Step inside the Gaumont
Take a peek inside the Gaumont State Theatre – part of Kilburn’s musical story since 1937
The Gaumont State Theatre on Kilburn High Road is one of London’s great music landmarks. Opened in 1937 as one of the largest cinemas in Europe, it spent four decades hosting some of the biggest names in music – Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, David Bowie, Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones and Ian Dury among them. The Who played there in December 1977. Nearly half a century later, Kilburn Music Mile brought the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra back to the same stage.
The building itself tells the story. Art Deco outside, Italian Renaissance inside – chandeliers modelled on Buckingham Palace, a Wurlitzer organ that once rose from beneath the stage, and an auditorium that held 4,000 people. The photographs here show the space as it exists today: intact, extraordinary, and for one night, filled with music again.
Come join us this year
This year’s Music Mile is already taking shape – and we need people like you to make it happen. If you can give a few hours to help plan, promote or run the event, we’d love to hear from you.