Olivier Award nominated actress and comedian Tameka Empson will star in the Hackney Empire‘s 20th anniversary pantomime this year.
From the pen of writer and director Susie McKenna, a sparkling new production of Aladdin will open this Christmas. And Empson, who’s well-known for her role as Kim Fox-Hubbard in EastEnders, will make her first stage appearance since joining the soap.
She will perform the role of the Empress, alongside the venue’s Olivier Award-winning Grande Dame, Clive Rowe, from 24 November 2018 to 6 January 2019.
Writer and director McKenna will mark two decades at the helm of the festive favourite show with composer Steven Edis. During their tenure, the Hackney panto has grown year on year to become a real theatrical highlight of the year, as well as and a champion for culture and community in the East End.
Tameka Empson and Clive Rowe in Aladdin at the Hackney Empire in 2009
Empson said of the casting “I am so excited to be performing in Hackney Empire’s Aladdin pantomime this Christmas. After a gap of nine years from doing panto from 2004 to 2009 at the Empire, I’m looking forward to rejoining the creative team, cast, and crew and having fun with the likes of Susie McKenna – funny lady both on and off stage, Steve Edis – who gets me to hit the high note every time, and Clive Rowe – need I say more, to name but a few!”
McKenna added: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have Tameka back with us for our 20th anniversary pantomime of Aladdin and I’m sure audiences old and new will give her a true Hackney welcome.
“I think Tameka is a comic genius, she brings a very special kind of humour to every role and character and I’m relishing the opportunity to write for both her and our inimitable Dame Clive Rowe once again this year.”
Tickets are available through the venue’s website.