O2 Academy Leeds is a spectacular building situated at the site of the former Town and Country Club and in more recent years, Creation nightclub (2001-2004), AMG restored the Grade I listed building to its former glory as one of the City’s most historic music venues. 

Originally the Coliseum building on Cookridge Street, the venue was opened in 1885 by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Designed by William Bakewell, in Gothic style, it featured an ornate stone frontage and a hall described as ‘one of the finest in the North of England’ (Kelly’s Directory – 1914). 

In its early years, it was used for circus and Variety shows of the day, through to political meetings and religious gatherings. Changing hands between various theatre and property developers, the Coliseum converted to a cinema in 1938 and was renamed the Gaumont. It closed in March 1961 and re-opened as a Bingo Hall and Social club, through to use as a television studio in the 1980s until 1991. 

From 1992 to 2000, it was home to the legendary Town and Country Club, playing host to many high profile acts including Blur, INXS, Mark Knopfler and The Stones Roses.
Following a £4.5m refurbishment, the venue opened with an outstanding show by the most successful band from the City, Kaiser Chiefs on Wednesday 8th October 2008. 

Since opening, the venue has been an instant hit with artists and promoters and customers, all delighted the venue retains as many original features and grandeur of its former years by converting back to the theatre format, but adding up to the minute and facilities and production values.

Designed to the highest technical specification, the auditorium is theatre style and has a capacity of 2,300 with original brick features and exposed beams and perfectly combines its magnificent heritage with a modern development. 

The venue also has a 400 capacity second room downstairs called ‘Underground’. An intimate club space, it marks a contemporary twist to AMG’s venue portfolio, with minimal design and multiple screens, top of the range PA and lighting specification to host the perfect club events and pre and post bar trade. 

Awards
• Total Production International Awards 2009 ‘Favourite Venue’ (nomination)

CAPACITY

400

SECURITY

Showsec International Ltd

LAND LINES / SHORE POWER

2 x 32 Amp CeeForm in loading bay to be shared with main room production

PRODUCTION OFFICE

Direct Dial: 0113 389 1570
Direct Fax: 0113 389 1571
Wireless internet

PERFORMANCE AREAS

There is a raised area between the main front speakers that can be used for vocal performers and electronic artists. Audio feeds on the back wall feed into the main PA. A DJ booth may be used by visiting by DJs at the same time as a vocalist performs on the stage 

LOAD IN

Push down from street (Portland Crescent) at the stage end of the venue onto main auditorium floor – stairs lead from the main auditorium down to the foyer and then stairs lead from the foyer.

PA

4 x Turbosound TA 880-H
4 x Turbosound TA 880-L
4 x Turbosound TSW 218
2 x Turbosound NuQ 12

MC2 Amplification
4 x E25
4 x E45

BSS Processing
FDS 366T crossovers

The PA is ground stacked in columns with one speaker of each type. The speaker stacks are in 4 opposite corners and can run either in stereo or as a 5:1 setup

The 5:1 input points are on stage and are analog balanced inputs. If you wish to utilize this set up please advise at least 2 weeks in advance

STAGE MONITORS

LE1500’s can be supplied but must be arranged 2 weeks in advance

FOH DESK

Allen & Heath Mixwizard 16 mounted in DJ Booth

DJ BOOTH

2 x Pioneer CDJMK3
2 x Technics SL1210s MKII
1 x Allen & Heath 3D

LIGHTING

Avolites Azure Shadow with vga monitor
36 x Chroma Panels
4 x Chroma Zone
8 x Solar 250
1 x Unique 2 Hazer

AV

2 x 32 inch LCD screens mounted behind bars
21 x 7.5” screens mounted in alcove seating areas
AV send fed from Technical office including DVD and Hippotizer
AV input also by projector for visiting VJ’s via vga socket
1 x Projector Sanyo PLCXT20L
10’ screen with projector mounted for back projection (behind raised performance area)

CATERING FACILITIES

Please liaise with venue directly.

PARKING FACILITIES

Space for x 1 bus & 7.5 tonne truck or splitter and car, power available.