The List

Hackney Empire

Built in 1901, the Hackney Empire was originally a music hall and during its colourful history has served as a TV studio and a bingo hall. It reopened as a theatre in 1986 as a permanent base for political theatre company C.A.S.T. (Cartoon Archetypical Slogan Theatre). In 2001 it was announced that the Empire had raised £15 million to fund the renovation and restoration of the theatre, which was opened by one of the primary benefactors Sir Alan Sugar in 2004. The programme includes theatre, music. comedy and children's shows.

What's On @ Hackney Empire

Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny

Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny

10 Dec 2025 - 3 Sept 2026

Jimmy tells jokes, and jokes are like magnets. Jokes attract people, but they can also repel. Some people are repelled by Jimmy's dark brand of comedy. This show is not for them. But if it's the kind of thing you like, then this is the kind of thing you’ll like.
Nick Mohammed is Mr Swallow: Show Pony
Taskmaster loser 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” and will cover everything from not having his own sitcom to not having his own sitcom… and everything in between (critical race theory). As per - expect magic, music and a whole load of brand new mistakes.
Josh Widdicombe

Josh Widdicombe

5 Feb 2026 - 16 May 2026

Josh Widdicombe is back on tour, not again! By now he has almost certainly mastered the art of stand-up, either that or he has wasted the last 15 years of his life. Come along and decide for yourself.
Myra Dubois

Myra Dubois

11 Feb 2026 - 12 Feb 2026

With her passion for compassion and flair for giving care, the bust a gut funny (Graham Norton) Myra DuBois calls out to the disadvantaged, downtrodden and tyrannised of the world with her manifesto for mental health: Ad Myrism! But are you ready to receive the call?
Two Mr P's in a Podcast Live

Two Mr P's in a Podcast Live

14 Feb 2026 - 16 Feb 2027

Mr P has been a primary school teacher for over twelve years. He still works part-time in school and leads training in schools all over the UK and beyond. From sharing ideas and funny insights into life in the classroom, he has now become one of the most followed teachers on social media in the UK. Three years ago, alongside his younger brother (who also works in a school) he started the award-winning podcast Two Mr Ps in a Podcast. In a year, it has been the number one education podcast and amassed over three million listens. Sharing funny stories from the front line of teaching, this live show will see the Two Mr Ps reminiscing on their own school days and looking at the wonderful and hilarious world of education. Anyone who went to school will enjoy and relate to this brilliant new show.
Phil Wang: Uh Oh

Phil Wang: Uh Oh

7 Feb 2026 - 25 Feb 2027

UH OH. Phil Wang’s back with a new stand-up show, and he’s older than ever before. He’s got a moustache now. It bristles with wisdom. His eyes shine with good humour. His shoulders groan under the weight of being the only cool millennial left. Everyone’s an idiot but him. Nice is out. Right is in. The vibe shift is real. Old Wang’s riding it. You know him from one series of Taskmaster, one episode of Would I Lie to You, and one minute of Wonka. Presented by Avalon UK
Michelle de Swarte: The Afters

Michelle de Swarte: The Afters

13 Mar 2026 - 30 May 2026

Michelle de Swarte is back with her entourage of trademark razor-sharp wit and no-holds-barred storytelling. After the main event's highs and lows, Michelle wonders what to do after the party. She's heading to the afters for some brutally honest oversharing about life before social media, trying to scrape the barrel of youth, how to know when too much filler is too much, breaking down the cost difference of "party powder" to powdered greens, whether tarot card readers replace actual therapy and when is a good time to pregame perimenopause. Michelle is here to share all the fu@k ups, so you don't have to.
Seann Walsh: After This One, I'm Going Home
Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and the self-dubbed “Lie-In King”, Seann Walsh is 'unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation' (The Guardian). Returning from his run in America, where he made his USA television debut appearance on Conan, Seann Walsh is back on tour in the UK. This disheveled, fiery, animated, fiercely idle, millennial man child is one of best live comedians to have come out of the UK. Seann made his acting debut starring in Comedy Central’s sitcom Big Bad World, this was quickly followed up by the lead role in Monks (BBC One), he utilized his physical comedic abilities in Sky’s silent comedy, Three Kinds of Stupid, which led to him producing, writing and starring in his own silent comedy web-series The Drunk. He also wrote and starred in his own Sky short for Sky Arts and is now co-starring in Jack Dee’s brand-new sitcom Bad Move (ITV one). He recently made his feature film debut as the children’s nemesis in family film, 2:hrs. Seann is quickly on his way to becoming one of the UK’s best comedy character actors. Team captain on Virtually Famous (Channel 4) and a regular on Play To The Whistle (ITV), other TV appearances include: One For The Road (BBC 3), Live At The Apollo (BBC 2), The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV), Tonight at The London Palladium (ITV), Celebrity Juice (ITV2), 8 Out Of 10 Cats (Channel 4), 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4), Alan Carr’s Chatty Man (Channel 4) and Russell Howards Stand Up Central (Comedy Central) Seann can currently be heard hosting his weekly radio show News-Ish on Fubar Radio. His debut DVD, Seann to be Wild, was recorded at Hammersmith Apollo to critical acclaim when it was released in 2013 by Universal Pictures.
James Acaster

James Acaster

9 Dec 2025 - 5 Jul 2026

James Acaster is one of comedy’s most original voices. A whimsical master, he has received acclaim from around the world, including a record breaking 5 consecutive nominations for ‘Best Comedy Show’ at the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. In 2017 he toured the country with a staggering three show ‘Trelogy’, performing Recognise, Represent and Reset consecutively over three nights in each venue.
Cinderella

Cinderella

12 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2025

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 Ugly Sisters and Wicked 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 (in order of appearance) Jade Johnson as the Fairy Godmother, Siobhan James as Cinderella, Nicholas McLean as Buttons, Alexandra Waite-Roberts as Oblivia, the Wicked Stepmother, Kat B and George Heyworth as Flatula and Nausea, the Ugly Sisters, Chrissie Bhima as Dandini and Luke Latchman as Prince Charming. Get ready to see this classic rags to riches tale 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! Presented by Hackney Empire. BSL INTERPRETED: Saturday, 6th December, 1:30pm & 6:00pm, Thursday, 18th December, 1:30pm & 7:00pm RELAXED: Saturday, 6th December, 1:30pm DEMENTIA FRIENDLY Saturday, 6th December, 1:30pm AUDIO DESCRIBED Sunday, 7th December, 1:00pm
Maisie Adam: Whatsherface

Maisie Adam: Whatsherface

24 Feb 2026 - 8 Nov 2026

Straight off the back of Taskmaster, A League Of Their Own, and Last One Laughing, Maisie Adam is back with her brand new show Whatsherface. Join the "tall, chaotic one with the weird hair" as she returns with her trademark wit, firecracker gags, and probably a few angry outbursts along the way. A genuine description given by her best friend's Mum at a wedding this year.
Adam Rowe

Adam Rowe

9 Oct 2026 - 3 Dec 2026

Adam Rowe a comedian and podcast host who has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and The Stand-Up Sketch Show. He co-hosts the Have A Word podcast with Dan Nightingale that pulls in over 1.3 million monthly downloads. He is one of the most exciting young comics to emerge in recent years. Since his debut as an 18 year old back in June 2010, Adam has established himself as one of the most in demand acts and comperes in the country; regularly appearing at all of The UKs biggest comedy clubs and festivals.
Susan Calman

Susan Calman

11 Sept 2026 - 20 Nov 2026

A decade older, but not necessarily wiser, Susan has found herself in some improbable situations over the years. Tall Tales is a show about Cruising, driving tanks, cats and getting older. You might have seen her on the television or heard her on the radio but the absolute best way to see her is live on stage. You won’t believe how short she really is. Prepare yourself for an evening of barely believable stories, laughter and probably some dancing. As seen on Grand Day Out, Cruising with Susan Calman, QI, House of Games and (a long time ago) Strictly Come Dancing.

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