Susie McKenna News

This year marks 50 years since the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr and 30 years since the first performance of the late Martin Smith's acclaimed musical KING. Hackney Empire, in co-production with London Musical Theatre Orchestra, presents a special concert version for two performances only.

With Mapping Brent running at venues across the local community, Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham today announces the opening season at the company's newly refurbished theatre, which sees the Tricycle Theatre relaunch as Kiln Theatre. The new season includes five world premieres, one UK premiere and a major musical revival, with over 10,000 tickets at £12.50 or under.

Hackney Empire has today announced Aladdin as its 2018 pantomime and 20th anniversary production which will arrive in true Hackney style this Christmas as the venue marks its landmark year with the classic tale. Susie McKenna and Steve Edis celebrate two decades at the helm of the legendary pantomime which has grown to become one of the city's most anticipated annual highlights and a champion for culture and community in the East End. Aladdin will run from 24 November 2018 to 6 January 2019, with opening night for press on 5 December.

'That old copper statue by the Courthouse downtown, honouring the dead Confederate soldier, ain't there no more…'

Hampstead Theatre announces the first two productions for 2018.The UK premiere of Sarah Burgess' breathtakingly witty Dry Powder will be directed by Anna Ledwich and begins performances today.

Oranges and Elephants is a new musical written by Lil Warren with original songs and music by Jo Collins. It features an all-female cast directed by Susie McKenna. Set within a framework of a Victorian Music Hall (which is extremely apt in Hoxton Hall), we tell the age old tale of the yawning divide between rich and poor, focusing on what women in particular have to do to survive.

Karena Johnson, Artistic Director of Hoxton Hall today announces its spring 2018 season, Female Parts.

Karena Johnson, Artistic Director of Hoxton Hall, today announces full cast for the world premi re of Oranges and Elephants, the first production in the venue's all-female spring season Female Parts. The musical centres on two rival female gangs in Victorian London blending Music Hall, Fairground and Musical Theatre storytelling.

Hackney Empire's 2017 Christmas pantomime Cinderella runs at the East London venue until 31 December. Writer and director Susie McKenna gives us a sneak peek at its creation - watch the video below!

Hackney Empire today releases production images of its highly anticipated 2017 Christmas pantomime Cinderella which runs at the East London venue until Sunday 31 December with press night this evening. Check out the images below!

Hackney Empire can be counted on to deliver a hilarious and naughty panto every year, but Cinderella also has heart. This fun and fantastical production caters to both children and adults with its contemporary humour, talented cast, and impressive staging. Hackney's diverse reimagining of the classic fairy tale is one not to miss this festive season.

Hackney Empire today announces casting for its highly anticipated 2017 Christmas pantomime, Cinderella, having last been staged at the venue in 2011. Established West End performer Aisha Jawando (Motown the Musical, Beautiful) will be stepping into the glass slippers of the title role. She will be joined by Hackney Empire pantomime legends Tony Whittle and Kat B as the Ugly Sisters. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in character below!

Christmas is upon us, and the capital, as usual, is serving up a veritable feast of festive offerings. Here are some of London's finest

Aisha Jawando recently played Martha in the original London cast of Motown the Musical. This Christmas, she stars in the title role of Hackney Empire's Cinderella. Darren Hart is a Hackney regular and is also known for television and film appearances. He'll be playing Buttons in this year's Cinderella.

Karena Johnson, Artistic Director of Hoxton Hall today announces its spring 2018 season, Female Parts.

Hackney Empire today announces casting for its highly anticipated 2017 Christmas pantomime, Cinderella, having last been staged at the venue in 2011. Established West End performer Aisha Jawando (Motown the Musical, Beautiful) will be stepping into the glass slippers of the title role. She will be joined by Hackney Empire pantomime legends Tony Whittle and Kat B as the Ugly Sisters. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in character below!

Hackney Empire today announces casting for its highly anticipated 2017 Christmas pantomime, Cinderella, having last been staged at the venue in 2011.

Applications to take part in the pitching days for BEAM2018 will close on 25 September.

Hampstead Theatre announces the first two productions for 2018.

Hackney Empire has today announced Cinderella as its 2017 Christmas pantomime. The 2016 production of Sleeping Beauty was seen by audiences from across the globe from countries including Hong Kong, USA, Brazil, Japan and Hawaii but 20% of the audience was from Hackney, an increase of 1% on last year.