How theatre impresario Fred Karno’s ‘Fun Factory’ was converted into a space for creative living in Camberwell, south-east London
Why did Karno build his headquarters here and what exactly was it used for? Which legendary slapstick tricks are said to have been invented under this very roof? And how has the five-storey home been converted for creative living? We reveal all…
Karno was a theatre impresario of British music hall, a one-time circus performer and a leading pioneer of slapstick, launching the careers of Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel among many other comedy heroes. At the height of his career, during the late 1890s and early 1900s, he was touring the country with his troupe performing 36 different sketches.
In 1906, he built a headquarters for his music hall troupe to rehearse and perform, which was named the ‘Fun Factory’. Karno required somewhere to store his mammoth theatre sets and to make props – and he sure got it: the space spans 6,300 sq ft internally. He hired 200 staff and 30 touring companies to work under him at the Fun Factory. You can only imagine the escapades that took place behind the front door.
The Fun Factory was notorious within its industry. Legend has it that Karno invented the custard-pie throw, the crowing glory of slapstick comedy, in this very space. When Karno and his music hall troupe would set off on tour, it’s said that nearby residents would fill the streets and wave them on their way.
Many original features telling stories of the past, such as the industrial goods lift that stops on each floor – one that Karno would perhaps use to elevate his theatre sets and props.
But what about life here today? This is a building that calls for creative living. Its current owner is an artist and has made the most of the flexible space by converting levels of the home into a studio and gallery area. There’s warehouse charm in its brick walls, cathedral ceilings and exposed steel trusses, while bamboo flooring and timber touches create warmth. There’s no shortage of inspiration as books, plants and contemporary art are in abundance.
This home’s extraordinary history will make for curious conversation at forthcoming parties – with a space so spectacular, how could you resist hosting here? Karno’s Factory might be a thing of the past, but there’s plenty more fun to be had here.
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