London's Hackney Empire to Take Hiatus

London's Hackney Empire will go on hiatus beginning January, reports confirm.  The London venue will offer its full slate of productions until the end of the year and will not reopen until late 2010 with a repertoire of holiday offerings.

This development follows the departure of artistic director and chief executive Simon Thomsett, who left the venue "by mutual consent" last month. During the dark period, only a small staff will maintain the theater. He has been replaced by Clarie Middleton as interim chief executive, who has indicated that the theater is not undergoing a full closure.

The Hackney Empire dates back to 1854 and, after surviving two world wars has served as a music hall, a bingo hall and an independent television studio.  Having undergone a full renovation in 2001, with its new technical capabilities the Hackney Empire is embarking on its journey to become one of the U.K.s leading variety theatres. Its artistic aim is the same as it has always been to provide something for everyone. And this is exactly what the annual in-house pantomime achieves. Highly acclaimed by both the national press and the public, each Christmas the Hackney Empire brings together the young, the old, the black and the white in a truly cosmopolitan audience. International opera companies, world famous orchestras, leading touring productions, top comedians and musicians are all being lined up to appear in coming seasons. Also, the theatre will begin to produce its own productions and these will then be taken on tours around the country. 

For further information, visit www.hackneyempire.co.uk.