It felt apt for Self Esteem to be the opening act at the new British Airways ARC venue in the rooftop of the redeveloped Kensington Olympia. Not just because she marvels at the self-serve bar – which is admittedly great – but because she delivers the kind of show which pushes any space to its limits. A show show, one that melds theatricality, mixed-media, dance, spoken-word and music - and in this spanking new space looks and sounds sensational.
It is a highly impressive way to kick off a new era for Olympia, a landmark which is 140 years old, and alongside its use as an exhibition space, also has serious music history behind it, with Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, the real London ground-breakers, playing at previous venues on the site. It’s new look is quite something. The approach feels spectacular as you go up an escalator three storey’s high and come to a lovely promenade flanked by restaurants - there are 8 here - before an 83-metre long LED video canvas showing art on the ceiling guides you to the venue itself. There are bars too, and three al fresco terraces overlooking the city. It all feels luxe and cool and of course this is no accident.
