Koko (music venue)

Koko
Exterior pictured in 2016
Interactive map of Koko
Former names
  • Camden Theatre (1900–1909)
  • Camden Hippodrome Theatre (1909–1913)
  • Camden Hippodrome Picture Theatre (1913–1945)
  • BBC Camden Theatre (1945–1977)
  • The Music Machine (1977–1982)
  • Camden Palace (1982–2004)
LocationCamden Town
London, NW1
England
Coordinates51°32′05″N 0°08′18″W / 51.534722°N 0.138333°W / 51.534722; -0.138333
OwnerThe Mint Group
Capacity1,500
TypeMusic venue
Current useMusic venue
Public transit Mornington Crescent
Construction
Renovated2004
ArchitectW. G. R. Sprague
Website
koko.co.uk
Listed Building – Grade II
Official nameCamden Palace Theatre
Designated28 June 1972
Reference no.1272425

Koko is a concert venue and former theatre in Camden Town, London. Opened in 1900 as a theatre, it was first named The Camden Theatre, before reopening as a variety theatre in 1909 under the name Camden Hippodrome Theatre and then converting to a cinema two years later as Camden Hippodrome Picture Theatre. It was closed during World War II and taken over by the BBC following the war's conclusion. The BBC left in 1972 and the building lay empty until being reopened in 1972 as a live music venue named The Music Machine. The Music Machine closed in 1972, and again the building was unused until being revived as a music venue in 1982 as Camden Palace. It was purchased in 2004 and was the subject of extensive restoration, led by Oliver Bengough and Mint Entertainment. Following the restoration, the venue was renamed as Koko. In this guise it has been described as one of the premier live music venues in London.