To celebrate 40 years of the renaming of Dalston C.L.R. James Library, come along to our community day to hear about our collections and plans to celebrate C.L.R. James over the coming year.

This is a fantastic opportunity to visit C.L.R. James Library in Dalston, and look through a wealth of archive material, view our special collections, plus a first look at rare and unseen books by and on CLR James kindly donated by Cecil Gutzmore.

Book online or just turn up!

Supporting the African Diaspora Community

Go along to the weekly arts & wellbeing sessions put on by the Claudia Jones Foundation. It’s a safe space to meet people and explore your creativity

No experience needed

Wednesday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm (term time only)

Women only

Fore more information, visit the Claudia Jones Foundation.

Join Aurie Styla as he talks about this wild world, and his journey to make sense of it, in The Aurator!

After a year of performing worldwide, award-winning comedian  Aurie Styla is back on tour, with his biggest one to date.

As seen and heard on; Deep Fake Neighbour Wars (ITVX), Comedy Central Live, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club (ITV), Don’t Hate The Playaz (ITV), The Stand-Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Mo Gilligan’s Black British & Funny (C4), On The Other Foot (film), Aurie Styla’s Tech Talk (BBC R4), You’re Part Of The Problem (BBC R4), Respectfully… (Podcast) and more.

Presented by Live Nation in association with Edbon Management.

For more information and how to book, visit Hackney Empire.

Celebrate the power and joy of gospel music in a soul-stirring concert. Featuring electrifying performances headlined by the renowned London Community Gospel Choir, and featuring special guest performances.

This event promises to be an unforgettable evening of harmony, inspiration, and community spirit. Experience a blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel sounds in the historic Hackney Empire.

Presented by London Community Gospel Choir Charity.

For more information and book, visit Hackney Empire.

Supporting the African Diaspora Community

Go along to the weekly arts & wellbeing sessions put on by the Claudia Jones Foundation. It’s a safe space to meet people and explore your creativity

No experience needed

Wednesday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm (term time only)

Women only

Fore more information, visit the Claudia Jones Foundation.

Shakespeare and Rap. A love story.

The original play, originally scored – with rap and R&B.

Some aspects of this new, innovative co-production of Romeo and Juliet aren’t new at all.

Everything that makes Shakespeare’s play so well loved is here. The rich, feuding families. The intense, forbidden passion. And the flash of violence that tears the young lovers apart, sending them spiralling towards tragedy.

This is unmistakeably Shakespeare’s love story, unaltered in its original text. But it’s not just Shakespeare’s play. There is an important Plus One: rap.

The story shines with new, original elements of rap – as well as soul and R&B. Think everyday English as well as the Elizabethan variety. And the poetry of rap rhythms as well as perfect pentameters.

Romeo and Juliet is a co-production with the Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Directed by Corey Campbell, creative director of the Belgrade, the play springs from our communities. The music elements reflect a collaboration with new company, That’s a Rap. And we’ve worked with local young people who have been taken out of mainstream education, on the production.

Together, we’ve created something unique. A Shakespearean lyrical love story – for people who love the music of the spoken word of every generation.

Artwork by Feast Creative.

Presented by Hackney Empire, Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.

For booking information, visit Hackney Empires website.

Shakespeare and Rap. A love story.

The original play, originally scored – with rap and R&B.

Some aspects of this new, innovative co-production of Romeo and Juliet aren’t new at all.

Everything that makes Shakespeare’s play so well loved is here. The rich, feuding families. The intense, forbidden passion. And the flash of violence that tears the young lovers apart, sending them spiralling towards tragedy.

This is unmistakeably Shakespeare’s love story, unaltered in its original text. But it’s not just Shakespeare’s play. There is an important Plus One: rap.

The story shines with new, original elements of rap – as well as soul and R&B. Think everyday English as well as the Elizabethan variety. And the poetry of rap rhythms as well as perfect pentameters.

Romeo and Juliet is a co-production with the Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Directed by Corey Campbell, creative director of the Belgrade, the play springs from our communities. The music elements reflect a collaboration with new company, That’s a Rap. And we’ve worked with local young people who have been taken out of mainstream education, on the production.

Together, we’ve created something unique. A Shakespearean lyrical love story – for people who love the music of the spoken word of every generation.

Artwork by Feast Creative.

Presented by Hackney Empire, Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.

For booking information, visit Hackney Empires website.

Shakespeare and Rap. A love story.

The original play, originally scored – with rap and R&B.

Some aspects of this new, innovative co-production of Romeo and Juliet aren’t new at all.

Everything that makes Shakespeare’s play so well loved is here. The rich, feuding families. The intense, forbidden passion. And the flash of violence that tears the young lovers apart, sending them spiralling towards tragedy.

This is unmistakeably Shakespeare’s love story, unaltered in its original text. But it’s not just Shakespeare’s play. There is an important Plus One: rap.

The story shines with new, original elements of rap – as well as soul and R&B. Think everyday English as well as the Elizabethan variety. And the poetry of rap rhythms as well as perfect pentameters.

Romeo and Juliet is a co-production with the Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Directed by Corey Campbell, creative director of the Belgrade, the play springs from our communities. The music elements reflect a collaboration with new company, That’s a Rap. And we’ve worked with local young people who have been taken out of mainstream education, on the production.

Together, we’ve created something unique. A Shakespearean lyrical love story – for people who love the music of the spoken word of every generation.

Artwork by Feast Creative.

Presented by Hackney Empire, Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.

For booking information, visit Hackney Empires website.

Hosted by Lisa Ogun’, these warm and supportive writing sessions are for African and African-Caribbean women looking to hone their writing skills, share their creative voice and feel inspired by listening to others. Last Tuesday of the month at Shoreditch Library from 6-7.30pm – book here for reminders, or just come along!

Supporting the African Diaspora Community

Go along to the weekly arts & wellbeing sessions put on by the Claudia Jones Foundation. It’s a safe space to meet people and explore your creativity

No experience needed

Wednesday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm (term time only)

Women only

Fore more information, visit the Claudia Jones Foundation.

Supporting the African Diaspora Community

Go along to the weekly arts & wellbeing sessions put on by the Claudia Jones Foundation. It’s a safe space to meet people and explore your creativity

No experience needed

Wednesday’s 11:30am – 1:30pm (term time only)

Women only

Fore more information, visit the Claudia Jones Foundation.

12 Comedians, 11 Countries, 1 Stage. Which country will take the crown?

The original and longest running comedy clash show returns with its annual extravaganza, with an all-star line up of the biggest and best comedians you will see on one show.

Full line up:

• White Yardie (Jamaica)

• Kojo Anim (Ghana)

• Thenjiwe (South Africa)

• Quincy (Barbados)

• Toju (Nigeria)

• Junior Booker (Guyana)

• Dana Alexander (Canada)

• Jason Patterson (St Vincent)

• Kazeem Jamal (Antigua)

• Wilson Milton (England)

• Limahl Gernmain (Dominica)

• Richard Blackwood (Host)

Presented by Comedy Events UK.

For more information and book, go to Hackney Empire.

Go to the Hackney Empire for a unique story depicting the life and music of Reggae icon Gregory Isaacs, celebrating his 75th anniversary.

The Cool Ruler musical curates the story of the legendary Gregory Isaacs on stage with a live five-piece band, and sensational vocals from Terence Wallen. Experience this foot-stomping reggae musical, which is guaranteed to have you rocking in your seat from start to finish.

For more information and how to book, go to Hackney Empire.

The Hackney Empire will be host to an inspiring evening with critically acclaimed actor and director Ashley Walters as he shares his extraordinary journey from musical stardom to triumphs in acting and directing, while overcoming personal setbacks along the way.

If art imitates life, then the critically acclaimed actor, director, producer, and recording artist Ashley Walters is living proof. In this brave and inspiring conversation, Ashley will share the story behind his unwavering determination and resilience. He will reveal the revolutionary mindset that transformed his life and fuels his optimistic outlook, offering a framework for achieving success against any odds.

For more information and how to book visit Hackney Empire.

Kojo Anim celebrates 25 years in comedy with a special performance at his local theatre.

Kojo has appeared as a cast member on Nick Cannon’s Wild N Out, Capital Xtra’s breakfast show as the host for 5 years, his own show on MTV Base, Britain's Got Talent Golden Buzzer Winner and international tours with Kevin Hart, Chris Rock & Dave Chappelle.

The Fresh Prince of Hackney is finally coming home. 

Presented by Kojo Anim.

For more information, go to Hackney Empire.

The Drifters are back on tour in the UK performing all their classic hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, You’re More Than A Number, Come On Over To My Place, Under the Boardwalk, Kissin’ In The Back Row and many more!

The legendary group have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, performed for the President of the United States and listed among the Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine.

Under the guidance of Tina Treadwell (daughter of the group’s original founders, George & Faye Treadwell) The Drifters have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years with multiple successful UK tours including headline shows in major arenas and, most notably, the world famous Royal Albert Hall in London for the first ever time in the group’s glittering career.

“I am thrilled with the success of our recent UK tours and we invite you all to join us in continuing to celebrate this incredible and everlasting story of The Drifters,” said Tina, speaking about the tour.

Presented by Elite Concerts International.

For booking information, go to Hackney Empire.