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 (18)
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.