Hackney Empire has announced that tickets are now on sale for Threads, the 2026 Artist Development Programme (ADP) production, which will be performed on the venue’s main stage on Saturday 8 August 2026.
Produced by Hackney Empire in collaboration with Ameena Hamid, Threads will be created and performed by a company of more than 50 young artists and creatives aged 14 to 19.
Featuring original live music and songs, the newly devised production explores community, connection and change, while reflecting the voices, experiences and creativity of young people today.
Set around a small tailoring shop at the heart of a close-knit community, the story follows Mama, the woman holding everything together. As changing pressures on the textile industry begin to threaten the future of her business, the community must confront difficult questions about what they value, what they are willing to preserve and what needs to evolve.
Award-winning director Stef O’Driscoll returns to Hackney Empire following her work on the 2025 ADP production The Kindling. Her directing credits include A History of Water in the Middle East at the Royal Court, With A Little Bit of Luck, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Lyric Hammersmith and Hopelessly Devoted by Kae Tempest.
This year’s creative team combines established theatre professionals with returning ADP alumni who are now working across the industry. Returning alumni include Joelthomas Coleallison, Khalif Shakeil Edwards, Tjai Coleallison, Hannah Schlenker, Sherna Simpson-Thomas, Heleina Stefanos, Alana Chin, Nate Owusu-Ansah, Jamal Abdul, Nadia Musah, Joedane Brown, Ariane Jeffrey and Mercedes Dean.
They are joined by returning collaborators Ellie Fulcher, Jessica Kaliisa, Elijah Aduu and Lorna McGinty, alongside new team members Hanna Dimtsu, Ruben Alridge, Ashton Moore, Vivienne Isebor, Sylvia Darkwa Ohemeng, Applied Scripted Arc, Freya Proudlock and producer Ameena Hamid.
As Hackney Empire prepares for its 125th anniversary year and Creative Futures approaches its 25th anniversary in 2027, the production highlights the organisation’s ongoing commitment to developing young talent and creating pathways into the creative industries.
Stef O’Driscoll said: “I’m delighted to be returning to Hackney Empire’s Artist Development Programme for Threads. ADP is such an exciting project, where a team of brilliant young artists and industry professionals come together to create a show like no other; one that showcase young people’s talents, builds community and tells an important story. It’s a brilliant opportunity for all involved and I’m looking forward to getting started.
“Threads is a story about community, connection and change, and I’m looking forward to working with this year’s company as they bring their ideas, energy and creativity to the production.”
Lorna McGinty, Head of Learning and Participation at Hackney Empire, said: “Hackney Empire’s Artist Development Programme is one of the highlights of our Creative Futures calendar. It’s a privilege to work with such an exceptional group of young artists, and to observe them grow and flourish over the summer. The programme gives young people the opportunity to work with leading theatre professionals, to develop their confidence and skills, and see themselves as part of the future of this industry.
“As Hackney Empire looks ahead to its landmark 125th anniversary year, and Creative Futures approaches 25 years of transformational work with young people, Threads speaks directly to our wider ambitions for the organisation: to support artists and young people, champion more representative creative pathways, and ensure Hackney Empire remains a creative home for the communities we serve. We are hugely proud of this year’s company and can’t wait to welcome audiences to see what they create.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
