The legendary Roundhouse venue has always been a central focus for music in London. It’s hosted bands including The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors and is recognised as one of the venues that helped to kick-start the punk and glam rock movements. Now the Roundhouse, with the Creative Centre at its heart, is moving into the future, helping to widen the reach of arts for all.
The Roundhouse has run pilot educational schemes across the capital for many years, reaching thousands of young people who would not normally have access to these kinds of opportunities. With the opening of the new Creative Centre – bringing all its activities and participants under one roof – these schemes get the permanent home and the proper facilities they truly deserve. The Roundhouse can accommodate up to 10,000 young people per year with truly inspirational creative projects.
Visit www.roundhouse.org.uk to find out more about The Roundhouse and the new Creative Centre.
Personal Profile - Cem Pakiry-Turgot
20 year old Cem was looking for a lifeline: he lacked the funds to continue being a student and to pursue his dream of acting. Then he found about about the Roudhouse via an old school teacher and has since participated in a whole host of projects and courses focused on theatre and musicals. One of the courses even has worldwide links, which enabled Cem to get the opportunity to travel further afield.
Cem says, "The Roundhouse has helped me find a way to work outside institutions. It’s shown me that where there’s a will there’s a way, and each person can make a difference. There isn’t a lot of money in my family and it’s the Roundhouse courses that have really helped me develop as an actor. I’m now looking forward to continuing my work with the Roundhouse, building up a portfolio and hopefully going far in my chosen profession."
Personal Profile - Beth Mbru
Aspiring singer Beth Mbru, aged 20, was looking for a financially viable way to develop her musical training further after successfully completed a music Access course and GCSE. While working a regular job, she heard about the Roundhouse from colleagues and has subsequently completing several courses including one in music production.
Beth feels that the Roundhouse courses have increased her confidence as a person and a performer, and she has big plans for the future, "I’ve now joined a band and I am also starting up a performance group. Through this I want to empower other people to appreciate their creativity and autonomy! I’m a black girl living in Camberwell and I have to deal with certain reactions about myself and about music. What I loved about the Roundhouse was the sheer variety of people and the variety of opportunity. That was what was really important."
