Hackney Empire to Launch 16-Month 125th Anniversary Celebration With Hackney:Central Vision

Hackney Empire has announced the first plans for the venue's landmark 125th anniversary year, as the much-loved East London theatre looks ahead to a major new chapter under the banner of Hackney:Central - supporting the ambitions of artists & young people, forging new partnerships, premiering new productions, and making Hackney more central to the local, London and national theatre landscape.

Since 1901, Hackney Empire has stood at the centre of its community, creating unforgettable experiences, championing global majority and under-represented creatives, igniting change with young people and communities, on and off its stage. As the Grade II* listed venue prepares to celebrate its 125th birthday in December 2026, a 16-month programme will celebrate the artists, audiences and communities who have shaped its story, and step into a new chapter as a cultural and creative home for Hackney, London and beyond.

The first phase of anniversary activity will begin with a special launch weekend on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, with an outdoor festival stage curated by the venue's Young Producers; an exhibition celebrating iconic, pivotal and radical moments from Hackney Empire's 125 year-history; the launch of a new football kit for Hackney Women's FC, inspired by the theatre, in collaboration with London College of Fashion; and an invitation for residents and visitors to discover and rediscover “London's most beautiful theatre” (Time Out).

Chris Sudworth said, “Hackney Empire is a unique and magical venue, delivering iconic experiences of theatre, comedy, music and cultural change with the people of Hackney since 1901. Our 125th anniversary is a moment of huge celebration, and a moment to look forward, imagining what is possible.

“Hackney:Central builds on our history and looks to the future - central to supporting the ambitions of artists and young people, central to the development of a more representative arts workforce, central to new partnerships, productions and collaborations, central to the lives of local people and ever-more central to the local, London and national arts narrative. 

“I'm excited, proud and honoured to be leading Hackney Empire into its 125th year, alongside our committed, caring and talented team, and to share the first phase of plans for a year that will celebrate our history, our community and our future.”

Following September's launch weekend, October is a month of shared celebrations. On Thursday 8 October, internationally acclaimed company Theatre Re, led by Hackney based Director Guillaume Pige, will open the 10th anniversary tour of its multi-award-winning global hit production The Nature of Forgetting.

On Tuesday 13 October, Hackney Empire will host and partner on Talawa's 40th Anniversary Showcase, celebrating four decades of the company pioneering Black excellence in British theatre with a star-studded line up, to be announced; reflecting Hackney Empire's own continued commitment to championing global majority creatives and communities.

Thursday 22 October sees Hackney Empire launch Empire Nights, a new live series reimagining the venue's variety history, with some of the most exciting names in comedy, music and culture, curated by a special guest host. This first edition will be hosted by Jamali Maddix, whose handpicked line-up includes Guz Khan, Michelle de Swarte, Kyrah Gray, Manga St Hilare and DJ Lex Blondin, plus a very special music guest to be announced.

November celebrates Hackney Empire's status as an iconic comedy venue, and its influential role in the 1980s renaissance of alternative comedy, welcoming back early headliners Lenny Henry (Tuesday 3 November) and Jo Brand (Thursday 5 November).

The season culminates with the legendary Hackney pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring the return of Clive Rowe as Dame, who also directs following the success of his award-nominated 2025 production of Cinderella. There are promises of special 125th Anniversary content to be revealed later in the year.

Looking ahead to 2027, plans are well advanced for further exciting co-productions, signalling the ambition of this new chapter, with more details set to be announced in September. Already announced is Nanny of the Maroons, a major new co-production from Belgrade Theatre, Hackney Empire and tiata fahodzi. Written by Corey Campbell and Lucia Haynes, directed by Corey Campbell and Justine Themen, with music and lyrics by Corah Fowles, Nanny of the Maroons will receive its world premiere at the Belgrade Theatre in June 2027 before playing Hackney Empire from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 July 2027; and will feature local ensembles alongside the touring company.

Hackney Empire has also confirmed support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for development work that will help plan the next stage of the building's story. Thanks to National Lottery players, this phase will support preparations for future capital works, audience and community consultation, and research into Hackney Empire's heritage, including the diverse artists, audiences and communities who have shaped the venue's story since 1901. This programme will also celebrate the extraordinary impact, artistic and skills legacy, and future of Hackney Empire's Creative Futures programme, which will celebrate its own 25th anniversary in 2027.