29 November 2008 - 10 January 2009 (Main House)
"Captivating" ***** Metro
"Superb" **** Sunday Times
"A 24 Carat Christmas Nugget" ***** Daily Mail
"This is pantomime as it should be" **** The Guardian
"London's best for festive fun" **** Financial Times
"A Christmas Cracker" Time Out
Hackney Empire’s tenth anniversary production is London’s must-see pantomime this Christmas.
10 January 2009
We are looking for 5 singers to take part in a talent quest to find the best talent of Hackney to date. You can audition in groups or as an individual.
For more information or to book an audition slot please e-mail: Shawandedwards@hotmail.co.uk
17 January 2009 (Main House)
Comedy's favourite grumpy old man Arthur Smith hosts the celebrated New Act of the Year finals. Since its inception the show has unleashed the sharpest, wittiest and most inventive new comics on to the grand Hackney Empire stage and then on to rock'n'roll comedy stardom, including RUSSELL BRAND,CATHERINE TATE, GINA YASHERE, JOE WILKINSON and MEN IN COATS, to name but a few.
Don't miss the comedy event of the year!
'One of the finest comic talent contests in the country' Guardian
18 January 2009 (Main House)
Boroughs United Annual Event is a talent show that brings together young people from different boroughs helping break down the barriers between neighbourhoods. A celebration of singing, dancing and rapping/MC, the show is performed by young people aged 5 to 21, which is divided into two age categories as they battle for the perpetual, Boroughs United Shield.
19 January 2009 (Main House)
Countdown is an evening of celebration and inspiration for Hackney’s secondary school students. It’s organised by The Learning Trust, the not-for-profit company who look after all Hackney’s schools.
23 January 2009 (Main House)
After last year’s sell out show, the Hackney Empire proudly present the return of the Discover Young Hackney Festival Launch: the multicultural variety show and talent contest “I’m In”, once again on the hunt to discover the best in the borough.
The night is sure to be a sell out so book early to see what Hackney has to offer!
30 January 2009 - 22 February 2009 (HE Studio)
After taking the 291 show by storm Ashley J (EastEnders, Locked In, Trouble TV’s Bump n Grind) and Tee-J (BBC’s Kerching!, ch4 and MTV’s Dubplate Drama, The Bill) present ACTing Up! an improvised comedy game show where you the audience decide what happens! See the young performers of today create comical scenes from your suggestions LIVE! Plus guess performers.
3 February 2009 - 8 February 2009 (Main House)
The Sponge Who Could Fly – A New Musical
Take a look at what’s surfacing on stage at Hackney Empire: direct from the hit television show.... SpongeBob SquarePants - The Sponge Who Could Fly! Join SpongeBob, Patrick and their zany Bikini Bottom pals in a new musical as SpongeBob embarks on his dream to fly with the jellyfish.
10 February 2009 - 14 February 2009 (Main House)
The RSC returns to the Hackney Empire with Othello following last year's acclaimed Noughts and Crosses. Taking the title role is Patrice Naiambana, who recently appeared in the Royal Shakespeare Company's acclaimed Histories Cycle. Natalia Tena, best known for her role as Tonks in the Harry Potter films, makes her RSC debut to play Desdemona, whilst Michael Gould, whose recent credits include Women of Troy and Attempts on her Life for the National Theatre, rejoins the Company to play Iago.
13 February 2009 - 14 February 2009 (HE Studio)
In The Honk Project’s brand new show, To Have and to Honk, four musicians are on their way to a wedding. But, in true Honk form, the journey doesn’t quite go according to plan…
With their special blend of amiable chaos and hilarious physical theatre, The Honk Project will have you laughing until you cry, even as you thrill to the musical delights on offer.
13 February 2009 - 14 February 2009 (HE Studio)
Broken Leg Theatre presents a hilarious observatory comedy based in a pub in a northern Lincolnshire town. From internet dating to free parties, Eyes Down, Pens Ready encapsulates what it is to live in a small town and how the smallest of things become the biggest of deals when mates get together over a few pints.
‘With dialogue good enough for a prime time sitcom, delivered to explosive laughter from the audience, this is a production that could run and run.’ Latest 7, Brighton.
19 February 2009 - 7 March 2009 (Main House)
The naughty spider-man is brought to life in a fun-packed family show by the famous Talawa Theatre Company. Bring all your peeps to laugh and learn from Anansi’s antics!
Starring Kat as Anansi and Tameka Empson as Nana Su!
8 March 2009 (Main House)
Students aged 7 - 19 from the Hackney based Anna Fiorentini School perform their annual variety showcase of West End musicals as well as contemporary pieces. Guided by professional choreographers and directors this fun filled evening shows what the youth of today can achieve with a little focus and dedication.
12 March 2009 - 14 March 2009 (Main House)
The Magic Flute is an enchanting story withall the elements of great opera; drama. magic and Motzart's musical genius. ETO’s new English-language production by physical theatre specialist Liam Steel, conducted by Paul McGrath, will be a memorable night for all ages.
13 March 2009 (Main House)
This first ETO production of Janacek's intimate, intense love story promises to be an evening of passionate theatre. Janacek's mature opera Katya Kabanova is the moving story of a sensitive married woman who falls in love with an attractive young man. This near perfect blend of lyric music and drama is based on the classic Russian play, The Storm; like the play it is dominated by the river Volga, a brooding, fatal presence.
20 March 2009 - 21 March 2009 (Main House)
Grand Union Orchestra
"Telling the stories of today's East Londoners through the music of the world."
From the team that brought you the sensational Doctor Carnival to the Empire 4 years ago, Grand Union Orchestra joins forces with 150 of East London's finest young performers! Steel bands, African drummers, gospel choirs, jazz orchestras, saz and panpipes, sitar, sarangi and tablas, marimba and harp, singers from 5 continents and international jazz stars - all go into the extraordinary mix that celebrates life On Liberation Street.
22 March 2009 (Main House)
The 13th year of In Celebration of My Sisters, hosted by Brenda Emmanus with a star studded line-up paying homage to International Women’s Month and Mothers day. Featuring, Inspirational Speaker, Dance, Poetry, Theatre, and musical finale.
A mother’s day show not to be missed.
With special guest appearences by Eddie Nestor and Carroll Thompson
24 March 2009 - 28 March 2009 (Main House)
4 May 1969 and the battered body of a 38 year old man is pulled from the River Aire. An internal police inquiry will follow, revealing how he had been the victim of horrific, systematic, police brutality.
“My name is David. David Oluwale”
West Yorkshire Playhouse, The New Wolsey Theatre, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse as part of the Eclipse Theatre Initiative
29 March 2009 (Main House)
They’re back again! Your very own Hackney Empire Music Hall Company with a fun filled evening which will leave your spirits lifted. Take a stroll down memory lane and sing along to all your old favourites or simply sit back and enjoy the finest example of Music Hall in the most beautiful Edwardian theatre in London.
23 April 2009 - 26 April 2009 (Main House)
This world famous dance spectacular has played more than 1000 shows in 40 countries to over 8 million visitors. A fantastic mixture of ballet, modern-oriental and folk dance, the troop of dancers tell the story of Anatolia and its people, now known as Turkey. With over 40 dancers and drummers, this show is truly spectacular.
2 May 2009 (Main House)
Award winning stand-up hero Danny 'Slim' Gray presents his latest one man show I AM SLIM, with brand new material about growing up with his Mum, his siblings and... The Belt! Original and versatile Slim's has performed in the top comedy venues around the world and was the first black UK comic to perform at the famous Hollywood Comedy Store.
3 May 2009 (Main House)
Ellen Kent & Amphitheatre Productions presents Verdi’s Aida
The splendour of Egypt is set against the grandeur of the Colosseum of Rome in this spectacular new production from Ellen Kent & Amphitheatre Productions. This fully-staged traditional opera is directed by Ellen Kent in an amphitheatre set designed by London based designer Will Bowen.
5 May 2009 - 9 May 2009 (Main House)
An undisputed national treasure and the world’s favourite children’s author, Roald Dahl has enchanted young minds for more than twenty five years with stories that fire the imagination, bring dreams to life and release squeals of both terror and delight. The BFG is classic Dahl and this brand new stage show promises to mix up heart-pounding adventures with life-long friendships, jumbly words and even some whizzpopping in front of the Queen!
10 May 2009 (Main House)
Join Paul Merton as he screens extracts from the very best silent comedians in some of their funniest films. Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel & Hardy and many others are hi-lighted by Paul whose enthusiasm and infectious knowledge of these films means a splendid time is guaranteed for all. See the best of the silent comics on the big screen with a fantastic live musical accompaniment by the world renowned Neil Brand.
5 June 2009 (Main House)
New comedy from the star of LIVE AT THE APOLLO (BBC) and ROYAL VARIETY SHOW (ITV). Sell out 2005/6/7.
"You'll laugh until you actually cry." ***** Sunday Express
"Guaranteed a good time" List
"Five star smash" Chortle
"Fuel injected comedic brain...achingly funny.” ***** Scotsman
Supported by Seann Walsh
