Clive Rowe will return to Hackney Empire this Christmas to direct Jack and the Beanstalk and play Dame Trot. The pantomime runs from 21 November to 31 December 2026, taking the Mare Street theatre through its 125th birthday in December.
Kat B, in his 21st Hackney Empire panto, plays Simple Simon Trot. Marina Lawrence-Mahrra plays Jack, whose decision to sell the family cow for a handful of beans sends him up a beanstalk and into the path of a giant.
Hackney Empire panto at a glance
Where Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ.
When Saturday 21 November to Thursday 31 December 2026, with times varying by performance.
Tickets £10 to £48, plus £1.50 per ticket online or by phone. Check performance times and book through Hackney Empire.
Two familiar faces return for the anniversary panto
Rowe has played dames at Hackney Empire for more than 25 years. He also directed the theatre’s 2025 Cinderella, which earned him a UK Pantomime Awards nomination for best director. This year’s show is written by Will Brenton, with original music and songs by Steven Edis and sets and costumes by Cleo Pettitt.
Lawrence-Mahrra is joined by Summer Priest as Jill, Louise Cielecki as Fairy Firethorn and Christopher Staines as Stephen Fleshcreep. The theatre lists a mix of afternoon and evening performances, with some dates offering lower ticket prices than others.
Relaxed, signed and audio-described performances
The 1.30pm show on Saturday 5 December is relaxed, dementia-friendly and interpreted in British Sign Language. The 6pm performance that day is also BSL-interpreted, as are both shows on Thursday 17 December at 1.30pm and 7pm. VocalEyes provides audio description at 1pm on Sunday 6 December. The box office can advise on access tickets on 020 8985 2424.
Do young children need their own ticket?
Hackney Empire welcomes all ages. Children aged three and under may sit on an adult’s lap, while children aged four and over need their own ticket. The theatre has yet to confirm the running time.
Full company
Alongside Clive Rowe, Kat B and Marina Lawrence-Mahrra, the cast includes Louise Cielecki as Fairy Firethorn, Christopher Staines as Stephen Fleshcreep, Summer Priest as Jill and Andre Antonio as Harp and Timothy Trot. The ensemble includes Ellie Greenway, Alanna Panditaratne, Charlize Indigo, Charlie Scales, Toby Seddon, Lara Wollington and Sam Jamison.
Performance dates and times
Times are local. Check the venue’s booking page for availability and changes before travelling.
| Performance date | Start times |
|---|---|
| Sat 21 Nov | 1:30pm / 6pm |
| Sun 22 Nov | 1pm |
| Tue 24 Nov | 1:30pm |
| Wed 25 Nov | 1:30pm |
| Thu 26 Nov | 1:30pm |
| Fri 27 Nov | 1:30pm / 7pm |
| Sat 28 Nov | 1:30pm / 6pm |
| Sun 29 Nov | 1pm / 5:30pm |
| Tue 1 Dec | 1:30pm |
| Wed 2 Dec | 1:30pm / 7pm |
| Thu 3 Dec | 7pm |
| Fri 4 Dec | 7pm |
| Sat 5 Dec | 1:30pm / 6pm |
| Sun 6 Dec | 1pm / 5:30pm |
| Tue 8 Dec | 1:30pm |
| Wed 9 Dec | 1:30pm |
| Thu 10 Dec | 1:30pm |
| Fri 11 Dec | 1:30pm / 7pm |
| Sat 12 Dec | 1:30pm / 6pm |
| Sun 13 Dec | 1pm / 5:30pm |
| Tue 15 Dec | 1:30pm |
| Wed 16 Dec | 1:30pm |
| Thu 17 Dec | 1:30pm / 7pm |
| Fri 18 Dec | 7pm |
| Sat 19 Dec | 1:30pm / 6pm |
| Sun 20 Dec | 1pm / 5:30pm |
| Tue 22 Dec | 1:30pm / 6pm |
| Wed 23 Dec | 1:30pm / 6pm |
| Thu 24 Dec | 1:30pm |
| Sat 26 Dec | 2:30pm |
| Sun 27 Dec | 1pm / 5:30pm |
| Mon 28 Dec | 1:30pm / 6pm |
| Tue 29 Dec | 1:30pm / 6pm |
| Wed 30 Dec | 1:30pm |
| Thu 31 Dec | 1:30pm |
Getting there and access
Hackney Empire is at 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ, about five minutes on foot from Hackney Central Overground according to the theatre. Check for local diversions before travelling. Stalls and Dress Circle ticket holders use the main entrance on Mare Street. Contact the box office on 020 8985 2424 for accessible seating and the entrance appropriate to your ticket. See the venue directions and access guide.
