Venue Information

The O2 Shepherds Bush Empire is a music venue in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, run by the Academy Music Group. It was built in 1903, as a music hall, and in 1953 became the BBC Television Theatre. Since 1991, it has operated as a music venue. The Shepherd's Bush Empire was built in 1903 for impresario Oswald Stoll, designed by theatre architect Frank Matcham. Ashly's Circus performed at Shepherd's Bush empire theatre and presented to George Strong a trophy for riding The Bucking Mule 'Sloper' on 8 September 1905. The first performers at the new theatre were The Fred Karno Troupe incl. Charlie Chaplin (1906). The Empire staged music-hall entertainments, such as variety performances and revues, until the early 1950s, by which time the popularity of these forms of entertainment was declining. During WW2 the Shepherds Bush Empire narrowly escaped being hit by a flying bomb, which in 1944 hit the neighbouring Shepherd's Bush Pavilion, destroying the original interior. The Pavilion did not re-open until 1955. In 1953, the Empire was sold to the BBC, which put it to use as a television studio-theatre, renaming it the BBC Television Theatre. Among the programmes produced there were Crackerjack, Hancock's Half Hour, The Old Grey Whistle Test, That's Life!, The Generation Game, The Basil Brush Show, Juke Box Jury, This is Your Life, Jim'll Fix It, almost all the BBC's light entertainment music shows, such as those starring Cliff Richard, Lulu, Cilla Black, Spike Milligan, Dusty Springfield, Shirley Bassey, Vera Lynn, Harry Secombe, Petula Clark, as well as the UK's Eurovision Song Contest preliminary heat, A Song For Europe. In 1985, the theatre was turned over for exclusive use by Wogan, which was broadcast 3 nights a week from the theatre. The BBC vacated the building in 1991. It was taken over again, this time in 1993 by the entrepreneur Andrew Mahler, who invested over 1m pounds in the building in improvements and refurbishments. In 1994 the building re-opened and again became the Shepherds Bush Empire. Since then, it has become best known as a music venue.

Transport

By Tube

The nearest tube stations are Shepherds Bush on the Hammersmith & City line or Central line; or Goldhawk Road on the Hammersmith & City line.

By Train

The nearest train station is Paddington.

By Car

The venue is in central London so it is advised that you use public transport where possible.

By Taxi

There is a Licensed Cab Office next door to the venue where customers can book in advance: GREATER LONDON TRANSPORT SHEPHERDS BUSH GREEN Telephone 020 8749 8000 or 020 8749 6000.

By Bus

Us bus numbers - 49, 72, 94, 95, 148, 207, 220, 237, 260, 283, 272, 295, 607, N72, N94, N148 and N207.

Parking

The nearest car park is at Westfield Shopping Centre. Parking at Westfield London between 6pm-12am is just 3 pounds per vehicle for O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire customers. Please collect a follow-up ticket from the venue box office or from door staff in the foyer. When exiting Westfield London, insert original ticket to the pay machine before departure and immediately insert the follow up promotional voucher for the 3 pounds rate.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

There are 4 wheelchairs spaces in the stalls area, these are situated three quarters of the way towards the back, on a raised area. Access is through a side door to the building which security will direct customers to and entrance is via a temporary ramp. There is a disabled toilet in the stalls area which is accessed via radar key.

Hearing Systems

Unfortunately, there is no induction loop at present.

Guide Dogs

The venue allows guide dogs but please contact them first.