Olly Bengough is the CEO and Creative Director of London’s historic and multifaceted music venue KOKO.
London’s iconic KOKO theatre relaunched in April 2022. Bengough led a £70 million restoration and redevelopment alongside Archer Humphreys Architects (Chiltern Firehouse, The Standard) and Interior Designer Studio Pirajean Lees, whilst consulting with English Heritage, The Victorian Society and Camden Council Conservation Department.
While its majestic Victorian grandeur has been carefully restored, Bengough envisioned the futureproofing of KOKO via its use of technology, with high-spec livestreaming facilities built into the fabric of the new building and its adjoining new members club The House of KOKO, which together spans 50,000 sq ft.
KOKO reopened its doors with high profile shows from Arcade Fire, Jorja Smith, Stormzy and Burna Boy, and it quickly became clear that this new endeavour had set a new standard for the future of music venues whilst also paying homages to its 120 year history. As Forbes stated, KOKO provides “A new benchmark in showcasing live music and music culture.”
