Amazon Prime’s ‘Unsigned’: how we volunteered to transform a venue for future music stars
The Dome in North London has captivated audiences since 1981, hosting some of the UK’s biggest music acts, from Blur and Noel Gallagher to Florence + The Machine.
But more recently the venue, like many others, was hit by declining numbers which was not helped by the COVID pandemic. Its future as a live music venue, attracting headliners and grassroots music, was uncertain.
But not anymore thanks to Willmott Dixon Interiors. Our work to rejuvenate this iconic cultural landmark for a new generation of emerging talent is featured in a major new Amazon Prime documentary, Unsigned: Backing the Dream.
A cornerstone of the live music scene
The Dome is a Grade II-listed Victorian building and renowned live music venue, nestled in the vibrant heart of Tufnell Park.
The venue offers two unique spaces:
- A 600-capacity room on the ground floor for larger performances
- An intimate 300-capacity basement for up-close gigs and DJ sets
At a time when local music venues are disappearing, The Dome remains an important community platform for aspiring talent, and it was the ideal venue for an ambitious new Amazon Prime show called Unsigned, spearheaded by American Express, which is aimed at creating breakthrough opportunities for artists, with their journey toward a record deal documented for a TV audience.
But before the cameras rolled, The Dome was in desperate need of a facelift. That’s when we stepped in, donating our time and expertise for a fast-paced project to revitalise this much-loved venue for the upcoming show.
We saw it as a chance to not only give back to the local community, but an opportunity to make a lasting impact on grassroots musicians.
London calling
Enrique Soler is the head of design at Willmott Dixon Interiors.
A lifelong enthusiast of both architecture and live music – particularly guitar-driven rock – Enrique brings a personal passion to every project he tackles.
Not only has he been a devoted fan of music since childhood, but he also boasts an impressive collection of guitars and has performed in bands himself.
So when the opportunity arose to volunteer as part of our project team at The Dome, Enrique didn’t hesitate.
“I just love live music,” Enrique explains. “Living in London is a privilege, there’s always something amazing happening, and so many chances to see live bands. I also used to live nearby, so The Dome has always held a special place in my heart.”
Ain’t no mountain high enough
Refurbishing historic buildings is rarely a simple task, and The Dome was no exception:
- The stunning arched windows were hidden behind thick black acoustic curtains, while the venue’s original charm was concealed under layers of black paint.
- While removing the curtains would improve aesthetics, the large window spaces presented acoustic challenges that required careful planning.
- Downstairs, redundant lighting and cabling cluttered the space, all of which had to be removed.
- The Dome had to remain operational throughout the refurbishment, with just weeks remaining before Unsigned’s grassroots acts were due to perform.
- With a limited budget, collaboration was crucial. We called upon our senior build manager, Jamie Rogan, to manage delivery of the project, working alongside IPG Mediabrands and trusted supply chain partner, 360 Interiors, to maximise efficiency and impact.
A design for life
Our striking design stands out for its elegance and simplicity.
By deploying contrasting colours, we have successfully preserved and enhanced the building’s distinctive character while transforming the atmosphere within the same space.
“As the building has such a theatrical character, we chose an elegant dark red, a shade you’d often see in traditional theatres,” Enrique explains. “We applied this colour to the walls and columns, knowing that even subtle changes could make a huge impact. The beams were painted in a light grey to contrast with the black ceiling.”
The once obscured window openings are now fully revealed, with the heavy curtains removed and new acoustic insulation thoughtfully installed within the window frames. This not only uncovers the building’s historic charm but also preserves the acoustic integrity essential for a live music venue.
Large-scale black and white photography now adorns the venue’s walls, perfectly complementing its bold character, while standout neon signs inject a modern touch that contrasts with the historic features.
Downstairs, a rich dark green colour has been introduced to various elements of the space, paired with carefully replaced acoustic insulation. Additional cleaning and repairs were also carried out to breathe new life into the area.
Enrique Soler: “As an architect, I wanted to bring out the features and character of the building, as designs should always respond to where they are implemented. The Dome is a unique venue for me, and it should be unique for everyone.”
Thanks to Enrique’s vision and the collective effort of our entire team, including supply chain partners, we’ve truly brought The Dome to life. From project management to creative direction, everyone contributed to creating an inspiring space for the show, and a launchpad for the stars of tomorrow.
Watch Unsigned: Backing the Dream on Amazon Prime.
