The storied history of the Hackney Empire

Available for over a year

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)