What's on at Hackney Empire: Sep - Dec 2025

WHAT’S ON SEP - DEC 2025

LET’S DREAM BIG

LAUGHTER TO THE RAFTERS Tue 9 Sep, 7.30pm | £22 - £32 Join Dara Ó Briain, Tom Davis, Rachel Parris, Sindhu Vee, Marcus Brigstocke, Ed Byrne, Michelle de Swarte and Leslie Gold for a hilarious night, raising vital funds to help end homelessness with The Passage.

Age guidance: 16+

WHAT DID YOU DO YESTERDAY? Wed 10 Sep, 7.30pm | £21 - £32 Hosts Max Rushden and David O’Doherty are joined by a comedian guest to discuss their yesterday in hilariously forensic detail.

Age guidance: 16+

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.

The Fresh Prince of Hackney is finally coming home.

Age guidance: 16+

ORGANS UNITE Sat 13 Sep, 12pm | £8.60 | Under 16s: £3.60 Uniting organs, uniting people — exploring the science of the body and the strength of community.

Organs Unite is New Horizon Community Outreach’s flagship event. Join us for a dynamic, powerful day of storytelling, performance, health advocacy, and collective celebration.

LIVE AT THE EMPIRE WITH JAMES ACASTER Thu 18 Sep, 8pm | £18.50 - £27 Live at the Empire returns this September headlined by whimsical master and one of the world’s best loved comedians, James Acaster, alongside the hilarious Lucy Beaumont, Jen Brister, and Catherine Bohart.

Age guidance: 16+

SEP

SEP/OCT

THE DRIFTERS Sat 20 Sep, 7.30pm | £31 The Drifters are back on tour performing all their classic hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, You’re More Than A Number, Come On Over To My Place, Under the Boardwalk, Kissin’ In The Back Row and many more!

Age guidance: 16+

ENGLISH TOURING OPERA

ENGLISH TOURING OPERA

DONIZETTI:

BRITTEN:

Sat 27 Sep, 7.30pm | £10 - £45

Sat 4 Oct, 7.30pm | £10 - £45

English Touring Opera return to Hackney Empire with a new production of Donizetti’s classic romantic comedy in which what people think will make them happy, and what will actually make them happy are not always the same. Directed by Martin Constantine, Artistic Director of the pioneering Streetwise Opera.

Lucretia is subject to a vicious test of loyalty at the hands of the decadent prince Tarquinius, unleashing a cruel and reckless series of events that have shattering consequences. Joined by a stellar cast and 12-piece live orchestra, ETO’s Artistic Director & CEO Robin Norton-Hale and Music Director Gerry Cornelius reunite after their ★★★★★ production of Blond Eckbert (2024).

THE ELIXIR OF LOVE

THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA

WOLF & OWL: LIVE Tue 7 & Wed 8 Oct, 8pm | £21 - £31 Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis, the Wolf and Owl are finally delivering on the promise they’ve been making ​for almost 300 episodes and taking their​ hit podcast on tour​. Round up the animal pack and get ready for an evening of laughs, surprises and shooting the breeze, l​ive​and unedited.

Age guidance: 14+

City of London Sinfonia in association with Hackney Empire presents

OCT

NEW FRONTIERS SEASON Wed 17 Sep 2025 – Fri 13 Mar 2026 Join us on a journey through sound, story, and the unknown.

This is not just a concert series. It’s an invitation to explore...

EXPLORERS Wed 17 Sep, 7pm A cinematic concert featuring music from Jurassic Park, Moana, Master and Commander, and Indiana Jones.

Lighting design by Tony Award winner Jack Knowles.

TRAILBLAZERS Wed 22 Oct, 7pm Led from within by Alexandra Wood, the orchestra intermingles with Hackney Empire Creative Futures dancers. Choreography by Shay Barclay.

Lighting design by Colin Grenfell.

FROM DUSK ’TIL DAWN Thu 6 Nov, 7pm A journey through sound, sleep, and starlight in Hackney Church. Lighting design by Elliot Griggs.

THE EXOPLANETS Fri 13 Mar 2026, 7pm A new production about the worlds we build with each other, and within ourselves created by City of London Sinfonia and the award-winning theatre company curious directive.

W@NKERNOMICS: JUST TOUCHING BASE

Sat 11 Oct, 1pm, 4.30pm & 8pm | £28.50 - £36 W@nkernomics are masters at skewering the buzzwords, bureaucracy and bullsh*t of the modern workplace. Since launching in 2023, they have become something of a phenomenon, notching up millions of views online with their unique blend of observational comedy and dark satire.

Age guidance: 16+

FOOTBALL CLICHES LIVE Sun 12 Oct, 7.30pm | £20 - £35 After their sold-out tour last year, the most unique football podcast returns with a brand-new live show. As the self-appointed world experts on the language of football, Adam Hurrey, Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker invite you on a journey deep into the true meaning of the game.

Age guidance: 14+

SAVE 10% IF YOU BOOK FOR ALL 4 CONCERTS

BEVERLY GLENN-COPELAND

AND ELIZABETH COPELAND, FEATURING F*CHOIR Wed 15 Oct, 8pm | £32.50 - £55 Glenn (as he likes to be called) is a beloved Canadian black, trans singer-songwriter, with albums including Keyboard Fantasies. He’ll be joined by special guest, Elizabeth Copeland and featuring F*Choir.

Age guidance: 16+

KANE BROWN:

DON’T LISTEN TO ME Thu 16 Oct, 8pm | £20 - £35 Join the one and only Kane Brown (Man Like Mobeen, Deepfake, Rated 18) for a night full of honesty, sincerity and laughter with his brand-new show!

Age guidance: 16+

GEORGE LEWIS:

THE BEST THING YOU’LL EVER DO Fri 17 Oct, 8pm | £21 Described as ‘the funniest dad on Instagram’, join stand-up comedian George Lewis for his brand-new stand-up show!

Age guidance: 14+

WHITE YARDIE:

STRAIGHT OUTTA JAMAICA 2 Sat 18 Oct, 8pm | £27.50 - £40 After four sold out London dates in 2024, White Yardie brings his brand-new special to our main stage for the first time.

Age guidance: 18+

NICK MOHAMMED IS MR. SWALLOW: SHOW PONY Mon 20 Oct, 7.30pm | £20 - £32 Taskmaster loser and Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed returns as his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow with a “deliriously enjoyable” (★★★★★ The Guardian) show.

Age guidance: 14+

OCT

AN AUDIENCE WITH

SIR BRADLEY WIGGINS Tue 21 Oct, 7.30pm | £34.50 - £64.50 Join legendary British cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins as he reflects on life on and off the bike to celebrate his new memoir, The Chain.

OLIVER SAMUELS

IN DI PRODIGAL PICKNEY Sat 25 Oct, 7.30pm | £42.50 The king of Caribbean comedy Oliver Samuels is back with a heartfelt tale inspired by the biblical story of the Prodigal Son. Featuring Tesfa Edwards and Karen Harriot.

Age guidance: 14+

ELDA7EE7 SCIENTIFIC STAND-UP Sun 26 Oct, 8pm | £31.45 – £55.50 With over a billion views annually online, Ahmed El Ghandour (known as ElDa7ee7) is famous for making science, history, and weird facts super fun and easy to understand. A fun, fast, and smart live show full of science, jokes, crazy facts, and surprising ideas that will blow your mind!

Age guidance: 14+

TWO MR Ps IN A PODCAST LIVE: LET THAT BE A LESSON...

Wed 29 Oct, 7.30pm | £28 The Two Mr Ps share more hilarious stories and anecdotes about the challenges teachers, parents, and school staff face while working with the most unintentionally funny comedians of all — children.

Age guidance: 18+

BABATUNDE ALÉSHÉ: HIGH EXPECTATIONS Thu 30 Oct, 8pm | £20 - £25 Join the multi-award-winning comedian as he guides us through family life, his new found fame and the joys of Costco in this hilarious new stand-up show.

OCT

NOV

KAE KURD:

WHAT’S O’KURD Sat 1 Nov, 8pm | £25 Co-host of the hit podcast Ain’t Got a Clue, voice of ITV’s Loaded in Paradise, stand up sensation and social media star Kae Kurd returns with his highly anticipated brand-new show.

Age guidance: 16+

CARLOS ACOSTA’S NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA Tue 4 – Thu 6 Nov, 2.30pm & 7.30pm | £18.80 - £68.80 Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana is back by popular demand, following a hugely successful premiere sell-out tour. A Cuban take on the favourite festive classic, the production explodes onto Hackney Empire’s stage, featuring new choreography

by Carlos Acosta CBE and performed by his Cuban company, Acosta Danza.

Set to an exuberant Cuban version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, the timeless story is brought to life with ballet at its core, enriched with Acosta Danza’s unique style and with Cuban dance traditions beautifully woven throughout the much-loved and joyful family tale.

Age guidance: 8+

JOSH JAMES: DOIN’ ALRIGHT Fri 7 Nov, 8pm | £23 In his highly anticipated debut tour, join one of comedy’s most exciting break out names Josh James as he guides audiences through the life of a ‘Essex Man’, the uniqueness of English culture and trying to do well for himself.

Age guidance: 16+

★★★★ “A JOYFUL AND COLOURFUL FESTIVE FAMILY SHOW” The Guardian

CINDERELLA

NOV/DEC

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 Sisters 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 and starring Kat B and George Heyworth as the Ugly Sisters, 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 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.

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

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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.

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

WHAT’S ON Tue 9 Sep, 7.30pm LAUGHTER TO THE RAFTERS Wed 10 Sep, 7.30pm WHAT DID YOU DO YESTERDAY? Fri 12 Sep, 9pm KOJO ANIM: MARRIED TO THE GAME Sat 13 Sep, 12pm ORGANS UNITE Wed 17 Sep, 7pm CITY OF LONDON SINFONIA NEW FRONTIERS: EXPLORERS Thu 18 Sep, 8pm LIVE AT THE EMPIRE WITH JAMES ACASTER Sat 20 Sep, 7.30pm THE DRIFTERS Sat 27 Sep, 7.30pm ENGLISH TOURING OPERA: DONIZETTI’S THE ELIXIR OF LOVE Sat 4 Oct, 7.30pm ENGLISH TOURING OPERA: BRITTEN’S THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA Tue 7 & Wed 8 Oct, 8pm WOLF & OWL: LIVE Sat 11 Oct, 1pm, 4.30pm & 8pm W@NKERNOMICS: JUST TOUCHING BASE Sun 12 Oct, 7.30pm FOOTBALL CLICHES LIVE Wed 15 Oct, 8pm BEVERLY GLENN-COPELAND AND ELIZABETH COPELAND, FEATURING F*CHOIR Thu 16 Oct, 8pm KANE BROWN: DON’T LISTEN TO ME Fri 17 Oct, 8pm GEORGE LEWIS: THE BEST THING YOU’LL EVER DO Sat 18 Oct, 8pm WHITE YARDIE: STRAIGHT OUTTA JAMAICA 2 Mon 20 Oct, 7.30pm NICK MOHAMMED IS MR. SWALLOW: SHOW PONY Tue 21 Oct, 7.30pm AN AUDIENCE WITH SIR BRADLEY WIGGINS Wed 22 Oct, 7pm CITY OF LONDON SINFONIA NEW FRONTIERS: TRAILBLAZERS Sat 25 Oct, 7.30pm OLIVER SAMUELS IN DI PRODIGAL PICKNEY Sun 26 Oct, 8pm ELDA7EE7 SCIENTIFIC STAND-UP Wed 29 Oct, 7.30pm TWO MR Ps IN A PODCAST LIVE: LET THAT BE A LESSON...

Thu 30 Oct, 8pm BABATUNDE ALÉSHÉ: HIGH EXPECTATIONS Sat 1 Nov, 8pm KAE KURD: WHAT’S O’KURD Tue 4 – Thu 6 Nov, CARLOS ACOSTA’S NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA 2.30pm & 7.30pm Thu 6 Nov, 7pm, Hackney Church NEW FRONTIERS: FROM DUSK ’TIL DAWN Fri 7 Nov, 8pm JOSH JAMES: DOIN’ ALRIGHT Sat 22 Nov – Wed 31 Dec, CINDERELLA Times vary Fri 13 Mar 2026, 7pm CITY OF LONDON SINFONIA NEW FRONTIERS: THE EXOPLANETS KEY

Comedy Theatre / Dance Pantomime / Community

@HackneyEmpire

020 8985 2424

Podcasts / Talks

Live Music / Opera