Hackney Empire: A History of London’s Iconic Theatre

The Golden Age of Variety Shows at Hackney Empire

Hackney Empire is one of London’s most famous theatres. It has a rich and diverse history that spans over a century. Hackney Empire has entertained generations of audiences with its unique and versatile shows, from music hall to opera, comedy to drama.

How Hackney Empire Became a Music Hall

The theatre was built in 1901 by Frank Matcham, a renowned architect who designed many other theatres in London. It was initially a music hall where people could enjoy a variety of acts, such as singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, and acrobats. The theatre soon became popular with locals and visitors, attracting stars like Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel, Marie Lloyd, and George Formby.

Hackney Empire is one of London's most famous theatres. It has a rich and diverse history that spans over a century. From music hall to opera, comedy to drama, Hackney Empire has entertained generations of audiences with its unique and versatile shows.
Hackney Empire

The Transition to Cinema and Live Performances

In the 1930s, Hackney Empire changed its format to accommodate the growing demand for cinema. It became one of the first theatres in London to show sound films. However, it continued hosting live performances, such as pantomimes, operas, ballets, and concerts. Famous names graced its stage during this period: Paul Robeson, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Judy Garland.

After World War II, Hackney Empire faced many challenges and changes. It struggled to compete with television and other forms of entertainment. It also suffered from neglect and decay. In the 1950s and 1960s, it hosted mainly wrestling matches and bingo nights. In the 1970s and 1980s, it became a venue for alternative theatre and comedy. It hosted shows by groups such as Theatre Workshop, Black Theatre Co-operative, Comic Strip, and Alternative Cabaret.

The Decline and Revival of Hackney Empire

In 1986, Hackney Empire was bought by Roland Muldoon, a comedian and promoter who wanted to restore its glory as a theatre. He launched a campaign to raise funds for its renovation and refurbishment. He also brought back variety shows and pantomimes to its programme. He invited many famous comedians to perform at Hackney Empire, including Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Eddie Izzard, Jo Brand, Lee Evans, Harry Hill, Graham Norton, and Russell Brand.

In 2001-2004 Hackney Empire underwent a significant restoration project that cost £17 million—the project aimed to preserve its original features while adding modern facilities and equipment. The theatre reopened in 2004 with a gala performance featuring stars such as Brian May, Lenny Henry, and Meera Syal.

The Modern Era of Hackney Empire

Today Hackney Empire is one of London’s leading theatres for arts and culture. It showcases various shows, from musicals and dramas to comedies and concerts. It also supports local talent and community projects, such as youth theatre, education programmes, and festivals. Hackney Empire is more than just a theatre; it is a cultural landmark that has witnessed the evolution of London’s entertainment scene.

The Hackney Empire has survived its sometimes troubled past and is once again a popular place to see a show, particularly at Christmas when it puts on some well-rated pantomimes. It also runs regular dramatic, comedy, ballet, variety and opera performances.

Hackney Empire is a historic theatre with many changes and challenges throughout history. Originally a music hall, it evolved to incorporate cinema and live performances and then struggled to compete with other forms of entertainment in the post-World War II era. However, thanks to the efforts of Roland Muldoon, the Hackney Empire was revived in the 1980s and 1990s and underwent a significant renovation in the early 2000s.

Today, Hackney Empire is a thriving cultural institution showcasing various shows and supporting local talent and community projects. Its programme includes musicals, dramas, comedies, concerts, and youth theatre. Its annual pantomime has become a beloved tradition, and its stage has hosted some of the biggest names in comedy, music, and theatre.

Hackney Empire’s rich and varied history reflects the evolution of London’s entertainment scene and highlights the enduring appeal of live performance. As a cultural landmark, it remains an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape and a testament to the power of the performing arts.

Hackney Empire: A Cultural Landmark in London

Hackney Empire is a historic theatre located in the heart of East London. Known for its rich and diverse history, the theatre has entertained generations with its unique and versatile shows.

One of the highlights of Hackney Empire’s programme is its annual pantomime, which has become a beloved tradition for families across London. The theatre’s spacious seating plan accommodates large audiences, making it the perfect venue for big shows and events.

Aside from its pantomime, Hackney Empire offers various events, including musicals, dramas, comedies, and concerts. Its comedy nights are trendy, featuring some of the biggest names in British comedy.

Hackney Empire has modern facilities and equipment despite its age, thanks to a significant restoration project completed in the early 2000s. Its capacity to hold large audiences makes it an ideal venue for established and up-and-coming performers.

Hackney Empire’s history is a testament to the evolution of London’s entertainment scene. From its roots as a music hall in the early 1900s to its modern-day status as a cultural landmark, the theatre has remained relevant and popular.

Hackney Empire has something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of pantomime, comedy, or theatre. Check out its programme to see what shows, and events are coming up, and book your tickets now to experience one of London’s most iconic venues for arts and culture.

5 thoughts on “Hackney Empire: A History of London’s Iconic Theatre”

  1. I had a relative George Brothers Dixon who in 1921 census is a musician employed by the Empire Theatre Hackney N E Any information will be appetited. Thankyou.

    Reply
  2. My grandmother, Maud Collings, was a machinist in one of the local clothing factories during the daytime in the early 1900s, and appeared in the evenings at the Hackney Empire under the stage name of ‘Miss Ampere’, with a 1,000 volt charge supposedly passing through her as a part of the act. For years I had a battered poster of the act but sadly this got destroyed in a house move some 30 years ago. I wonder if any records exist of the acts as they appeared in the early 20thC. I’d love to find out more if there are any out there with information.

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  3. My Grandad, Thomas Aldous born in 1869 appeared at the Hackney Empire as a Magician,not sure of dates, might be 1906 onwards. Word of mouth says he knew Marie Lloyd. Does anyone know anything of this,also he may have had a stage name.

    Reply

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