22 September 2025
Newsdesk
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire has revealed a major investment in sound, lighting and seating. The beloved West London venue, owned by Academy Music Group (AMG), is starting the busy autumn season with a brand-new speaker system, improved lights and a refurbished Level 1 balcony. These recent improvements are the latest in a continuous programme of upgrades planned by AMG to ensure its venues are at the forefront of the industry.
The historic building, which was designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham and opened in 1903, has been entertaining audiences for over 120 years. In 1906, the Fred Karno Troupe featuring Charlie Chaplin performed at the venue, and from 1953 to 1991, its incarnation as the BBC Television Theatre saw it home to The Old Grey Whistle Test, The Generation Game, This Is Your Life and host performances from the likes of Lulu, Dusty Springfield and Petula Clark. In recent years, The Rolling Stones, Raye, Olivia Dean and Kylie Minogue have all graced the storied boards of the venue’s stage.
Ensuring its unmatched legacy endures for future generations, this summer the venue has undergone a comprehensive technical upgrade. Transforming the venue's audio capabilities and updating the venue’s lighting, the works have preserved the building’s architectural integrity while remaining sensitive to the backdrop of performances at arguably one of the most well-known theatres in the UK.
Audio experts Adlib have installed a state-of-the-art speaker system as well as a brand-new house lighting system, both designed to work with and respect the historical elements of the venue, while achieving unprecedented sound quality throughout the auditorium which can adapt to the demands of O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire’s diverse programme of events. Whether you’re coming to watch a band, singer-songwriter or a comedy show, you can be sure of an industry-leading experience.
“Installing this impressive audio system was essential to give our audience the very best sonic experience, ensuring that O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire’s audio capabilities are top-class, not only meeting, but exceeding what touring parties expect when they arrive at our venue” said Liam Boylan, CEO at Academy Music Group.
Rob Crossland, Installation Project Manager at Adlib added, “As a Grade II listed building, it’s essential that any upgrades respect and protect its historic character. We took great care to ensure the installation of the new audio and lighting equipment were carried out sensitively, preserving the fabric of the building while enhancing the experience for audiences”.
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire has also undergone a significant refurbishment of the Level 1 Balcony. Working with Kirwin & Simpson Seating, the project has improved on the seating in this area, upgrading one of the most iconic views in the auditorium. “As a fourth-generation family business that has supported venues worldwide since 1945, Kirwin & Simpson worked very closely with the team at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire and Hammersmith & Fulham council to ensure the chair design was in keeping with the style and heritage of the venue” says William Simpson, Director, Kirwin & Simpson. “As a bespoke seating designer from traditional to contemporary styling, we have fitted an appropriate chair with all the modern level of comfort and durability.”
Speaking on the overall refurbishment works, Bill Marshall, General Manager, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire said, “O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire is such a loved venue, and the management team here collectively hold 100 years of experience working with this legendary building. Stepping out onto the Level 1 balcony has always been an awe-inspiring experience, but the refurbishment of that space has raised the bar even further, and we can’t wait for people to come in and see, hear and feel the updates we’ve made.”
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire’s upcoming programme includes multiple nights with Irish folk band Amble, Welsh rock band Those Damn Crows, anthemic indie-folk from Tide Lines, horror-imbued electronica from French master Carpenter Brut and iconic 80s synth-pop band Heaven 17, as well as comedy from Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland and author Serena Terry.
