Hackney Empire

At the start of February, we brought East London’s biggest talent showcase Alter Ego back with a bang and today we’ve released the full film! 😁

Check out the whole show on our YouTube channel to see some of the best 14-18 year old singers, rappers, poets, and dancers perform alongside unbelievable headliners M24, Boy Blue (Boy Blue Ent), Suli Breaks & Ivorian Doll with Rain chosen as the winner! https://youtu.be/5zU3CwwOr24

Follow HE Creative Futures to find out more about getting involved or visit our website to see how you can support our vital work. www.hackneyempire.co.uk/take-part/creative-futures

Full Lineup: Skadeuces (SKD), M24, Boy Blue (Boy Blue Ent), Suli Breaks & Ivorian Doll
Hosted by: Jess Iszatt
Music by: Dj Teej

Finalists:
Blewska
D1GSZ
DDoneit
Dynamix
FCA
LJ
Rayanna
Rain
Tobz & Slimz
Yaz

Happy World Emoji Day! 😝💥🧡🤸

We wanted to put your emoji knowledge and your local knowledge to the test. Can you guess these areas of East London from the emojis?

1) ➡️ 🐖
2) 🗣️ 🐶
3) ⚪️ 💒
4) 👏 🏋️
5) 🤒 🚙
6) 🏖️ 🕳️
7) 🛣️ 🔚
8) 🪓 🦵🏼
9) 🌳 🌉
10) 🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴

First person to comment and guess them all correctly will win a pair of tickets to Dick Whittington and His Cat. Good luck! 😸

📢 Just announced: Our Artist Development Programme show for 2024 – A Long Goodbye is here this August!

“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, on the day you turn eighteen, we say goodbye to you…” 🎂🥳

Meet Nicky, they’ve just turned 18, and their life has changed forever. New job, new quadrant, new opportunities, but they’ve left Oli behind and suddenly things aren’t so simple anymore.

Here, turning 18 has big consequences, the deciders have intervened and now make all your choices for you. Peek in on the lives of a small group of friends as they desperately try to find the time to live their dreams, let someone know how much they mean to them, or simply be together, before they have to say goodbye to everything they once knew.

Sat 17 Aug, Choose What You Pay: £5, £10, £20 ➡️ www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/adp-a-long-goodbye

📸 By David Monteith-Hodge

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A deliciously disturbing fairy-tale’ The Telegraph

Following a fantastic premiere of Blond Eckbert as part of the Aldeburgh Festival 2024, English Touring Opera are back in Hackney for their autumn season, with The Snowmaiden coming up on Sat 28 Sep & Sat 4 Oct and Blond Eckbert: Double Bill on Sat 5 Oct.

Check out how they got on performing this psychological thriller and book for both shows now and get 20% off: www.hackneyempire.co.uk/whats-on/category/opera

📸 Richard Hubert- Smith

This Friday we're treating you to the new artwork for our pantomime - Dick Whittington and his Cat, which opens in just over 4 months (oh yes it does!) 😽🎉

Join Dick on his search for fortune, fame and new beginnings! Along the way, he’ll experience the adventure of a lifetime, battling rats, falling in love, and finding himself on the path to becoming the Mayor of London. Directed by and starring Clive Rowe as the Dame, get ready for the purrfect festive treat!

Tickets from £10, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/dick-whittington-and-his-cat

Design by Feast Creative

Later this week, the one and only Jimmy Carr is bringing his new show, Laughs Funny, to Hackney!

If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners then you'll be happy to know that you have two chances to enjoy them this Friday.

Fri 5 Jul, 7pm & 10pm. Last few tickets left for both shows: hackneyempire.co.uk/events/jimmy-carr-laughs-funny

📢 JUST ANNOUNCED: Nonclassical at 20: NONCLAXXICAL

A bold expression of what classical music can be, Nonclassical at 20 sees pioneering promoters of the best new music combine forces with the legendary London Symphony Orchestra.

Get ready for an electric night featuring tracks from some of the leading artists of today as well as the first ever Concerto for Drum Machine and Orchestra, celebrating the Roland 808!

📅 Sat 26 Oct
🎟️ www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/nonclaxxical

Join us this Sunday for an unforgettable evening of performances as Young and Talented (Young and Talented.co.uk) celebrates 20 years of empowering and inspiring young lives through the performing arts. 🤩

Prepare to be captivated by special guest performances from Albert Magashi, Idele, Aicha Therese, Selorm Adonu, Reece Buttery, Hawa Khan and much more!

Sun 30 Jun, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/young-and-talented-20-year-anniversary

📢 JUST ANNOUNCED: A Night of Comedy for UNICEF UK

Hosted by Suzi Ruffell join us for a night of comedy in aid of UNICEF's work for children in conflict.

Suzi is joined by a star-studded line up including Dara Ó Briain, Joanne McNally, Josh Widdicombe , Michelle De Swarte, Romesh Ranganathan, Rosie Jones and Seann Walsh!

📅 Wed 17 Jul
🎟️ On sale now, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/a-night-of-comedy-for-unicef-uk

📢 We are thrilled to announce that Keith Khan has been appointed as the Creative Director of Hackney Empire, starting in September 2024.

Multi-disciplinary artist Keith Khan, who was born in London of Trinidadian Indian heritage, most recently directed and designed the acclaimed The Accountants at Factory International and has become renowned for his method of working with design and spectacle, underpinned by personal narrative and community engagement.

Khan set up the company Moti Roti and also worked independently as a Creative Director and lead artist on numerous commissions, such as The Queen's Commonwealth celebration for Her Jubilee and was Head of Culture for the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Chief Executive of Rich Mix.

Keith Khan said, “I am super excited to be joining the team at Hackney Empire. It is in one of the best areas in London… the heart of many of my passions, such as design, fashion, and all sorts of creative people. It is a type of diversity that I hope to reflect in this amazing building. I love it, as it has such a reputation as a venue, not tied to a particular art form or community. Some recall it as a big bingo hall, others think about its comedy and music programme. But overall it is at the heart of London, and its focus appeals to multiple audiences. That is what I find thrilling about this opportunity.”

Read the full story here: www.hackneyempire.co.uk/news/keith-khan-appointed-creative-director

📸 Mark Senior

Join the hilarious Ed Gamble next week for 5 NIGHTS of your classic Gamble ranting, raving, and spluttering.

Co-host of the award-winning mega-hit podcast Off Menu (Off "Off Menu Podcast" Podcast) with James Acaster and Taskmaster champion, Ed Gamble brings us his brand-new show that will have you crying with laughter.

Limited tickets remaining, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/ed-gamble

Let’s end the week right with two brand-new shows coming up this September! 🤩

🌟 Comedy Bang! Bang!

First up, Comedy Bang! Bang! is joining us from across the pond! Join host Scott Aukerman, along with Paul F. Tompkins & The Comedy Bang! Bang! All-Stars, as they perform a totally improvised version of the award-winning podcast!

📅 Fri 6 Sep
🎟️ hackneyempire.co.uk/events/comedy-bang-bang

🌟 RedHanded

RedHanded: True Crime Podcast has been serving up weekly doses of the strangest cases from around the world for eight years. With millions of downloads, join hosts Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire for a jaw-dropping night packed with bizarre twists, hysterical audience participation and of course turbo-wine galore.

📅 Sat 21 Sep
🎟️ hackneyempire.co.uk/events/redhanded

📢 Come and work with us!

⭐ Company Stage Manger

We are looking for an experienced Company Stage Manager for our renowned pantomime this year, Dick Whittington and his Cat. If you’re an organised individual with excellent communication skills and a passion for theatre, this might be the perfect role for you.

Apply by 10am on Mon 1 Jul, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/jobs/company-stage-manager-dick-whittington

⭐ Development Officer

We’re looking for someone to support the Head of Development to help expand Hackney Empire’s income through supporting current fundraising activities as well as identifying and researching new sources of funding. If you're a highly organised individual with a passion for the arts and providing creative opportunities for young people from a range of backgrounds, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply by 10am on Mon 10 Jun, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/jobs/development-officer

⭐ Executive Assistant

We’re looking for someone to support the Executive Director in all aspects of their work, and provide day to day organisational, planning, and administrative support for Hackney Empire. If you have a keen eye for detail and can manage complex calendars, and maintain confidentiality, this might be the perfect role for you.

Apply by 5pm on Fri 14 Jun, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/jobs/executive-assistant-2

We’re still reeling from LANKUM’s two sold-out gigs here in Hackney last month. 🥳

Check out some of the incredible photos and see our theatre full of life and everyone on their feet.

📸 Fabrice Bourgelle

📢 What better way to end the month than with three brand-new shows!

⭐ Candice Brathwaite: Manifesto

Join critically-acclaimed Sunday Times bestselling author, advocate, journalist, and TV presenter Candice Brathwaite (Candice Brathwaite), as she shares her revolutionary and inclusive approach to manifesting. Focusing on the four pillars of Wellness, Wealth, Love and Happiness, Candice will tell you exactly how to achieve the life you deserve, explored in her new book Manifesto.

📅 Mon 2 Sep
🎟️ www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/candice-brathwaite-manifesto

⭐ Ellie Taylor: Palavering!

Comedian, presenter, and actor Ellie Taylor is back on tour with a brand new show! Covering everything from how to keep the spark alive in marriage, to her new life with almost double the amount of ratbags (children), it’s a show guaranteed to put a spring in your step and a laugh in your mouth, which is almost certainly not a phrase.

📅Sat 17 May 2025
🎟️ www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/ellie-taylor-palavering

⭐ Kae Kurd: What’s O’Kurd

Stand-up sensation and social media star Kae Kurd returns with his highly anticipated brand-new tour. Co-host of the hit podcast Ain’t Got a Clue (Ain't Got A Clue Podcast), and the voice of ITV’s Loaded in Paradise, expect to be blown away by his smart, sharp, and brilliantly funny stand-up.

📅Sat 1 Nov 2025
🎟️ www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/kae-kurd-whats-okurd

"It was about feeling seen, feeling heard and being represented somewhere that once felt out of bounds"

For our latest blog, we’re throwing it back to A Thousand Splendid Suns which was five years ago this May! We delve into the experience of visiting Hackney Empire for the first time and the feelings it can leave you with.

Read the full piece via our news and stories: www.hackneyempire.co.uk/news/how-my-friend-fell-in-love-with-theatre

📸 Pamela Raith Photography

📢 Calling all young creatives! 📢 Our Artist Development Programme HE Creative Futures is back this summer and you can book your audition now!

Are you aged 14-19 years old with a passion for creating and performing? We’re looking for young artists to compose, write, choreograph, design, and perform a brand-new show on our main stage in just 12 days this August!

⭐Band Auditions: Fri 28 Jun
⭐ Dance Auditions: Sat 29 Jun
⭐ Drama and Vocal Auditions: Sun 30 Jun
⭐ Design participants: Deadline to apply Sun 23 Jun. Interviews will be arranged that week.

Find out more and book your audition now ➡️ www.hackneyempire.co.uk/take-part/creative-futures/current-projects/artist-development-programme-2024-auditions

Two new opportunities to come and join the Dream Team at Hackney Empire:

⭐ Development Officer

We’re looking for someone to support the Head of Development to deliver Hackney Empire’s fundraising strategy and help to grow our charitable income. If you're an organised individual with a passion for the arts and providing creative opportunities for young people from a range of backgrounds, this might be the perfect role for you.

Apply by 10am on Mon 10 Jun, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/jobs/development-officer

⭐ Executive Assistant

We’re looking for someone to support the Executive Director in all aspects of their work, and provide day to day organisational, planning, and administrative support for Hackney Empire. If you have a keen eye for detail and can ensure seamless operations, manage complex calendars, and maintain confidentiality, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply by 5pm on Fri 14 Jun, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/jobs/executive-assistant

Missed Eshaan Akbar on Rhod Gilbert's (RHOD GILBERT) Growing Pains? Catch him LIVE right here in Hackney on Sat 12 Apr 2025 🔥

All tickets £19.50, www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/eshaan-akbar-live

What if there was another take on the Trojan War? Enter Medusa. She was there. 🐍

Join us for Beautiful Evil Things this month! A high-energy, one-woman show from Ad Infinitum (Ad Infinitum) combining physical storytelling with cut-throat wit. This performance is BSL integrated and captioned.

For one night only, tickets from £15: www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/beautiful-evil-things

📸 Camilla Adams

We're so grateful to be a recipient of the Theatres Trust Small Grants Programme, supported by The Linbury Trust.

This support will help fund vital maintenance to our roof and preserve the heritage of the fabric of our building.

Friday… payday… new shows… Is that you?! 🥳

Tickets are now on sale for English Touring Opera’s autumn season and An evening of Incarcerat with Garth Marenghi this Halloween (how fitting!), plus the already announced purrfect festive treat Dick Whittington and his Cat.

🌟 English Touring Opera: The Snowmaiden

Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Snowmaiden is a classic coming of age tale packed with colour and folk melodies, vividly conjuring up the conflict between real and mythical worlds. Directed by the award-winning Olivia Fuchs and conducted by Hannah Quinn, with designs by the Linbury Prize-winning Eleanor Bull.

📅 Sat 28 Sep & Fri 4 Oct
🎟️ hackneyempire.co.uk/events/eto-the-snowmaiden

🌟 English Touring Opera: Blond Eckbert Double Bill

Judith Weir’s Blond Eckbert is a haunting tale of isolation and guilt, based on a supernatural short story by the Romantic author Ludwig Tieck and presented in a new co-production with Britten Pears Arts.

Do not take my story for a fairytale is an ambitious new commission exploring folklore from around the world. Performed on period instruments and featuring new librettos from writers including Amanda Wilkin, Glynn Maxwell, Hannah Khalil and Chinonyerem Odimba.

📅 Sat 5 Oct
🎟️ hackneyempire.co.uk/events/eto-blond-eckbert-double-bill

🌟 An evening of Incarcerat with Garth Marenghi

Following the massive success of his long-lost novel Terrortome, Sunday Times Bestseller & Archduke O’ Darkdom, Garth Marenghi has returned with his latest masterpiece, Incarcerat, for one final performance this Halloween.

📅 Thu 31 Oct
🎟️ hackneyempire.co.uk/events/garth-marenghi-incarcerat

🌟 Dick Whittington and his Cat

Come and celebrate the 25th legendary Hackney Empire pantomime this festive season! Directed by and starring Clive Rowe as the Dame, get ready for a joyful reimagining of this classic rags to riches tale.

📅 23 Nov 2024 – 5 Jan 2025
🎟️ hackneyempire.co.uk/events/dick-whittington-and-his-cat

"Literally the most enjoyable show I have ever seen!”

Beautiful Evil Things is a high-energy one-woman show from Ad Infinitum, exploring the Trojan War from Medusa’s perspective.

Read our latest blog piece where we delve into the world of the show, which is heading to Hackney on Tue 21 May: hackneyempire.co.uk/news/inside-the-world-of-beautiful-evil-things