My London Shoes enjoyed a proper old ‘festive’ night out last week, attending ‘Cinderella’ – this years pantomime at the amazing ‘Hackney Empire’ theatre in Hackney-London E8.
The ‘Empire’ holds a special place in my heart as throughout the entire 1990’s I had the pleasure of working at the Barclays Bank branch in Mare Street, that stood directly opposite this iconic Theatre landmark – and so the Hackney Empire was my daily view for a decade.
Many years ago now, when our 2 daughters were just little ankle biters – me and Mrs Shoes (ie Angela) always used to try and take them to a panto every Christmas.
Back in those days, as the Bank were very generous towards its workforce in those times, and would regularly supply branch staff with tickets for whatever panto’s were on in their respective area. In my day it was either the Theatre Royal-Stratford or The Kenneth More Theatre-Ilford or the Hackney Empire. If it wasn’t a local panto then the Bank would provide branches with bulk tickets for festive events/shows up ‘in town‘ (Disney On Ice at Wembley Arena springs to mind).
Even though I’ve been retired almost 10yrs now, I still have a connection to the Hackney Empire, as I am a ‘Friend/Supporter’ of this magnificent 124 year old historic Theatre – and as a result, every year I am very kindly invited to attend what is termed their ‘press night’ performance – an offer that is always gratefully accepted – as there is nowhere better to experience the fun and enjoyment of a panto, than at the Hackney Empire.
The old Barclays branch opposite the theatre is now a Pizza Express, and so it was only fitting that me and Mrs Shoes had a ‘pre-match meal’ at the site of my old workplace – before heading over the road for the evening’s fun and entertainment.
The big attraction to the Hackney Empire at panto season, is the fantastic actor ‘Clive Rowe’ – who without doubt, is one of the UK’s best pantomime Dame’s.
Clive is renowned for his flamboyant over the top Dame costumes, and his comical audience interaction/participation routines.
He has been performing at the Hackney Empire for almost 20yrs now and is a firm favourite of the Great British Public – he is probably the main reason as to why the Empire’s annual panto’s are nearly always sold-out, and beating attendance records year after year.
Clive Rowe is a traditionalist when it comes to playing the ‘Dame’ – to the extent that, because the ‘Cinderella’ story doesn’t have natural ‘Dame’ character – he refused to divert from the age old story, just to create a ‘Dame’ role – instead he undertook the role of Director for this years panto (2025) at the Hackney Empire.
It is quite evident that Clive Rowe feels a deep connection to the Hackney Empire. He describes it as a “family” and a special place that draws international audiences – and its no surprise that Clive’s long association with the Hackney Empire theatre – has made its annual panto’s a massive event in East London and way beyond – his association and presence is such a huge influence on the success of this famous old Theatre.
So – because Clive Rowe was not physically performing on the Empire stage this year – the Theatre very kindly put on a little meet and greet event prior to the commencement of the ‘press night’ panto performance that my London Shoes attended.
This little pre-event soirée was arranged as a ‘thank you’ to those ‘Friends-of the Hackney Empire’ (such as myself) who continue to support the Theatre in any way they can throughout the year – and in the Empire’s ‘Harold Pinter Room’, accompanied on piano by ‘Wendy Gadian’ the musical director/arranger of this years panto – Clive Rowe sang 3 songs for this small gathering of ‘Friends/Supporters’ – a lovely gesture, that was very much enjoyed.
From a personal perspective, I always try to get to the ‘Open Day/Evening’ events – plus of course, the annual panto’s – following which, I always publish a blog article of the event, on my London Shoes website and its other social media feeds.
It’s always a pleasure never a chore to promote and publish stuff about the Hackney Empire – coz for me, its the sort of place where you feel the vibe of its amazing 124yr history, the second you walk through its doors…..and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that vibe.
For the ‘press night’ event my London Shoes attended last week, the Hackney Empire was packed to the rafters, with everyone thoroughly enjoying the antics of Oblivia the Wicked Stepmother – her 2 daughters, the Ugly Sisters / Dandini / Buttons / the Fairy Godmother / Prince Charming and of course…Cinderella.
There was some serious talent on that Empire stage – and a great night was had by all – such fun for young and old alike from start to finish – and just right for getting into the old Christmas spirit…….well done and a big thank you to all at the Hackney Empire – see you again next year (hopefully).
As the song lyric goes…..”it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”
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See below the entire gallery of photos/images accompanying this London Shoes blog article
My London Shoes enjoyed a proper old ‘festive’ night out last week, attending ‘Cinderella’ – this years pantomime at the amazing ‘Hackney Empire’ theatre in Hackney-London E8.
“Cinderella” at the Hackney Empire runs until 31st Dec 2025
Directly opposite the Hackney Empire Theatre sits what used to be Barclays Bank-Hackney Mare Street branch – where I worked throughout the entire 90’s decade. The branch closed down a few years back and is now a ‘Pizza Express’
The old bank branch entrance and banking hall – as it now is in its new life as a Pizza Express outlet.
Inside the Pizza Express – there are a number of references to the famous Hackney Empire theatre across the road
The stairway inside the Pizza Express that used to lead down to the strongroom / stationary room and toilet – nowdays leads down to a all genders tiolet/bathroom
The fun I used to have bundling people into the old ‘coin lift’ and then sending them on an un-requested journey – happy days!!!
Tucking into a tasty pre-panto meal at the Pizza Express in Mare Street Hackney – my old work place – that sits directly across the road from the iconic Hackney Empire.
Mrs Shoes (ie Ange) enjoying a pre-panto drink at the Pizza Express opposite the Hackney Empire
Me – knocking back a swift one in what was my old Barclays Bank workplace throughout the 1990’s – now a Pizza Express
The view from our table in the Pizza Express – was my daily view for the decade that I worked at Barclays Mare Street Hackney branch throughout the 90’s.
Punters queuing up to enter the amazing Hackney Empire
Inside the Hackney Empire
Inside the Empire there are many references to productions and performances throughout its 124yr history.
Inside the Empire there are many references to productions and performances throughout its 124yr history.
The late great ‘Marie Lloyd’ from the old Music Hall days – was a ‘local’ and a regular performer at the Hackney Empire back in the day.
Inside the Empire there are many references to productions and performances throughout its 124yr history.
The big attraction to the Hackney Empire at panto season, is the fantastic actor ‘Clive Rowe’ – who without doubt, is one of Britain’s best pantomime Dame’s.
Clive Rowe is renowned for his flamboyant over the top Dame costumes, and his comical audience interaction routines.He’s been performing at the Hackney Empire for almost 20yrs now and is a firm favourite of the Great British Public.
Clive Rowe is a traditionalist when it comes to playing the ‘Dame’ – and because the ‘Cinderella’ story doesn’t have natural ‘Dame’ character – he refused to divert from the age old story, just to create a ‘Dame’ role – instead he undertook the role of Director for this years panto (2025) at the Hackney Empire.
The Hackney Empire kindly put on a little meet & greet event in the Theatre’s ‘Harold Pinter Room’ prior to the commencement of the panto performance that my London Shoes attended. This little meet & greet pre-event soirée was arranged as a ‘thank you’ to those ‘Friends-of the Hackney Empire’ (such as myself) who have supported the Theatre throughout the year.
In the Empire’s ‘Harold Pinter Room’, accompanied on piano by ‘Wendy Gadian’ – the musical director/arranger of this years panto – Director ‘Clive Rowe’ sang 3 songs for the small gathering of ‘Friends/Supporters’ – a lovely gesture, that was very much enjoyed.
‘Clive Rowe’ performing in the Theatre’s ‘Harold Pinter Room’ – at the pre-panto event for a gathering of the ‘Hackney Empire’ Friends/Supporters
Me – on a stairwell inside the famous Hackney Empire theatre – with a portrait of the legendary ‘Marie Lloyd’ in the background
Inside the Hackney Empire – pre-panto
Inside the magnificent Hackney Empire – pre-panto
Inside the magnificent Hackney Empire – pre-panto
Inside the magnificent Hackney Empire – pre-panto
Mrs Shoes (ie Angela) – during the interval, negotiating her tub of chocolate ice cream – in our seats in the Dress Circle of the Hackney Empire
The taking of photos during the performance was not allowed – but we managed to sneak a few snaps during the finale and curtain calls
The panto’s final dance routines
Mrs Shoes (Ange) – still enjoying her tub of ice cream
The panto’s final dance routines
The cast of Hackney Empire’s ‘Cinderella’ taking a bow on the Hackney Empire stage.
The cast of Hackney Empire’s ‘Cinderella’ taking a bow on the Hackney Empire stage.
From l to r the Ugly Sisters – the Fairy Godmother – Cinderella – Prince Charming – Buttons – Dandini – and the Wicked Stepmother – take their final bows on the Hackney Empire stage – following a great evening of entertainment
Great venues , I remember seeing Max Wall at the Hackney Empire in the 60s when bloke dressed as a cowboy rode on stage on a big white horse . And in the 70s I used to take half a dozen kids , to Theatre Royal to see pantomime on a Saturday , and having a pint with Joan Plowright in the bar while the panto was on . Great blog as usual Geoff .. RAY.
Some great memories you have there mate – thank you for sharing with my London Shoes – I know that future readers of this piece will enjoy reading your recollections.
Cheers……GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
I was at the Pantomime in Richmond. Not enough “He’s/She’s BEHIND YOU” for me! We go every year as it’s just great to be silly, shout and see a new generation of wee ones enjoying this tradition! We had Basil Brush as well!
Again your love and interest for/in a particular subject shows, this time it’s the actual theatre as much as the panto.
Nice one Mr. Shoes