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What are the base venue hire costs and mandatory minimum spends for KOKO Theatre?

The venue hire fee is £22,500 + VAT for exclusive use from 10am-1am Sunday through Thursday. There's a mandatory bar minimum spend of £4,500 + VAT that must be met through KOKO's beverage service. Optional early access (8am-10am) costs £2,000 + VAT, and late access until 3am costs £2,000 + VAT.

What capacity limits apply for different event formats?

KOKO Theatre accommodates up to 1,500 standing in gig format, up to 1,000 standing for corporate events, and 200-250 seated theatre style on the ground floor with an additional 100 across other floors. The venue operates on a semi-dry hire basis with beverages provided exclusively by KOKO.

Which days of the week are available for private hire?

Private hire is only available Sunday through Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays are not available for private events due to KOKO's live music and electronic programming schedule.

What staff and technical services are included in the base hire fee?

The hire fee includes 2 sound technicians, 1 lighting technician, 1 event manager, 1 venue manager, 1 technical manager, load-in and load-out security, pre and post cleaning, 1 live event cleaner, 1 medic during live event hours, and bar staff (with £1,000 allowance within the standard venue hire).

What spaces are included with the theatre hire?

Exclusive use includes the main theatre, private balconies, roof terrace, Luno Lounge, dressing rooms, 2 dressing rooms with shared green room and shower facilities, 1 green room with private shower and toilet, backstage Wi-Fi, and BOH (back of house) spaces. Some quotes also mention access to the Secret Club.

What additional costs should I budget for beyond the base hire fee?

Additional costs include event security (1 Head of Security plus supervisors), cloakroom attendants, optional LED screen and VJ for £3,200, optional event check-in hosts, optional stage barrier removal for £400, optional stage stairs, and optional show caller/producer. All additional staff costs are estimates excluding VAT.

What are the standard operating hours and extension options?

Standard hire runs from 10am to 1am. Early access from 8am-10am costs £2,000 + VAT. Late access with extended license until 3am costs £2,000 + VAT, with de-rig required by 10am the following day.

How does the beverage service work and what are the restrictions?

KOKO operates 5 bars throughout the venue and all beverages must be provided by KOKO - no external alcohol is permitted. The mandatory minimum spend of £4,500 + VAT must be met through their beverage service, and this is separate from the venue hire fee.

What technical equipment and AV capabilities are included?

The venue includes an in-house sound and lighting package with dedicated technicians. Optional additions include a £3,200 LED screen with VJ services. The venue has high-spec music and live-streaming capabilities, plus backstage Wi-Fi access.

Can I bring my own catering and what are the food service options?

Food must be provided by KOKO's approved suppliers only - external catering is not permitted. The venue operates on a semi-dry hire basis, meaning while you have flexibility with approved food suppliers, all beverages must come through KOKO's bar service.