British actor and Hackney Empire patron Clive Rowe has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help the venue survive the 'devastating impact Covid-19 lockdown has had on its finances'.

The campaign, also backed by Robert Peston and Richard Wilson, aims to raise over £50k from public donations, and Rowe, who's starred in over 14 of the establishment's pantomimes, said 'Theatres have been hit incredibly hard by lockdown, but a world without them is unimaginable. Places like Hackney Empire must survive, and you can help to make sure they do. Please support this campaign if you can and ensure that Hackney Empire can open its doors again for panto, for music, for comedy and for everyone'.