It's sad that the Hackney Empire is to "go dark" for nine months after this year's panto in order to reflect on its future, though I suppose I'm not enormously surprised. I've had a slightly gloomy feeling about the Empire's fortunes since going there last spring to see James Sherman's Jewish comedy Beau Jest. The play was charming and funny, but the audience numbers were uncomfortably small. I was used to packed houses for the panto and for the annual show by the Anna Fiorentini drama school. Was business the rest of the time normally this slow?
There's plenty of speculation about the reasons for the Empire's forthcoming break, including that Arts Council England - which provides some subsidy - is effectively demanding a change of business strategy. This might mean rethinking the types of show the theatre puts on. Simon Thomsett, who stepped down as artistic director and chief executive last month, said that 2008 has been the theatre's most successful year since it reopened in 2004, but it seems even that wasn't enough. So how should the Empire change if it is to thrive in the future? Mark Shenton at the Guardian has some thoughts on that. Maybe you do too.
Dave, have you heard anything about what's going to happen to the Anna Fiorenti show due in Feb? As far as my kids know, they're rehearsing for it this term. But then if this news has just come out, I don't suppose Anna will have had a chance to react to it yet.
Posted by: Martin McCallion | September 28, 2009 at 09:41 AM
No, Martin, I've heard nothing yet. But I hope to soon.
Posted by: DaveHill | September 28, 2009 at 09:55 AM