ICONIC VENUE BEGINS CELEBRATIONS FOR
ITS 120th ANNIVERSARY YEAR WITH SPECIAL EVENT ON 9 DECEMBER
120 SEATS IN THE AUDITORIUM AVAILABLE
TO SPONSOR AS PART OF NEW PHASE OF THE DEDICATE A SEAT CAMPAIGN
Artistic Director Yamin Choudury and the whole team
at Hackney Empire are pleased to announce that the beginning of a year of
special shows and events to mark the theatre’s 120th anniversary
year will launch on Thursday 9 December 2021, with a celebration and birthday
cake, cut on stage by the venue’s Patron and iconic Pantomime Dame Clive Rowe. Further
details of the celebratory programme will be announced in the New Year.
Clive Rowe said, “For generations now Hackney
Empire has brought people and communities together. After the challenges of the
last two years, it’s wonderful to be back on its legendary stage and
celebrating 120 years of Hackney Empire being at the heart of London’s cultural
life.”
The team are also launching a new phase of the Dedicate a
Seat Campaign, which was a major and hugely popular part of its 2004 renovation
campaign led by Griff Rhys Jones and Sir Alan Sugar. For the 120th
anniversary, 120 seats in the auditorium are being made available for people,
who want to support its work going forward.
Yamin
Choudury, said, “As
a registered charity Hackney Empire depends on the support of those who love it,
and we’re so excited to again be giving people the opportunity to dedicate a
seat in our beautiful auditorium. Audiences can join Hackney Empire supporters
from across the world of entertainment including Barbara Windsor, Sir Ian
Mckellen, Alan Davies, Michael Palin, Paul Merton, Lenny Henry, Dawn French,
Hackney Empire Patron Leona Lewis, Nish Kumar, Arabella Weir & Sylvester
McCoy. Everything we raise through the 120 Seats Campaign will help
ensure that Hackney Empire remains at the heart of all its communities for
generations to come.”
Venue Patron Leona Lewis said, “it’s
incredible to think that Hackney Empire is still right at the heart of the community
entertaining, and importantly inspiring people after 120 years. I couldn’t be
prouder to be a Patron and supporting its work with young people in this
special anniversary year. My own seat dedication is in memory of my grandma
Queenie – I hope lots of people will take the opportunity to dedicate a seat to
someone they love in Hackney Empire’s legendary auditorium this year.”
For more information
https://hackneyempire.co.uk/membership-support/dedicate-a-seat/
After an unprecedented and uniquely challenging
year of closure, Hackney Empire reopened its doors in September, with an
exciting programme of work, and a continuing focus on its commitment to
community and championing of young people.
Website: www.hackneyempire.co.uk / Facebook
- /HackneyEmpire
/ Twitter - @HackneyEmpire
Instagram
- @HackneyEmpire
