What's on at Hackney Empire: May - Aug 2025

WHAT’S ON MAY - AUG 2025

LET’S DREAM BIG

LIVE AT THE EMPIRE WITH SIMON AMSTELL Fri 2 May, 8pm | £22 - £27.50 Live at the Empire returns this May with another spectacular night of comedy!

The much-loved star of his own BBC and Netflix stand-up specials Simon Amstell headlines. He’s joined by Live at the Apollo stars and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees Sindhu Vee and Catherine Bohart, Mock the Week regular Rhys James, and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Julia Masli.

Age guidance: 16+

FILTHY FELLAS 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Thu 8 May, 8pm | £30 - £33 Filthy Fellas celebrate their 10 year anniversary and the end of another thrilling football season. Once a weekly football show featuring the UK’s most exciting emerging voices, Filthy Fellas is now a movement encompassing those same voices who have gone on to take the sports and entertainment media world by storm.

Age guidance: 14+

JAMALI MADDIX: ASTON

Fri 9 May, 7.30pm | £15 - £22 Critically acclaimed comedian Jamali Maddix is back on the road with a brand-new show.

Expect Jamali’s trademark brutally honest and unflinching perspectives on the world at large. He’s a regular on Never Mind the Buzzcocks and was one of the most anarchic Taskmaster contestants the show has ever seen.

Age guidance: 16+

MAY

WORLD COMEDY CLASH 2025 Sat 10 May, 7.30pm | £20 - £35 12 Comedians, 11 Countries, 1 Stage. Which country will take the crown?

The original and longest running comedy clash show returns with its annual extravaganza, with an all-star line-up including White Yardie, Richard Blackwood, Kojo Anim and more.

Age guidance: 16+

DELTA GOODREM – MISTAKEN IDENTITY: A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION Wed 14 & Thu 15 May, 7.30pm | £35 - £57.50 Delta Goodrem is an award-winning singer-songwriter, musician, actress and bestselling author, with five number-one albums, nine number-one singles, 17 top-10 hits, 12 Australian ARIA Awards, a Silver Logie TV Award and three World Music Awards.

BRIAN BILSTON & HENRY NORMAL Fri 16 May, 7.30pm | £19.50 - £29.50 Brian Bilston and Henry Normal appear together in a show which one critic has described as “two people reading some poems”. Along the way, they will be drawing on their vast catalogue of crowd favourites – and throwing in new poems, to prevent becoming their own tribute bands.

An evening of poems to be enjoyed not endured.

Age guidance: 14+

MAY

ELLIE TAYLOR: PALAVERING

Sat 17 May, 7.30pm | £24.50 Star of Ted Lasso, Live at the Apollo and The Mash Report, as well as host of Bake Off The Professionals, Ellie Taylor is back with a new stand up show!

Come along to watch a nice lady giddily over-share because she’s thrilled to be out the house!

Age guidance: 16+

KERRY GODLIMAN: BANDWIDTH

Thu 22 May, 7.30pm | £21 Kerry Godliman, comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and broadcaster, returns to the stage with her straight-talking charm and quick wit in a brand-new stand-up show.

Come and hear about the life of a middle-aged woman who ​ hasn’t got the bandwidth f​ or any of this.

Age guidance: 14+

NISH KUMAR:

NISH, DON’T KILL MY VIBE Sat 24 May, 5pm & 8.30pm | £15 Nish Kumar, one of The Guardian and The Telegraph’s 50 Best Comedians of the 21st Century, is back with his latest politically charged show. Expect jokes about climate collapse, income inequality and the emotional sensation of being a British Indian man who didn’t vote for a British Indian Prime Minister.

Sweet, sweet vibe killing.

Age guidance: 14+

MAY

THE COOL RULER: THE MUSICAL

Sun 25 May, 7.30pm | £40 Join us for a foot-stomping reggae musical depicting the life and music of Reggae icon Gregory Isaacs, celebrating his 75th anniversary.

The Cool Ruler: The Musical curates the story of the legendary Gregory Isaacs on stage backed by the Delroy Murray five-piece band, with sensational vocals from Terence Wallen.

Age guidance: 14+

ASHLEY WALTERS: ALWAYS WINNING Mon 26 May, 7.30pm | £35 - £45 Join us for an inspiring evening with critically acclaimed actor and director Ashley Walters (Top Boy, So Solid Crew) as he shares his extraordinary journey from musical stardom to triumphs in acting and directing, while overcoming personal setbacks along the way.

Age guidance: 14+

NICK MOHAMMED IS MR. SWALLOW: SHOW PONY

Thu 5 Jun, 7.30pm | £20 - £32 After a sell-out 2023 UK tour and extended run in London’s West End, Taskmaster loser and Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed returns as his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow with a brand-new show. Show Pony has been described by Mr. Swallow as “payback for everyone who didn’t come to the last tour”!

Age guidance: 14+

MAY/JUN

PAUL MIRABEL Fri 6 Jun, 8pm | £25 - £40 Known for his distinctive, quirky comedic style and relatable storytelling, Paul Mirabel has had a meteoric rise, from comedy clubs to the 12,000-person Accor Arena in Paris and two sold-out shows in London.

Performed in French

BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: CBEEBIES PROM WILDLIFE JAMBOREE

Fri 13 & Sat 14 Jun, 10.30am & 1.45pm | £12.50 - £25 (50% off for anyone 18 and under) Join some of your favourite CBeebies friends to celebrate the natural world at the spectacular Wildlife Jamboree with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and brilliant conductor Karen Ní Bhroin. Prowl with the tigers, stamp in the snow, and hear the desert wind, as well as going on an adventure to find one of the tiniest creatures in the world.

THE BLESSING:

POWER TO COMMUNITY Sun 22 Jun, 6.30pm | £10 - £30 A spectacular celebration marking Windrush Day and Refugee Week 2025 that will bring together musicians, artists and our local community. Featuring drumming, spoken word, steel pan, singing and an exciting line up of musical headliners.

A partnership between Hackney Empire, Counterpoints Arts, and Rising Tide.

Funded by the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, supported by Ministry of Housing Community and Local Government administered by Near Neighbours. Supported by Hackney Council.

JUN/JUL

SAMAY RAINA:

JUN/JUL

UNFILTERED

Sat 28 Jun, 3pm & 7pm | £40.50 - £61.50 Samay Raina live in London!

This is the last time you and your friends can watch him perform this show live, as he’ll be retiring this material after the tour.

Age guidance: 18+ Performed in Hindi

THE LAVARI SHOW Sat 12 Jul, 7.30pm | £22.50 - £37 The Lavari Show is the premiere Gujarati live talk show, blending stand-up comedy with improv.

Join charismatic hosts Manan Desai and Chirayu Mistry, alongside special guests Deep Vaidya and Om Bhatt, as they bring a fresh, comedic twist.

Age guidance: 16+ Performed in Gujarati

KOJO ANIM:

MARRIED TO THE GAME Fri 12 Sep, 9pm | £25.50 - £32.50 Kojo Anim celebrates 25 years in comedy with a special performance at his local theatre. Kojo has appeared as Capital Xtra’s breakfast show as the host for 5 years, Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer Winner and international tours with Kevin Hart, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle. The Fresh Prince of Hackney is finally coming home.

Age guidance: 16+

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

Sat 22 Nov – Wed 31 Dec, Times vary | £10 - £46 This festive season you shall go to the ball, as the magic of Cinderella comes to Hackney Empire!

Cinderella dreams of a life full of love and adventure, and free from the clutches of her wicked Ugly Stepsisters and evil Stepmother.

When an invitation to the party of the year arrives, it might be just the ticket she needs. Throw in some glass slippers, a fairy godmother, and a little sparkle of magic and you’ve got yourself a pantomime that’s guaranteed to be the perfect fit!

Directed by Clive Rowe, this classic rags to riches tale will come to life in Hackney, featuring all your favourite pantomime ingredients.

From an unbelievable cast to extravagant costumes; from audience participation to sensational song and dance numbers, make sure you book your tickets before the clock strikes twelve!

CREATIVE FUTURES Free events and projects for young people aged 14-25.

YOUNG PRODUCERS: CREATE YOUR OWN EVENTS Every Tuesday, 6pm - 8pm See website for details A free training opportunity to create and organise your own events such as River Stage, Pure Vibez and Alter Ego. These free workshops will help you develop the creative and practical skills needed to put on the event that you want to see.

We’ll be announcing details of this year’s Artist Development Programme soon.

Check out our website or follow @hefutures to find out about all the latest projects you can take part in!

INFORMATION BOX OFFICE Book tickets at: hackneyempire.co.uk Our phone lines are open: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm (except Bank Holidays)

020 8985 2424 Our Box Office window is open for in person bookings: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm (except Bank Holidays) Booking fees: £1.20 per ticket online, £1.40 per ticket over the phone.

No booking fees if booked in person.

291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ Follow us:

@HackneyEmpire

For all of our shows, we don’t allow unaccompanied children under the age of 14 into Hackney Empire and all under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult (18+). Our Gallery has unreserved bench seating and is not recommended for under 14s.

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HACKNEY CENTRAL

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30, 38, 55, 106, 253, 254, 276, 394, D6, W15.

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MARE STREET

GRAHAM ROAD

HILLMAN ST

Hackney Central (just over 200m), Hackney Downs and London Fields (700m) all have frequent and direct links to the tube network.

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GETTING TO HACKNEY EMPIRE

MORNING LANE

READING LANE PARAGON ROAD

THERE’S A BAR ON EVERY LEVEL We have a bar on every floor of the theatre, serving a range of drinks and snacks, Come and visit us!

Hackney Empire is a registered charity in England and Wales No. 1062085.

All details were correct when we sent this to print. For the latest information including any changes or updates, please check our website.

EMPIRE LOCAL HACKNEY EMPIRE COMMUNITY CHOIR Every Thu 7pm - 9pm Check website for current term dates | £5 | £3 concs Our choir meets weekly and anyone can join to sing and have fun.

Led by Joseph Roberts.

WHAT’S ON Fri 2 May, 8pm LIVE AT THE EMPIRE WITH SIMON AMSTELL Thu 8 May, 8pm FILTHY FELLAS 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Fri 9 May, 7.30pm JAMALI MADDIX: ASTON Sat 10 May, 7.30pm WORLD COMEDY CLASH 2025 Wed 14 & Thu 15 May, 7.30pm DELTA GOODREM – MISTAKEN IDENTITY: A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION Fri 16 May, 7.30pm BRIAN BILSTON & HENRY NORMAL Sat 17 May, 7.30pm ELLIE TAYLOR: PALAVERING Thu 22 May, 7.30pm KERRY GODLIMAN: BANDWIDTH Sat 24 May, 5pm & 8.30pm NISH KUMAR: NISH, DON’T KILL MY VIBE Sun 25 May, 7.30pm THE COOL RULER: THE MUSICAL Mon 26 May, 7.30pm ASHLEY WALTERS: ALWAYS WINNING Thu 5 Jun, 7.30pm NICK MOHAMMED IS MR. SWALLOW: SHOW PONY Fri 6 Jun, 8pm PAUL MIRABEL Fri 13 & Sat 14 Jun, BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: 10.30am & 1.45pm CBEEBIES PROM WILDLIFE JAMBOREE Sun 22 Jun, 6.30pm THE BLESSING: POWER TO COMMUNITY Sat 28 Jun, 3pm & 7pm SAMAY RAINA: UNFILTERED Sat 12 Jul, 7.30pm THE LAVARI SHOW Sat 9 Aug, 7.30pm ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2025 Fri 12 Sep, 9pm KOJO ANIM: MARRIED TO THE GAME Sat 22 Nov – Wed 31 Dec, CINDERELLA Times vary KEY

Comedy Live Music

Theatre / Musical Theatre Podcasts / Talks / Spoken Word Family / Pantomime Community

BECOME A FRIEND As a registered charity Hackney Empire depends on the support of the people who love it.

From £5 per month you’ll receive a range of benefits that will take you right to the heart of our legendary venue. Join us today! hackneyempire.co.uk/friends

@HackneyEmpire

020 8985 2424