Hackney Empire

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Hackney Empire

Hugely versatile, our grand and atmospheric auditorium welcomes events including live music performances, filmed comedy specials, an annual iconic pantomime, and so much more. What could you do with the space... ? LET'S DREAM BIG!

A photo of Hackney Empire from the back of the Stalls, showing the backs of the chairs, the auditorium and the whole stage.
Credit: Mark Senior

THE FACTS:

Capacity: 1268 (seated), 1631 (standing)

Dimensions:
Stage: 214 metres squared (18m x 11.7m)
Height: 20m (to underside of grid)
Proscenium: 10.3m x 8.75m
Auditorium: 24m x 23m x 17m

Types of events: comedy, music, theatre, pantomime, cabaret, musicals, opera, book launches & talks, spoken word, dance, family shows, community events, podcasts, conferences, film & photoshoots.

Downloads List

Image gallery

You'll be in good company!

A photo taken from the side of the Dress Circle showing a full audience watching Mac DeMarco performing on stage.
A sold-out audience watching Mac DeMarco 2023 Credit : Credit: Mark Senior
A photo taken from the back of the Stalls in Hackney Empire, showing an audience on their feet applauding Mother Goose in 2022.
Mother Goose 2022 Credit : Credit: Mark Senior
A photo of Rudimental performing at Hackney Empire surrounded by paper confetti
Rudimental at Hackney Empire surrounded by paper confetti
A photo of John Lithgow sat in a chair drinking tea whilst Ian McKellen leans over the back of the chair talking to him.
Ian McKellen and John Lithgow
A photo taken from the back of the Dress Circle in Hackney Empire showing a full audience watching all of the people involved in the UK Americana Award 2023 stood together on stage.
The UK Americana Awards 2023 Credit : Credit: James Macauley Photos
A photo taken from the back of Hackney Empire's stage showing a woman talking to a crowd as they hold up green signs that say TRUE
The world's largest mental health lesson in 2017
A photo of a standing audience for Cate Le Bon in 2022, taking from the side of the auditorium, showing Cate on stage and the audience watching.
Cate Le Bon 2022 Credit : Credit: Mark Senior
A photo of young people lined up along the front of the stage at the end of Only Joy Aloud, with Kenrick 'H20' Sandy and Yamin Choudury in the centre.
Only Joy Aloud 2022 Credit : Credit: Fabrice Bourgelle
A photo taken from the very back of the stage, showing the whole stage space and the auditorium behind it.
Hackney Empire stage 2022 Credit : Credit: Mark Senior
A photo taken from the side of the Dress Circle showing Chris Ramsey on stage performing and a full crowd watching.
Chris Ramsey at Hackney Empire 2022 Credit : Credit: Mark Senior
A photo of English Touring Opera's Ottone in performance. A man is sat on stage in a chair whilst a woman with a large headdress faces away from him.
English Touring Opera: Ottone 2022 Credit : Credit: Richard Hubert Smith
A photo of the Hackney Empire audience showing young people enjoying the act on stage with their camera lights on and held in the air.
Alter Ego audience with flashing camera lights Credit : Credit: Fabrice Bourgelle
A photo of Nish Kumar on stage during Live at the Empire. Nish is wearing all black and the words LIVE AT THE EMPIRE are displayed on the wall behind him.
Nish Kumar on stage performing in Live at the Empire 2023 Credit : Credit: Paul Gilbey
A photo taken from the Dress Circle showing the Hackney Empire stage and the Stalls with all of the seats taken out
Hackney Empire auditorium with the seats out 2023 Credit : Credit: Mark Senior
A photo of Ghetts on stage at Hackney Empire, wearing a jacket and leaning to the left, holding a microphone in his right hand.
Ghetts, Alter Ego 2016 Credit : Credit: Fabrice Bourgelle
A photo of Josie Lawrence and Lee Simpson sat down together on stage during An Improbable Musical. Josie is smiling and Lee looks angry.
An Improbable Musical 2022 Credit : Credit: Jane Hobson
A full audience waving their arms back and forth in time with Ruth Lynch who is on stage as the Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin.
Audiences reacting to Aladdin Credit : Credit: Mark Senior

"Hackney Empire is my favourite theatre to perform at in London. It feels like you’re allowed to be a part of history (and frequently sully it by saying unacceptable things)"

Ed Gamble

"We have made Hackney Empire the home of the UK Americana Awards since 2018 and it’s been a wonderful collaborative experience. Our overseas visitors are in total awe of the venue's beauty and history. The team front and back of house have always been excellent to work with and we keep coming back year on year"

Stevie Smith, CEO The AMA-UK

"It was an absolute pleasure and dream come true to perform my first London gig of my first national tour at the iconic Hackney Empire. As I was born and live in Hackney for a part of my childhood I remember Hackney Empire being the hub of black entertainment. The vibe in the theatre is truly remarkable, the original features still allows the echo of, laughter, music and a night of joy to float around the theatre. It’s so beautiful to perform in a place that hold so many great memories and feel a sense of familiarity because it’s been the hub of arts and culture for me and many others. I look forward to performing there again soon and being a part of the legacy"

Judi Love

"I played Hackney Empire for the first time this year unbelievably and I had to ask myself why did it take me so long? It’s such a special welcoming space that feels like a hug when you walk on the stage. Simply magical"

Alan Carr