Curtains close at the Hackney Empire after final show

The Hackney Empire has closed its curtains for the last time this year, before its nine month closure.

London's flagship variety theatre, staged its final show last night, the Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School variety show.

The theatre's chief executive, Claire Middleton, explained the closure as  "a period of reflection".

However, she said the venue would definitely reopen. It has been hit by financial problems.

Hackney Council said the theatre was a much-loved icon that was at the heart of the borough's cultural life and it was working with the arts council to provide a package of support.

Charlie Chaplin, WC Fields, Stan Laurel and Marie Lloyd are among those who have played live at the theatre which opened in 1901 as a music hall.

Russell Brand, Jimmy Carr and Leona Lewis have also graced the famous stages in the past few years.

It became the first ATV studio and later a bingo hall before returning to live variety in the 1980s.

The Hackney Empire was reopened in 2004 after a three-year closure for a £17m refurbishment.

The theatre is funded in part by the Arts Council England, Hackney Council, commercial sponsors and private donors.

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