Hackney Empire 0710
Hackney Empire Theatre, London. Designed by Frank Matcham and opened in December 1901, the Empire was equipped from the start with a projection box for films. The principal use was as a Music Hall, but the large stage allowed for opera and spectacular pantomimes. It initially seated a claimed 3,000 (1,900 is likely more accurate) on four levels, now it seats just over 1,000 in a more comfortable layout. Used as a TV studio in the 1950s and converted into a bingo hall in 1963, the theatre somehow survived drastic alteration, and was able to reopen for live shows in 1984. With developers circling, the freehold was acquired, allowing planning for a thorough restoration to begin. It closed in 2001 as a massive expansion (taking in the corner public house and rebuilding the stage house) and restoration which lasted 3 years, the Empire reopened in 2004 (architect Tim Ronalds). It is a grade 2* listed building. Taken on the Open City Festival viewing.
London Borough of Hackney, North London, Greater London, England - Hackney Empire Theatre, Mare Street
September 2023
Hackney Empire 0710
Hackney Empire Theatre, London. Designed by Frank Matcham and opened in December 1901, the Empire was equipped from the start with a projection box for films. The principal use was as a Music Hall, but the large stage allowed for opera and spectacular pantomimes. It initially seated a claimed 3,000 (1,900 is likely more accurate) on four levels, now it seats just over 1,000 in a more comfortable layout. Used as a TV studio in the 1950s and converted into a bingo hall in 1963, the theatre somehow survived drastic alteration, and was able to reopen for live shows in 1984. With developers circling, the freehold was acquired, allowing planning for a thorough restoration to begin. It closed in 2001 as a massive expansion (taking in the corner public house and rebuilding the stage house) and restoration which lasted 3 years, the Empire reopened in 2004 (architect Tim Ronalds). It is a grade 2* listed building. Taken on the Open City Festival viewing.
London Borough of Hackney, North London, Greater London, England - Hackney Empire Theatre, Mare Street
September 2023