‘Visionary’ Roundhouse founder dies aged 91
Roundhouse founder Torquil Norman has died aged 91, with venue leader Marcus Davey praising a “brilliant and formidable leader”.
The British businessman and philanthropist, who bought the Camden building in the late-1990s and transformed it from a former warehouse into a multi-use arts centre, passed away on March 19.
Davey, chief executive and artistic director of the Roundhouse, called Norman “a true visionary, who brought so much joy to this world and never stopped believing in young people”.
“Without Torquil, the Roundhouse would simply not exist as it does today. He was an extraordinary businessman, a huge advocate for creativity, the arts and young people, and simply a wonderful human being,” Davey said.
Davey sent his love and well wishes to Norman’s partner, Iga, and children Jesse, Casey, Lulu, Caspar, and Amy, and added: “He was a great inspiration to me during the 10 years I worked very closely with him and I will personally miss a very dear friend.”
Continues...
Read More
The Roundhouse was built as a turntable English shed for the London and Birmingham Railway, opening in 1847.
It was used for various other purposes, including as a warehouse for gin distillers for some 50 years, before becoming a cultural centre in the mid-1960s.
Bands and artists such as the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd all performed at the venue in this time.
But after falling into abandonment, Norman purchased the building and set up the Roundhouse Trust to redevelop it, with the venue now working with thousands of young people each year through its creative programmes and showcasing performance ranging from poetry slams to comedy.
Norman had made his fortune as the creator of Bluebird Toys, with his work in the industry creating recognisable children brands such as Polly Pocket.
His son, Conservative MP Jesse Norman, heralded the “unbelievable joy” his father’s work had brought to children and his rebuilding of the Roundhouse.
Norman told fellow MPs during questions in the House of Commons: “He rebuilt the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm in London, not just as an incredible performing arts centre but as a creative centre for young people and for them to find their way from whatever backgrounds into jobs.”
Most Read
Across The Stage this weekYour subscription helps ensure our journalism can continue
Invest in The Stage today with a subscription starting at just £7.99
© Copyright The Stage Media Company Limited 2025
