is best suited for mid-tier touring artists, prestige one-off shows, and events that benefit from a distinctive circular performance space.

History

The building was constructed in 1847 as a railway engine shed for the London and North Western Railway. The circular design was chosen so that locomotives could be turned around on a central turntable. The building was used for railway operations for only a few years before being repurposed as a warehouse and later falling into disuse.

In 1964, playwright Arnold Wesker and producer Peter Cox converted the building into a performing arts venue called the Centre 42 (named after the TUC resolution that called for arts to be made accessible to all). The opening production was an improvised music and drama event. The venue quickly became a counterculture hub, hosting the launch of the International Times newspaper in 1966 and the "24 Hour Technicolour Dream" event that same year.

The Roundhouse hosted some of the most famous concerts of the late 1960s. The Doors played there on September 7 and 8, 1968, their only UK performances with Jim Morrison. Jimi Hendrix performed there in 1967. The Rolling Stones played there in 1971. David Bowie performed there in 1973, and his performance was partially recorded for the "Bowie at the Beeb" compilation.

The venue closed in 1983 due to financial difficulties and remained shut for 15 years. It reopened in 1998 after a 30 million pound renovation funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and private donations. The renovation preserved the original cast-iron columns and brickwork while adding modern soundproofing, lighting rigs, and backstage facilities. A second phase of renovation completed in 2006 added the Roundhouse Studios, a dedicated youth creative center in the basement.

Notable Performances

Beyond the 1960s and 1970s concerts, the Roundhouse has continued to host significant performances. The venue was the site of the BBC Electric Proms from 2006 to 2012, featuring artists including Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Robert Plant. The iTunes Festival (later the Apple Music Festival) used the Roundhouse as its London venue from 2007 to 2015, with performers including Adele, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Pharrell Williams, and Florence and the Machine.

Other notable performers include Blur, who played there in 2009, Prince, who performed an intimate show there in 2014, and Stormzy, who recorded a BBC Live Lounge session there. The venue also hosts the Roundhouse Circus Festival and regular seasons of contemporary circus from companies including Cirque du Soleil and the Roundhouse's own youth circus program.

How the Venue Operates

The Roundhouse is operated by The Roundhouse Trust, a registered charity. The venue's programming is a mix of self-promoted concerts, hired events by external promoters, and the venue's own theatrical and circus productions. The main performance space has a standing capacity of 3,300, which can be reduced to approximately 1,700 for seated configurations.

Booking for concerts is handled through the venue's programming team, which works with promoters including Metropolis Music, AEG Presents, and Live Nation. The venue also accepts direct enquiries for one-off events and private hires. The Roundhouse's charitable status means it prioritizes events that align with its mission of supporting young people in the creative industries.

The Roundhouse Studios in the basement provide free and low-cost creative workshops for 11 to 25-year-olds in music production, radio broadcasting, photography, film, and performing arts. Over 6,000 young people participate in these programs annually. The venue's revenue from ticketed events funds these youth programs.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

The Roundhouse occupies a distinctive position in the London venue circuit. Its 3,300-capacity puts it between the 2,000-capacity Shepherd's Bush Empire and the 4,921-capacity Brixton Academy, making it a significant step-up venue for artists building a London following. The venue's circular architecture and Camden location give it cultural cachet that larger but more corporate venues lack.

For independent artists, the Roundhouse is a realistic target only after selling out smaller London venues. The typical progression is: 200 to 500-capacity rooms (Camden Assembly, The Lexington), 800 to 1,100-capacity rooms (Electric Ballroom, KOKO), and then the Roundhouse. Artists who headline the Roundhouse usually have a booking agent and have completed at least one UK tour at the 1,000-capacity level.

The venue's youth programs are directly relevant to independent artists under 25. The Roundhouse Studios offer free access to recording studios, rehearsal spaces, and industry mentorship. Artists who participate in these programs get opportunities to perform at the venue's showcase events, which can lead to broader booking opportunities.

Use our Tour Revenue Calculator to model how a 3,300-capacity venue like the Roundhouse fits into a UK touring strategy. Read our guide on how to book your first tour for a framework on progressing from small clubs to mid-sized venues. The complete guide to making money as a musician in 2026 covers live revenue at every scale.

Related Resources

• Tour Revenue Calculator - Estimate earnings from live shows
• How to Book Your First Tour: Step-by-Step Guide
• Complete Guide to Making Money as a Musician in 2026
• The Roundhouse Official Website