Sir Lenny Henry and Nish Kumar are among seven new patrons of Hackney Empire, as the East London theatre celebrates its 125th anniversary.
The venue, which opened in 1901, has also welcomed Tameka Empson, Renell Shaw, Corinna Brown, Kat B and Paul Kieve to its roster of patrons. They join existing patrons Clive Rowe and Leona Lewis.
Chris Sudworth, chief executive of Hackney Empire, said: “Our 125th anniversary is not simply an opportunity to reflect on Hackney Empire’s remarkable history at the intersection of art, access and activism, but a moment to think ambitiously about what this truly magical theatre can become during its next chapter.”
Sir Lenny said: “This lovely theatre became a launch pad for the next stage of my career leading to movies, hit TV series and further appearances that were always exhilarating and culturally uplifting. The theatre acts as community glue and a place to go if you want to be seen and supported.”
Comedian Nish Kumar said: “Hackney Empire is a perfect room, both for performers and audiences. It’s got an incredible history and is so important to the local community. It’s also the place where I saw comedy for the first time and decided to embark on it as a career, but please don’t hold that against it.”
New trustees and a new strategy
The theatre has also announced three new trustees: Nicki Perrett, Shakia Stewart and Louise Zandstra. Sir William Atkinson, chair of Hackney Empire’s board of trustees, said each of them brings valuable experience, fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to the role arts and culture can play in transforming lives.
The 125th anniversary programme, launched in September, includes new productions and creative partnerships. In 2027, the theatre’s Creative Futures programme will celebrate 25 years of providing free opportunities for young people to develop creative and technical skills for careers in the arts.
Mr Sudworth said the theatre is developing a vision for its future through its new strategy, Hackney:Central: “Through our new strategy, Hackney:Central, we are developing a vision for a theatre that is ambitious, equitable and progressive, developing new productions and partnerships, and playing an increasingly important role locally, in London, nationally and internationally.”
Hackney’s theatres continue to draw big names: Sir Ian McKellen’s King Lear at the Yard Theatre sold out this week.
