About London
London is known as the financial center of the United Kingdom as well as the capital of England. Previously given the title of the world’s most visited city and with almost 9,000,000 inhabitants in the Greater London area, it is a popular tourist destination as well as a crowded city to live in. The city has known its fair share of struggles, with the Plague killing 70,000 Londoners in 1665 and a huge fire burning the town down only a year later. Although it took almost 10 years to rebuild, the city now stands stronger than ever and is a hub for entertainment and production.
London has served as inspiration for many movies including the famous Harry Potter franchise, and even some scenes from a James Bond film were shot here. Being a town that is familiar with performance arts such as plays, movies and live entertainment, it would be great to host a performance space in London.
Performance Space Options in London
A functional performance space venue will need certain accommodations to make the venue practical and safe. Keep reading to find out what you will not want to forget at your London performance space.
- Proper Lighting
One of the main factors required for a successful performance space will be proper lighting. You’ll need to make sure that your performers can see and be seen properly. As well, spotlights or LED lights can be used to enhance the experience for the audience.
- Audio and Visual Equipment
Audio and visual equipment, such as microphones for the actors, speakers for sound effects and video cameras or projectors will be necessary for your London performance space. Having the proper equipment can make all the difference, so this is a step that you won’t want to forget.
- Props and Decor
Whether you are putting on a play or performing a concert, talent show or some other type of performance, creating the right scene and ambiance is essential. You can design the perfect performance space in London by enhancing the venue with the right props, furniture and decorative items.
Performance Space Companies in London
Now that you know what you need for your London performance space, you’ll need to know where to find everything so you can start to set up.
- 10 Out Of 10 Lighting & Sound
This company has been renting out and setting up lighting equipment in London since 1989 and has since become a successful business in the performance industry. Here you can find LED lights, dimmers, follow spots and more that would be great to help your production stand out.
- AV Projections Ltd
AV Projections Ltd is a company that was established in 1993, and with their over 25 years of experience has evolved to be one of the best London audio and visual rental companies. They have an extensive collection of equipment and can help you set up and perfect the sound and look you want.
- EPH Creative
This company offers furniture, props and other decorations to create the perfect environment for any performance space. EPH Creative can design personalised props to create any scene, and will deliver and set everything up for you as well.
Pros and Cons of Performance Spaces in London
London, England is a busy city that is well suited to a performance space venue. However, as with every city, there are advantages and disadvantages to travelling and working here.
Advantages
- Connected public transit
One of the benefits of holding a performance space in London is the public transit. This city has a functional bus system as well as the tube, which is made of 270 stations connected by an underground railway. You can get around the entire city with ease using the available public transit, and it is affordable as well.
- Lots of attractions and historic sites
In London, you’ll find lots of old and historic buildings like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and Westminster Abbey that are amazing places to visit. As well, the town is full of theatres to watch live entertainment, stores to shop at or restaurants for dining.
- Close proximity to the ocean
When you think of London you might not imagine the beach, but in fact, the city is in relatively close proximity to the ocean. If you want to take a break from the busy city life, you can easily take a day trip to the beach which you can reach in 90 minutes or less.
Disadvantages
- Busy and noisy
London is a populated city that is also a favored tourist destination, which is why the city can be very busy and noisy. As well, London is not the cleanest city and is said to have more littering and pollution compared to other towns.
- Unpleasant weather
London’s climate tends to be unpredictable, switching often between overcast, windy and hot days. When clouds appear they can sometimes stay for days at a time, which can be unpleasant and dispiriting.
- High cost of living
London is an expensive city to live in, so you should expect to pay more for most things. Make a budget for booking and outfitting your London performance space.
Famous Locations in London
- The O2 Arena
First named The Millennium Dove, this arena originally served as an exhibition center offering activities geared towards young children. Today, it is called the O2 Arena and is a popular spot for live entertainment. Stage shows and live music often take place here, and the space also has a cinema, bar and restaurant. You can even climb to the top of the dome to see a beautiful view of the city on a guided tour.
- Electric Avenue
This street, found in Brixton, was the first electrically lit street market in London, which is where it got its iconic name. Here you can find many small businesses and shops selling unique handmade merchandise that can only be found in London. Visit Electric Avenue if you want to spend time shopping or listening to some live entertainment.
- Piccadilly Circus
Beginning as a commercial hub in the 17th century, Piccadilly Circus is known as the heart of the West End of London. This is where to go if you are looking for some nightlife, as you can find theatres, shops, arcades and nightclubs in this brightly lit area.