Culture | TheatreA hall of fameAnil Dawar|Evening Standard10 April 2012 In its heyday, the Hackney Empire was a world-famous music hall. Charlie Chaplin, Marie Lloyd, Stan Laurel and WC Fields played there before the First World War It was the launch pad for Barbara Windsor, who won her first talent contest there Liberace was photographed in tears by the Daily Mirror in the Empire's main dressing room after its gossip columnist quizzed him about his sexuality In 1956 it was converted into a TV studio where music show Oh Boy! was broadcast live every Saturday, featuring stars including Cliff Richard and Marty Wilde In the Sixties it was transformed into a bingo hall. After local campaigns, it was returned to its original use in 1986 In Oscar-winner Ralph Fiennes starred in Hamlet at the theatre to raise funds for its refurbishment. MORE ABOUTCliff RichardFirst World WarHackney EmpireHamletRalph FiennesThe Daily Mirror