Cedric Neal, Sharon D Clarke, Debbie Kurup

This year marks 50 years since the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr and 30 years since the first performance of the late Martin Smith’s acclaimed musical KING. Hackney Empire, in co-production with London Musical Theatre Orchestra, presents a special concert version for two performances only by kind permission of Nick Fiveash.

Appearing in this concert version of KING will be a cast of West End stars including Cedric Neal (Motown the Musical, Chess) as Martin Luther King Jr., Sharon D. Clarke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Caroline, or Change, Sleeping Beauty) as Alberta King and Debbie Kurup (The Bodyguard, Girl from the North Country, Jack and the Beanstalk) as Coretta King.

Joining them is the London Musical Theatre Orchestra conducted by Freddie Tapner, who return to Hackney Empire following the huge success of Mack & Mabel last year. KING is directed by Susie McKenna with new orchestrations by Simon Nathan. The concert will feature Hackney Empire’s renowned Community Choir.

KING is directed by Susie McKenna and features Hackney Empire’s explosive Community Choir. Joining them is the London Musical Theatre Orchestra (LMTO) conducted by Freddie Tapner. Following on from the five star success of Mack and Mabel, the LMTO are delighted to be returning to Hackney Empire.