Bbc Television Theatre

The BBC Television Theatre, formerly known as Shepherds Bush Empire, was built in 1903 by Frank Matcham. This theatre is unique among his London theatres as it displays a distinct Arts and Crafts influence. The building features a combination of terracotta, brick, and roughcast materials, with an asymmetrical design.

On the left side, there is a robust round tower with a tall brick base, while the main stage is roughcast and has casually placed terracotta-framed windows. The top stage is octagonal with classical details, featuring arched windows on each face and a scooped parapet set between blocked Ionic columns. Above these columns, plain corner shafts extend as ramped buttresses that support a lantern and cupola, which originally had an ornate finial.

The entrance bay is faced with brick and has bracketed eaves, with a terracotta arcade at the first-floor level that is currently covered by a sign. There is also a central bowed feature. To the right, there is a roughcast gabled bay, followed by a wide, splayed brick return. An iron entrance canopy has been added, now with modern cladding.

Although there have been extensions and internal alterations for television use, the auditorium retains much of its rich plaster ornamentation. This includes a serpentine bracketed cornice over the proscenium, flanked by shell-hooded boxes and corner niches with angels in the spandrels, a cove with scale ornament, and a circular ceiling with oval panels. The entrance foyer is also notable.