On 1st June 2006 a Grade II listed north London landmark
reopened following extensive refurbishment. The rebirth of
the Roundhouse was the culmination of more than a decade's
hard work, led by philanthropist Sir Torquil Norman. The
transformation was nothing short of remarkable, and whilst
the Roundhouse's artistic plans include circuses, music
festivals, large scale theatre, multimedia festivals,
installations, talks and screenings it is the organisation's
focus on young people that makes it a leader . The
Roundhouse places young people at its heart, involving them
at every level from membership of the Board of Directors to
generating market campaigns. Kick the Tyres, Light the Fires
is the story of Torquil Norman's extraordinary life, leading
up to the acquisition and the launch of the Roundhouse, as
well as a series of reflections on how the welfare state,
taxation and prison systems can be reformed to give
disadvantaged young people a fighting chance of success.
