Hackney Empire is a historic theatre on Mare Street that has been part of Hackney’s cultural life since 1901. Its vision is to ignite change, champion community and empower young people, delivering a creative programme that supports them from primary school through to job placement.

The theatre also leads in variety entertainment, presenting high quality shows and events that are popular and relevant to local communities. Each year, up to 200,000 people come through its doors for everything from opera and theatre to comedy, live music and its well known pantomime.

Built by theatre architect Frank Matcham and opened on 9 December 1901, Hackney Empire has aimed for more than 120 years to make culture accessible to everyone, with a welcome that leaves audiences knowing there is something for them.