Shepherd's Bush Empire, Music venue in Shepherd's Bush, London, United Kingdom
The Shepherd's Bush Empire is a Victorian theatre in Shepherd's Bush, west London, featuring ornamental plasterwork ceilings, gilded balconies, and a three-tier auditorium. The stage sits in front of curved seating galleries, while the original seats on the ground floor have been replaced with a standing area.
The building opened in 1903 as a music hall hosting variety acts and musical performances. The BBC used the theatre for four decades to record television programmes before it returned to hosting live concerts.
Musicians from around the world have left their mark in the dressing rooms, while the building continues to serve as a meeting point for performers and audiences. The smaller size allows for direct encounters between artists and spectators that larger arenas cannot provide.
The nearest underground station is a few minutes' walk away, while bus stops nearby offer connections in all directions. Visitors will find refreshment points on every level, and wheelchair users can reach the ground floor through a side entrance.
The first floor witnessed the recording of numerous television programmes, including early episodes of well-known series that later aired worldwide. The stage remained unchanged during the conversion back to a concert hall and kept its original size and layout.
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