"When you walk out on that stage you walk in the footsteps of the greatest comics that ever lived and you know why they played it? 'Cos when it's full it's the greatest room to play in the world" Harry Hill

"I was born just round the corner from the Hackney Empire. It was the first theatre I ever went to. It's a wonderful theatre. When I was a child I used to go to the music hall there with my parents and see Max Miller." Harold Pinter

Griff Rhys-Jones, Chairman of the Hackney Empire Appeal: Re-launch Campaign writes:

"I have spent so long extolling the virtues of this wonderful theatre, it seems odd to be writing now that it is actually going to be better. But it is. Following its extensive and expensive restoration, the faded old Empire is set to be the most modern of up to date, whiz-bang venues for the twenty first century. Without losing any of its magnificent gilt, glamour and grandeur. Good eh?

For more information about the Appeal Campain please visit www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Music Hall and Variety

Television and Bingo

The future