"Bridging the gap between London's intimate venues and soulless arenas, the Grade 2 listed building is one of the capital's best live venues. Its sloping floor gives a decent view from almost anywhere and the slightly surreal interior (based on the Rialto Bridge in Venice) lends each show here a true sense of occasion." - Time Out
" one of the most famous venues in the world." - South London Press
" the venerable home of all the most credible modern music." - Evening Standard
The Academy Theatre was built in 1929 as the flagship of the Astoria Group's chain of atmospheric variety theatres. The venue boasts a magnificent Art Deco interior, with a grand entrance hall and sweeping double stairway in the foyer. The main auditorium contains Europe's largest fixed stage, framed by an elaborate proscenium arch based on the design of the Rialto Bridge. It was the first truly atmospheric English theatre where built-up forms were combined with colour and plasterwork to produce the illusion of an auditorium with the atmosphere of the outdoors.
The Awards
- NME Awards 2007 'Best Live Venue'
- Time Out Award 2004 'Live Venue of the Year'
- NME Awards 2004 'Best Live Venue'
- Total Production 2004 ''The production industry's 'Favourite Venue'
- Vote London (TFL) 2003: No. 1 for Cool Clubs & Music
- Best London Venue: BBC London 94.9 Robert Elms Show (April 2003)
- NME Awards 'Best Live Venue': 1994 - 2002
- Music Week UK 'Venue Of The Year': 1996
- Live! Magazine European 'Venue Of The Year': 1994, 1997, 1999
- Live! Magazine 'Best UK Venue': 2000, 2001, 2002
- ILMC 'Venue of The Year': 1997
