* UPDATE: Opposition leader Corbyn attended the production, and was full of praise, especially for the performance of his niece

TWO GREAT CULTURAL powers in Hackney, the dynamic Big House theatre company and the long-running Rio Cinema, have joined forces to present a play starring a niece of would-be PM Jeremy Corbyn.

Jasmin Alvarez appears in Electric, which will be the first play the Kingsland Road cinema has staged in its tiny basement.

Her character, Faith, is seeking refuge from a lover. In a kind of time warp, Clara Ludski, a Russian migrant who in 1909 founded the Kingsland Palace, the first electric picture house on the site on which the Rio later evolved.

The Big House helps damaged and under-privileged youngsters. Alvarez moved into a hostel after an argument in the Islington home of Corbyn and his wife Laura.

* Electric is at the Rio Cinema basement (disabled access: usually), 107 Kingsland High Street, Dalston E8 2PB, Wednesday 18 November 2015-Sat 12 December 2015. For times, see website. Tickets £16, no concessions listed.

David Altheer 011115

* Backstory: Rio fails to keep out union out; Hackney group makes theatre work for the young

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