Final Hackney Empire show signals nine-month closure

7th February 2010

London’s flagship variety theatre, the Hackney Empire, has staged its last show before it closes for at least nine months, following financial problems. More than 150 youngsters aged between five and 18 took part in the Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School variety show on Sunday 7th February.

The theatre’s chief executive, Claire Middleton, ordered the closure “for a period of reflection”. However, she said the venue would definitely reopen. Hackney Council said the theatre was a much-loved icon that was at the heart of the borough’s cultural life and it was working with the arts council to provide a package of support.

It became the first ATV studio and later a bingo hall before returning to live variety in the 1980s and was reopened in 2004 after a three-year closure for a £17m refurbishment.

The theatre is funded in part by the Arts Council England, Hackney Council, commercial sponsors and private donors.

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Source: BBC News