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The storied history of the Hackney Empire
Since opening in 1901, the Hackney Empire has hosted theatre, comedy and music.
Since opening in 1901, the Hackney Empire has evolved through eras of Music Hall and Variety, jazz, rock 'n' roll, film and television. At one point it was a Mecca Bingo Hall. In the 1980s there was a campaign to restore it as a theatre, and afterwards it took on a its role as a venue for comedy, music and community events.
As the venue turns 125, Robert Elms finds out about it's past, present and future.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
