London Theatre | 125 years of Hackney Empire
Hackney Empire has been at the heart of East London’s cultural life since it opened in 1901. As it celebrates its 125th anniversary, the much-loved theatre has announced a starry line-up of new patrons and an ambitious vision for the future. Here are five things to know.
1. Seven big-name new patrons
Sir Lenny Henry, Nish Kumar, Tameka Empson, Renell Shaw, Corinna Brown, Kat B and illusion designer Paul Kieve are joining existing patrons Clive Rowe and Leona Lewis to champion the venue. It’s an impressive spread of talent across comedy, music, theatre, television and magic. What makes the list special is that almost all of them have a personal connection to the building. Many started their careers here, performed here early on, or have kept coming back for decades.
2. A launch pad for stars
Lenny Henry filmed his breakthrough show Lenny Henry Live and Unleashed at Hackney Empire in the late 1980s, and he describes the theatre as the launch pad for his career in films and TV. Nish Kumar says the Empire is where he saw comedy for the first time and decided to try it himself. Heartstopper star Corinna Brown came up through the theatre’s Creative Futures programme, and Ivor Novello-winning composer Renell Shaw also began his career here. It’s a reminder of how much a local theatre can change lives.
3. Panto royalty
Hackney Empire’s pantomime is one of the best loved in London, and its panto family is well represented. Comedian Kat B is celebrating his 21st year in the Hackney panto, while Olivier winner Clive Rowe remains the theatre’s much-loved Dame and panto director. EastEnders star Tameka Empson was introduced to the world of Hackney panto by its former director Susie McKenna and even received her British Soap Award on its stage in 2022. If you’ve never been to the Hackney panto, the anniversary year is a great excuse.
4. Houdini once played here
The Grade II* listed building began life as a music hall, and its history is packed with surprises. Illusion designer Paul Kieve, who first performed there in 1987, points out that Harry Houdini appeared on its stage in 1911. Kieve has since developed illusions for shows including Ghost the Musical and Back to the Future in the theatre. He describes it as an extraordinary palace right on Hackney’s doorstep, and it’s well worth a visit just to see the gorgeous interior.
5. An ambitious new chapter
CEO Chris Sudworth is developing a new strategy, Hackney:Central, to make the theatre even more ambitious, equitable and progressive, with new productions and partnerships. Three new trustees have also joined the board, bringing experience from the National Theatre, Hay Festival and the National Youth Theatre. In 2027, the Creative Futures programme will celebrate 25 years of free opportunities for young people to build creative and technical skills. The 125th anniversary programme, launched in September, runs throughout the year.
Visit
Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ
Nearest station: Hackney Central