KOKO Theatre at KOKO

A £70 million, three-year restoration transformed this Grade II listed Victorian theatre into a 50,000 square foot events venue that opened in 2022 — and the result is genuinely unlike anything else available for private hire in London. KOKO seats 1,500 standing in gig format across four floors of ornate balconies, private boxes, and mezzanines, all focused on a stage that Prince, Madonna, Amy Winehouse, The Rolling Stones, and The Clash have performed on. The heritage isn’t decoration. It’s infrastructure.

KOKO Theatre’s Production Capability

The restoration preserved the original Victorian fly tower, ornamental plasterwork, and tiered balconies while layering in concert-grade production facilities throughout. In-house sound and lighting are state-of-the-art — this is a working music venue first, and the technical specification reflects that. The hire fee includes two sound technicians, a lighting technician, an event manager, a venue manager, and a technical manager, plus load-in and load-out security, pre and post cleaning, and a medic during live hours. 5K live-streaming capability makes KOKO a serious option for hybrid events and branded content. An optional LED screen adds large-format visual production. The in-house team handles technical delivery end-to-end, so event organisers work with people who run this building every week rather than external AV suppliers learning a new space.

Capacities and Layouts at KOKO

The numbers shift significantly depending on format. Standing gig capacity reaches 1,500, but corporate standing events cap at around 1,000. Theatre-style seating on the ground floor handles 200-250, with an additional 100 across upper floors. Seated dinner on long trestle tables works for 148, or 180 on round tables. The outdoor roof terrace adds 150 standing. The multi-level architecture creates naturally separated zones within a single venue. Six balconies and two mezzanines overlook the main stage, providing VIP vantage points for awards ceremonies and tiered viewing for presentations. A royal box adds period grandeur. Hidden bars, a secret club with its own DJ setup and bar, and a roof terrace layer different atmospheres through the building — guests discover new spaces as the evening progresses. Two dressing rooms with a shared green room and shower, plus a separate green room with private facilities, provide backstage infrastructure for performers and speakers.

Events That Work at KOKO Camden

The theatrical architecture and production capability suit awards ceremonies — the auditorium with its balconies and boxes creates natural VIP hierarchies. Fashion shows benefit from the stage, lighting rig, and dramatic architectural backdrop. Product launches and brand activations can use the full 50,000 square feet of characterful, photogenic space across four floors for immersive multi-zone experiences. Corporate conferences for up to 250 theatre-style get a setting with genuine atmosphere — a world away from hotel conference rooms — with full AV and live-streaming for remote audiences. Live concerts and music events are the venue’s primary purpose, and the performance heritage gives music industry events a credibility that no amount of styling can replicate. Private parties and celebrations flow across floors, with the roof terrace, hidden bars, and secret club creating varied atmospheres within a single hire. The alcohol licence extends to 3am.

KOKO’s Location and Availability

Camden High Street, two minutes from Mornington Crescent tube, with King’s Cross and Regent’s Park nearby. Private hire is available Sunday through Thursday — Friday and Saturday are reserved for KOKO’s own live music and electronic programming. In-house catering is mandatory; external caterers are not permitted. Cafe KOKO, an adjoining venue at 74 Crowndale Road, is also available for standalone hire accommodating up to 230 guests with its own DJ booth, PA system, and Italian-infused menu — useful for smaller events or as an additional space for particularly large programmes. Brands including LVMH, Frieze, Net-A-Porter, and YouTube have used KOKO for private events. For organisers seeking a venue where cultural weight, production quality, and multi-floor versatility converge at scale, KOKO delivers an experience that purpose-built event spaces simply cannot manufacture.