 Hackney Empire
291 Mare Street, London, E8 1EJ
What's on at Hackney Empire
Nearest rail:
Hackney Downs, Hackney Central, London Fields
The Hackney Empire is just beginning a fresh stage in its life. A £15 million pound reinvention having been completed in 2004, it was opened anew by Sir Alan Sugar with a celebration gala. More than a century old, in its early days it flourished as a music hall, a host of acts descending upon it from around the world. Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel appeared here many times, but undoubtedly the biggest name was Marie Lloyd who sowed the seeds for an actors’ union. Today she is remembered in the theatre’s annexe and bar, named after her.
The Empire celebrated popular culture, and saw performances from Louis Armstrong, Tony Hancock and Liberace. Sold by its owners in 1956 to ATV it retained its place in the foreground by becoming Britain’s first commercial television studios. A stint as a Mecca bingo hall followed, until it was taken over in 1981 by political theatre company Cartoon Archetypical Slogan Theatre who steered its path forward to the present day. The Empire hopes to cement its unique place in London’s theatre scene with its strongly varied programme encompassing music and drama from the traditional to the contemporary.
What's on at Hackney Empire
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