Hackney Empire Theatre, London E8
Hackney Empire Theatre, Mare Street, Hackney, London, E8 1EJ.
A Grade II* Listed, Victorian Baroque style “variety theatre” building of red-brick construction with buff terracota dressings. The interior is of a flamboyant Rococo Baroque style. Originally built circa 1901, the Hackney Empire was designed by the architect Frank Matcham (1854-1920) who was considered at the time to be one of the world’s most accomplished and inventive theatre architects. Famous entertainers who have appeared at the Empire include Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel, Marie Lloyd, Max Miller, WC Fields, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Chester, Issy Bonn, Tony Hancock, Liberace, Marty Wilde, Cliff Richard and Maria Callas.
