August 4th: Today’s Feature

August

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. 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.

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.

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.

Well known for its infectious energy and joyous sound, Hackney Empire Community Choir embraces the cultural diversity within the choir, as well as offering its participants a great chance to meet new friends, sing their hearts out and most of all, have fun.

Hackney Empire Community Choir was launched in 2010 by Olivier Award winning, former BBC Last Choir Standing judge, Sharon D Clarke in partnership with former East London Gospel Choir music/choir director Joseph Roberts.

Hackney Empire Choir is a great social activity and members interact with the local artistic community both professional and amateur with regular invitations to develop its programme of performances across the UK.

Hackney, as a borough, celebrates Black culture and history all year round.

By celebrating these stories, theatres like the Empire can continue to bring Arts programmes that can not only unmask, repair and prevent the hidden wounds of racial trauma on Black and the Global Majority children and families in Hackney; but also, share and celebrate African and African-Caribbean heritage and culture in Hackney and around the world.

This is why Hackney Empire is more than just a theatre; it is a cultural landmark that has witnessed the evolution of London’s multi-cultural entertainment scene.