Presented in our foyer space, Hackney Empire: 125 Iconic Years is an exhibition that brings together the remarkable history of Hackney Empire, “London’s Most Beautiful Theatre”(Time Out), and celebrates the many chapters that have shaped its story.

From its opening in 1901, Hackney Empire has been at the heart of London’s cultural life. This exhibition traces its remarkable journey across 125 iconic years, from the golden age of Music Hall and Variety, through Jazz, Rock ’n’ Roll, Hollywood and television, to its time as a Mecca Bingo Hall and the campaign to reclaim the building as a theatre.

The story continues through New Variety, comedy and music, The 291 Club and the birth of Creative Futures, celebrating the artists, audiences and communities who have made Hackney Empire a home for creativity, equity and diversity.

Now, in 2026, we are continuing the theatre’s tradition of bringing together major names from music, theatre, comedy, opera, dance as well as a focus on partnerships and productions, world premieres, landmark anniversaries, and our nationally recognised work with young people.

Explore the exhibition before watching a show, or book for you and a group to do a guided tour of our iconic theatre!

We are grateful to all the participants, contributors, Young Researchers, Friends, staff and Trustees of Hackney Empire who have contributed their support, memories and stories to this Exhibition which marks the beginning of Hackney Empire's 125th Anniversary. Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

Thank you to:

Remi Graves, Community Heritage Researcher

Becky Jefcoate, Cultural Heritage Researcher

Dan de la Motte, Exhibition Co-ordinator

Franceska Peters, Community and Education Producer

Katrina Clark at Desk Tidy Design

Anti-Apartheid Movement Archives

BBC News Library

Black Heroes Foundation

British Hall Music Society

British Newspaper Archive

Disability Arts Online

English Heritage

Frank Matcham Society

Hackney Archives

Hackney Circle

Hackney Empire Preservation Trust

Hackney Museum

Hackney Pensioners Convention

Hackney Society

Kollab Network

London College of Fashion

Reel Rebels Radio

University of East London

Victoria and Albert Museum

University of Birmingham

V&A Music Is Black 

Wood Street Walls

The staff and students of:

Rushmore Primary School

Morningside Primary School 

Holmleigh Primary School

Corrina Antrobus

Kat B

Ngoma Bishop

Luis Blanco

Harriett Brown

Jessie Burgess

Patrick Campbell

Melanie Cartwell

Janet Chapman

Mark Clack

Geoff Clements

Tahlia Coombs

Hattie Crowther

Rib Davis

Chaachi Dean

Paul Dudman

Hazel Durrant

Laurie Elks

Joyce Fraser

Michael Gore

Alicia Graham

Elizabeth Green

Christabel Gurney

Hermia Inniss

Jermain Jackman

Coco Jackson

Etienne Joseph

Lydia Julien

Paul Kieve

Leon Leiffer

Kate Lovell

Lisa McDermott

Susie McKenna

Lauren McKirdy

Anna McNally

Neil Martinson

Roland and Claire Muldoon

Nicki Padayache

Ian Papworth

Maggie Pinhorn

Jeanette Prince

Maggie Reeves

Petra Roberts

Tim Ronalds

Krishna Roy Chowdury

Daphne Scotto Di Carlo

Renell Shaw

Elayne Smith

Frank Sweeney

Simon Thomsett

Esjae Williams Gormlie

Andrew Woodyatt

Alison Young