News Story
Young Musicians from our Creative Futures programme will take centre stage in our bold-new co-production of Romeo and Juliet, with the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry and Bristol Old Vic.
For the first time, these young musicians will perform as part of a professional theatre tour, bringing a fresh and contemporary energy to the show’s groundbreaking musical score.
Elijah Raheem Aduu (known as ERA – guitar), Mark Holder (drums) and D’evante Seepaul-Craig (keyboard) developed their skills through our Creative Futures programme. After taking part in the Artist Development Programme (ADP) and other key Creative Futures projects, they have now been invited to join the professional band for the entire Romeo and Juliet tour, performing at the Belgrade Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, and Hackney Empire.
"Being on ADP showed me how theatre works. Now, I can use that experience to move forward with confidence. Hackney Empire has developed my leadership skills and musicianship. It’s really great to have had people who have faith in me—now I can have faith in myself and take these opportunities"
Mark Holder
Joseph Roberts and our Community Choir
Throughout the production, they will be mentored by Joseph Roberts, Director of Hackney Empire’s Community Choir, who will support their development as young musicians working professionally in theatre. Joseph will also be working with members of our Community Choir, who will be performing as part of the show in Hackney.
Entry for All performance of Romeo and Juliet: Sat 26 Apr at 2pm
We're also thrilled to announce that there will be an additional performance of Romeo and Juliet on Sat 26 Apr at 2pm as part of our Entry for All scheme. Entry For All is our scheme that is designed to support people from Hackney and wider London to access live performance and art & culture. Every year we programme a high-profile performance as part of Entry For All and all tickets are free for anyone 25 and under and for anyone who would otherwise be unable to afford to attend. This performance will also be BSL Interpreted.
To apply for tickets visit the webpage by clicking here.
"This co-production is a really special collaboration for us at Hackney Empire as it brings together so many important elements of our work. From training and career pathways for young musicians to professional mentoring, school engagement, free performances, and community choir performances—we are proud to be celebrating so many local creatives and young people through this production"
Lorna McGinty, Head of Learning and Participation
This is unmistakeably Shakespeare’s love story, largely unaltered in its original text. But it’s not just Shakespeare’s play. There is an important Plus One: rap.
Everything that makes Shakespeare’s play so well loved is here. The rich, feuding families. The intense, forbidden passion. And the flash of violence that tears the young lovers apart, sending them spiralling towards tragedy.
The story shines with new, original elements of rap – as well as soul and R&B. Think every day English as well as the Elizabethan variety. And the poetry of rap rhythms as well as perfect pentameters.
Wed 23 - Sat 26 Apr, book for Romeo and Juliet below!
