* the “Hackney Empire” – London E8 – an “Open Evening-Tour” 2025

This particular London Shoes blog article is another short ‘n sweet one and has been put together as a result of a recent ‘Open Evening-Tour’ event that I attended a few weeks back, at the historic “Hackney Empire-Theatre”.

Regular followers of my stuff will be aware that, throughout the past few years,  I have published a few blog articles about this magnificent iconic London landmark – and I make no apologies for posting another London Shoes piece about it – as I never tire of covering-off this iconic/historic Theatre – and feel that the photos of the place alone, deserve to be shared and admired.

THE HACKNEY EMPIRE THEATRE

Mare Street-Hackney-London E8

A summary of its life to date

• The Hackney Empire Theatre is situated in Mare street Hackney London E8

 

• This magnificent building was designed by ‘Frank Matcham’ and took only 38 weeks to build at a cost of £65k.

• Frank Matcham was responsible for designing many of Britain’s grand theatres that were built at the end of the 1800’s and throughout the early 1900’s.

• The Hackney Empire Theatre officially opened on 9^th December 1901 as a music hall that hosted variety shows.

 

• It was the first theatre in Britain to have electric lighting installed – steel cantilevers and an internal vacuum system……all cutting edge stuff at that time.

• In 1910 the Hackney Empire started showing films as well as staging ‘live’ performances.

 

• Mega stars of their day – the likes of:- Charlie Chaplin / WC Fields / Stan Laurel / Harry Houdini / Marie Lloyd plus so many more…..all ‘trod the boards’ of the Empire.

• During WW2 there was a bombing raid going on in Hackney. The alert sounded as a tightrope walker was in the middle of his performance. However – the audience stayed in their seats, totally ignoring the noise of the bombs going off in Hackney and the shrapnel falling on the Theatre roof – as did the tightrope walker who continued until he had finished his act!

 

• In 1956 the Theatre closed and was bought up by ATV – becoming the first commercial television studio. ATV broadcast their first ‘live’ tv show from the Empire in 1958.

 

• Top tv shows of the day such as Take Your Pick– Oh, Boy and Opportunity Knocks were broadcast live from the Hackney Empire.

• In the early 1960’s the Hackney Empire Theatre was bought by the massive Mecca organisation who turned it into a Bingo Hall.

 

• During its time as a bingo hall the overall upkeep and maintenance of this large theatre, fell into decline. Most of the unique architectural features were covered up with advertising boarding – which, in a way, actually went towards preserving some of the ornate fixtures/fittings – stopping them from deteriorating any further.

• During Mecca’s ownership, the two impressive ‘domes’ on top of the building became unstable. Hackney Council ordered Mecca to repair them, as the Theatre was a Listed Building and so legally, had to be protected. However – Mecca, not wanting to spend the several thousands of pounds necessary to restore them, simply removed the 2 domes and stuffed them away under the stage!!!

 

• In the 1980s, English Heritage got involved in the evident neglect of the Theatre – and legally ordered Mecca to put the 2 domes back on the roof. At this point Mecca became keen to rid themselves of the ownership of the Hackney Empire – and looked to get rid of it.

• In the early 1980’s the Hackney Empire was very close to being demolished and transformed into a ‘car park’……it almost happened!!!

 

• However, by 1986 – the Hackney Empire had been sold to a specially formed ‘Preservation Trust, who undertook any immediate restorative work required – so that the building could reopen as a Theatre again – which it did in by the end of that year.

 

• Throughout the following couple of decades, the Hackney Empire became the recognised home of alternative comedy, helping to kickstart the careers of stand-up comedians such as:- Ben Elton, Dawn French, Julian Clary, Alan Davies, Lenny Henry, Jennifer Saunders, Gina Yashere and so many more.

• Having worked at Barclays Bank in Mare Street Hackney – directly opposite this famous Theatre – throughout the entire 1990’s and into the early 2000’s – I was fully aware of what was happening with the Hackney Empire at this time.

 

• At the end of 2001 the Hackney Empire closed for a period of over three years to enable a massive restoration project to be undertaken.

 

• This necessary restoration work cost in excess of £17 million. This money came from public funding as well individual donations, including a huge donation from Lord Sugar. Alan Sugar is a Hackney boy and had an emotional connection to the Theatre as his Mum & Dad would regularly take him to shows there, throughout his childhood.

• The extensive renovation work took 4 years to complete, with the Hackney Empire open again for business in late 2004. It was Lord Sugar who formally re-opened the Theatre.

• Today (2025) the iconic 1,600-seater Hackney Empire is one of London’s largest (and most loved) Theatres – recognised as a major performing arts venue that regularly hosts a variety of entertainment performances ranging from Comedy / Opera / Musical Theatre…..and of course, its legendary Pantomimes.

 

• And long may it continue

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As for me, well, as mentioned above – the view of this famous old Theatre was the backdrop to my years working in Hackney – it was my daily vista, and I guess I sort of feel a connection and affection to it.

When my 2 daughters were little’uns, me and Mrs Shoes used to take them to the Hackney Empire Christmas Pantomimes – and they would always get excited and come away hyper, talking about the experience for days after.

Upon my retirement in 2017 and still with an affection for the place, I signed up to become one of the ‘Hackney Empire Heroes’ – a registered charity where subscriptions help maintain support for this magnificent and historic Theatre.

Being one the Empire’s ‘Heroes’ enables me to get early notification and priority bookings for selected shows/performances including the Theatre’s legendary annual Pantomime’s – plus invitations to guided tours and backstage tours and many other events.

I always attend the Empire’s annual Christmas Pantomime….(‘Oh no you don’t….Oh yes I doooo’) – such great fun, a brilliant night out.

I also always try to attend the ‘Open Day/Evening’ Tours. In fact, amusingly, it’s got to the stage now where, sometimes on the guided tours – the member of staff conducting the tour, will often turn to me and ask for me input on a particular topic – or ask me for help to answer a question being asked by someone on the tour !!!

Anyway – me and my London Shoes will never tire of covering-off the magnificent Hackney Empire  – a place where you feel the historic vibe and atmosphere of the place, the minute you step through its doors.

Hope you enjoyed the read and the accompanying photos

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See below, the entire gallery of photos accompanying this blog article