Hackney Empire
theaterHistoric theatre and performance venue in Hackney, London, originally opened as a music hall and later used as a TV studio and bingo hall; now an Off-West End theatre presenting comedy, theatre, music and extensive community and youth programs.
Upcoming Events (35)
The Pull Up Podcast
The Pull Up Podcast brings its acclaimed live show to Hackney Empire for an evening of witty conversation, stories, and audience banter, pairing sharp humor with engaging guests in a vibrant London venue.
Emma Grede: Start With Yourself Tour
Emma Grede brings her debut book Start With Yourself to a live London event at the historic Hackney Empire, delivering an engaging author talk with practical entrepreneurial insights, personal stories, and audience Q&A.
Fiesta Flamenca
Fiesta Flamenca brings flamenco superstar Macarena Ramirez to Hackney Empire for a powerhouse evening of feverish footwork, live music, and a cast of 100+ dancers and musicians in one of London’s largest flamenco showcases.
David Olusoga: A Gun Through Time
Historian David Olusoga explores how firearms reshaped empires, wars and crime across centuries, weaving gripping storytelling with new insights into guns' social and political impact in this evening lecture at Hackney Empire.
The Music of The Lord of The Rings
An immersive orchestral tribute at Hackney Empire honoring The Lord of the Rings score by Howard Shore, performed by the Mystery Ensemble in a cinematic concert that brings Middle-earth to life.
Ashley Gavin: Big Momma
Comedian Ashley Gavin brings her new show Big Momma to Hackney Empire in London for a one-night engagement on 9 May 2026 at 7:30pm, following a smash debut UK tour in 2024. The show promises sharp, boundary-pushing stand-up; tickets £30-£42.50.
Noughts and Crosses
Stage adaptation of Noughts and Crosses at Hackney Empire in London, following Sephy and Callum's forbidden romance. A powerful, thought-provoking theatre piece that blends intimate drama with race and power themes in a contemporary setting.
Josh Widdicombe: Not My Cup Of Tea
Josh Widdicombe brings his Not My Cup Of Tea tour to Hackney Empire in London. A sharp, self-deprecating stand-up show from the UK comedian, delivering fresh takes on modern life in a warm theatre setting.
Ballet Black at 25
Celebrating 25 years of bold choreography, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black performs at Hackney Empire to mark its 25th anniversary with dynamic ballet storytelling, dazzling technique, and impactful collaboration in London.
The Music Is Black: Celebrating Black music in Britain
An evening of live orchestral celebration of Black music in Britain at Hackney Empire. The Chineke! Orchestra performs a powerful program hosted by BBC Radio 2's Trevor Nelson and DJ Spoony. A vibrant mix of classical roots and contemporary Black genres promises an unforgettable London concert.
Michelle De Swarte: The Afters
Michelle De Swarte presents The Afters at Hackney Empire, London, on May 28, 2026. A hilariously honest stand-up night about life's fumbles and fixes, with sharp wit, warm banter, and plenty of laughs — tickets £23.
Ravi Gupta
Ravi Gupta headlines Hackney Empire with his new stand-up special Kal Ki Chinta Nahi Karta in London. A lively night of sharp observations and witty banter, presented by Z, with tickets from £26.50 to £51.50—a must-see comedy evening.
Takin' Care of Biscuits Comedy Tour
Fortune Feimster brings her confessional stand-up to Hackney Empire for the Takin' Care of Biscuits Comedy Tour, delivering sharp, relatable jokes with warmth and charisma that light up a London night.
Fortune Feimster
Fortune Feimster headlines Hackney Empire in London, weaving warm, confessional humor with sharp punchlines and Southern grace for a night of big laughs, bright storytelling, and audience connection.
Mark Simmons: Jest to Impress
British comedian Mark Simmons brings his Jest to Impress tour to Hackney Empire for a night of sharp one-liners, witty storytelling, and audience interaction in a classic London theatre setting.
Bismil Ki Mehfil
London’s Hackney Empire hosts Bismil Ki Mehfil, a rare live show by India’s celebrated Sufi vocalist. Zeppelin Entertainment presents an intimate evening of devotional world music, blending soulful vocals with dramatic stagecraft and spiritual nuance.
Live at the Empire with Ed Gamble
Ed Gamble headlines Live at the Empire at Hackney Empire in London for a stacked night of stand-up comedy, offering sharp observational humor from £19 to £27.50, in an iconic Victorian-era venue known for its rousing atmosphere and top-tier acts.
Jah Makin it Happen: A Reggae Musical
An hilarious reggae musical at Hackney Empire tracing a Jamaican family’s Windrush-era journey to the UK, blending vibrant reggae rhythms, sharp comedy, and heartfelt storytelling in a lively London theatre.
Richard Ayoade: Afterthoughts
Richard Ayoade shares insights from his latest book, Afterthoughts, in an intimate evening at Hackney Empire. A blend of witty storytelling and literary discussion from a BAFTA-winning actor and director, offering fans an engaging, thought-provoking experience in London.
I'm Grand Mam
Join Irish comedy duo Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby for a night of sharp jokes and big laughs at Hackney Empire in London. A lively stand-up show blending quick banter and crowd-work for an unforgettable evening.
Ilana Glazer Live!
Renowned comedian Ilana Glazer brings her first UK stand-up tour to London's Hackney Empire, delivering fearless, razor-sharp humor drawn from Broad City and personal stories for an electric, unmissable evening of laughs.
Fatiha El-Ghorri: Cockney Stacking Doll
Fatiha El-Ghorri brings Cockney Stacking Doll to Hackney Empire for her debut tour, delivering sharp wit and bold storytelling on London’s main stage. Fresh off Taskmaster and Mr Bigstuff buzz, she headlines a standout night of contemporary British stand-up.
Marine Leonardi: Mauvaise Graine
Marine Leonardi brings Mauvaise Graine to Hackney Empire for an evening of razor-sharp wit and dark humour. This stand-up show dissects modern frustrations with fearless honesty, set in London's iconic theatre for adults seeking provocative, entertaining comedy.
Nish Kumar: Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy
British political comedian Nish Kumar brings his Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy tour to Hackney Empire. Expect sharp, progressive stand-up dissecting current chaos with political bite, rapid-fire jokes, and thoughtful insights in a lively London venue.
Adam Rowe: Fashionism
Adam Rowe brings Fashionism to Hackney Empire for an hour of sharp, crowd-pleasing stand-up. The Have A Word podcast host and Live At The Apollo star delivers his best hour yet with bold, observational humor in a classic theatre setting.
The Worst Poets Club
Four of the UK’s bestselling poets form a club and take to Hackney Empire for an evening of verse and banter. Expect sharp wit, intimate storytelling, and a playful clash of styles in a theatre-friendly poetry show in London.
The Drifters
The Drifters bring their timeless soul classics to Hackney Empire in London. A nostalgic night of doo-wop and iconic hits on a grand theatre stage, featuring crowd-pleasers like Saturday Night At The Movies and You're More Than A Number.
Susan Calman: Tall Tales
Susan Calman headlines Tall Tales at Hackney Empire in London on Oct 21, 2026. A brand-new stand-up show packed with funny, improbable stories and sharp observations that promise big laughs in an intimate theater setting.
Seann Walsh: This Is Torture
Seann Walsh brings his chaos-and-charm act to Hackney Empire with a brand-new hour, This Is Torture. Expect sharp observational humor, personal stories, and an anxiety-soaked but hilariously relatable set from the London comic.
Henning Wehn: Acid Wehn
German comedy icon Henning Wehn returns with Acid Wehn at Hackney Empire, delivering a sharp, funny take on climate change. With his trademark dry wit and astute observations, he turns a serious topic into provocative, entertaining stand-up in London.
Dexys Midnight Runners
Dexys Midnight Runners bring their UK tour to Hackney Empire in London, delivering an energetic night of 80s soul and indie-funk classics in an iconic theatre setting.
Maisie Adam: Whatsherface
Maisie Adam brings her brand-new stand-up show Whatsherface to Hackney Empire. Fresh from Taskmaster, A League Of Their Own, and Last One Laughing, she delivers sharp, observational comedy in a punchy London gig that lights up the city's comedy scene.
Tez Ilyas: Tez Things I Hate About You
British comedian Tez Ilyas brings his new stand-up tour to Hackney Empire. Expect sharp observational humor, cheeky takes on everyday life, and energetic delivery in a venue renowned for its intimate atmosphere.
Lenny Henry: Still at Large
British comedian Lenny Henry discusses his life, career and what drives him today in an intimate evening at Hackney Empire. The talk offers candid stories from five decades in showbusiness, set in the theatre's classic London atmosphere.
Jack and the Beanstalk
A festive pantomime at Hackney Empire starring Clive Rowe in Jack and the Beanstalk. This family-friendly Christmas show promises magical mischief, lively songs, and audience interaction in a classic London panto atmosphere.