Hackney Empire, London
Hackney Empire is on Mare Street in East London, five minutes' walk from Hackney Central station, with 1,268 seats on four levels. Comedy, music, opera, dance and touring plays come through most weeks, and every Christmas it puts on its own panto. This year it's Jack and the Beanstalk, from 21 November to 31 December 2026.
Around 1,268 seats
Still choosing seats? The centre of the Stalls, a few rows back, is where we'd put you for the panto. The Dress Circle has the most legroom, and the front of the Upper Circle is the value buy. The Gallery at the top is unreserved benches with no backs, and the theatre doesn't recommend it for under-14s.
Already booked? Check your ticket for the level. Stalls and Dress Circle go in through the front doors on Mare Street; Upper Circle and Gallery go in round the side, on Wilton Way. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before, no later: bags are checked at the door, and the doors open 45 to 60 minutes before the show.
Each level has its own page: Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle, Gallery and the Boxes, with all four side by side on the seating plan. Then there's how to get here, access, bars and bags, restaurants, pubs and hotels nearby and more about the theatre.
Quick facts
- Address: 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ
- Nearest station: Hackney Central (London Overground), 5 minutes
- Capacity: 1,268 seats
- Levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Gallery, with Boxes in the Dress Circle
- Lift: to every level
- Arrive: 20 to 30 minutes before, no later
What's On at Hackney Empire
Most shows here play for one or two nights, so the programme changes every few days, with a family show now and then.
The big run of the year is the panto, which Hackney Empire makes itself. In 2026 it's Jack and the Beanstalk, from Saturday 21 November to Thursday 31 December, with Clive Rowe back as the dame. On 9 December, in the middle of the run, the theatre turns 125.
Ticket prices
Prices change from show to show, so you'll find them on each show's own page. For Jack and the Beanstalk, tickets start from £12, and the weekday matinees are the cheapest. Book with us and it's all-in pricing, the price you see is what you pay.
Book Hackney Empire tickets
All-in pricing, the price you see is what you pay.
Hackney Empire FAQs
Is Hackney Empire all seated?
Yes, for almost every show, with 1,268 seats. A few gigs take the Stalls seats out for standing, and the show's page will say so.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Under-14s must be with an adult. For the panto, children aged 3 and under can sit on your lap for free. There are a few booster seats: ask at the door when it opens. Buggies can't go into the auditorium, so you'll leave yours round the back of the building.
Can I take a bag in?
Yes, a small one. Bags are checked at the door, and anything large goes in the free cloakroom. You can bring bottled water, but no other food or drink.
What happens if I'm late?
For most shows you'll be let in at a suitable point, but some shows don't admit latecomers at all, and the theatre's email the day before will tell you if yours is one.
Can I book by phone?
Yes, on 020 7193 9050. You'll talk to a real person, and the price we quote is the price you pay. Call early for a big family group at the panto.