blackburn-empire-Too Much Too Young

Too Much Too Young

    MUSIC

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Thursday 12th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The UK’s biggest and only dedicated Ska theatre experience is sweeping the nation with a string of sell-out performances!

Get ready for an electrifying night of music with Too Much Too Young – The Music of 2Tone & Beyond, a high-octane, two-hour theatre experience that takes audiences on an unforgettable ride through the ska sound that shaped generations. This feel-good journey explores the birth of ska in Jamaica and follows its explosive history through to the British revival in the late '70s and '80s, celebrating the groundbreaking music and the legendary artists who made it a global phenomenon.

A must-see for any ska fan, the show is earning 5-star reviews from fans and critics alike. Featuring a powerhouse 9-piece live band, including original members from iconic chart-topping groups like The Specials and The Selecter, the production is a feast for the senses with stunning digital video displays, authentic instruments, vibrant costumes, and a dynamic cast that brings the spirit of the era to life.

Prepare to be transported back in time with hits from the likes of Madness, The Specials, The Beat, Bad Manners, The Selecter, The Bodysnatchers, and more! Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering the magic of ska for the first time, this nostalgic trip to the '70s and '80s will have you dancing in the aisles!

 

blackburn-empire-The Story Behind Motown

The Story Behind Motown

    MUSIC

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Friday 12th September 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Step into the world of Motown and experience the magic behind the music that defined an era. The Story Behind Motown, founded by the legendary Mr Berry Gordy Jr., takes you on an unforgettable journey back to Detroit City, famously known as Hitsville USA.

Featuring original footage shown on the big screen and classic hits performed by the incredibly talented singers Anita and Courtney, this show is a tribute to the golden years of Motown. With stunning harmonies, iconic dress changes, and two high-energy dancers, you'll be up on your feet singing and dancing along to the timeless hits of The Four Tops, Jackie Wilson, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Sam Cooke, and many more.

This captivating production also includes soulful touches from artists like The Drifters, Marvin Gaye, and even a little Northern Soul for good measure.

Here’s what audiences are saying:

  • "We enjoyed every minute. It was brilliant! Well done to all of you!"
  • "What a great show, well done to all involved!"
  • "Absolutely amazing, and the dresses were gorgeous."
  • "Brilliant show! Now I know more about Motown. Didn’t want it to end."
  • "Seen it twice now and love it! Couldn’t stop dancing."

So, grab your dancing shoes and singing voices as we take you back through the Motown years once again. This is a show you won’t want to miss!

 

blackburn-empire-Thank ABBA for the Music

Thank ABBA for the Music

    MUSIC

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Sat 7th February at 2:30pm & Sat 7th February 2026 at 7:30pm


Grab your platforms and flares for a journey back in time to when ABBA dominated the charts and ruled the airwaves!

Thank ABBA For The Music is a two-hour theatre ABBA-fest that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history's most successful and entertaining live bands. Featuring all of ABBA's greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Take A Chance On Me, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Knowing Me Knowing You, SOS, Fernando, Super Trouper and many more!

With stunning costumes, a 7-piece live band, interactive video projection, some tongue-in-cheek Swedish humour, and of course ABBA’s spectacular trademark harmonies – this is the ultimate feel-good party show!

ABBA and 70’s fancy dress optional…but encouraged!

★★★★★ ‘FABBATASTIC NIGHT OUT! – Times & Star
★★★★★ ‘THE BIGGEST PARTY WITH THE UK’S BEST ABBA TRIBUTE’ – The Sands Centre, Carlisle
★★★★★ ‘YOU WERE AMAZING!’ – The Sage Gateshead

Disclaimer: Thank Abba For The Music is a tribute show and is not affiliated or endorsed by the original artist or management company. www.thankabbaforthemusic.co.uk

 

The Cavern Beat Club starring The Fabs

    MUSIC

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Saturday 4th October 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Within minutes of this show starting, you'll know exactly why 'beat' groups dominated the pop music scene in the 1960s.

In those days, hundreds of groups performed at beat clubs throughout the UK, and at the very heart of these was The Cavern in Liverpool – a cellar venue that quickly became known as 'The Most Famous Club in the World'.

The Fabs re-create those exciting times with a recipe of great songs, musical showmanship, excellent harmonies, and audience participation. In a fantastic night to remember, you'll hear songs made famous by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Searchers, The Merseybeats, The Who, The Spencer Davis Group, and many more iconic names.

It’s 'as it used to be'… a totally great, LIVE performance!

This is a unique show that recaptures the vibrant music and Scouse humour that you'd have experienced in The Cavern’s 'Merseymania' days. Liverpool-born Steve Quillon (whose 1960s group has a named brick in The Cavern Wall of Fame) leads The Fabs, who have performed 700+ times to date.

You'll sing, scream, laugh, and cheer on a night you won't forget!

 

blackburn-empire-poster-The Simon & Garfunkel Story

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

    MUSIC

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Thursday 17th July 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

“What A Great ****ing Show” – ART GARFUNKEL
Few shows have experienced the phenomenal global success of The Simon & Garfunkel Story, with multiple sold-out shows in over 50-countries worldwide and over 20 headline performances in London’s West End, including multiple appearances at the world-famous London Palladium.
Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show tells the story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel blended together seamlessly with a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.
With standing ovations at every performance at the show Art Garfunkel himself loved, you don't want to miss this international sensation.

 

blackburn-empire-The Opera Boys - A Night at the Musicals

The Opera Boys – A Night at the Musicals

    MUSIC

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Thursday 23rd October 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Opera Boys return with their sell-out show, A Night at the Musicals – a fabulous evening of powerhouse vocals, immaculate four-part harmony, breath taking musical medleys, and stunning solo performances. All of this is delivered with the charm, style, and sense of humour that the boys have become known for.

Whether you’re a fan of modern-day smash-hit musicals like Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Wicked, and Frozen, prefer the classics from Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, or adore the definitive masterpieces like Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, and West Side Story, this show has something for everyone. It’s perfect for musical theatre lovers both young and old.

With beautiful vocal arrangements, spectacular close-part harmony, and a great line in humour, The Opera Boys have been delighting audiences all over the world. Their unique show combines beautiful, powerful, and emotional music with funny, engaging, and light-hearted entertainment.

The boys trained at some of the UK’s finest schools, including The Royal Academy of Music, and have each become highly successful performers in their own right. Between them, they have performed lead roles on London’s West End and Broadway in New York. They have also performed as backing vocalists for some of the world’s biggest superstars, including Russell Watson, Robbie Williams, Tom Jones, and Elton John.

In 2015, one of the boys appeared as part of the Belgian entry for The Eurovision Song Contest, performing to a global audience of 200 million and placing a very respectable 4th in the competition!

Together, the boys have performed in theatres and concert halls throughout the UK and have travelled all over the world with their show. In 2018, they performed as soloists with The National Symphony Orchestra.

They have also been invited to perform at a number of prestigious events, including the 10th Anniversary of the world’s most famous cruise ship, Cunard’s superliner Queen Mary 2, and the inaugural voyage of P&O’s largest cruise ship, Britannia, launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

 

blackburn-empire-The Greatest Star - Barbra Streisand Tribute Show

The Greatest Star – Barbra Streisand Tribute Show

    MUSIC

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Sunday 12th October 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Barbra Streisand is, by far, one of the worlds best known artistes in recent times. The Broadway star went from dust to stardom in the blink of an eye, most famous for her role in Funny Girl, she is a phenomenon. With a career extending over 6 six decades, Barbra always had her role on the music scene. Whether it be the big stage, studios or TV, Barbra has always been a favourite.

Starring Kearra Bethany, as seen on ITV’s STARSTRUCK, ‘The Greatest Star – Barbra Streisand Tribute Show’ takes you on a magical musical journey through time as you sit back & relax enjoy the sounds of this fabulous ‘concert style’ production. Backed by a fabulous LIVE band, joined on stage by guest artistes for the iconic duets, it’ll bring back all the ‘Mem’ries’.

This 2 hour spectacular will have you singing along, tapping along and even laughing to the FABULOUS storyline. But most of all you’ll be with Kearra, celebrating songs such as ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’, ‘No More Tears’, ‘Guilty’, ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’, ‘Memory’ plus many more.

 

blackburn-empire-poster-The Stadium Rock Experience

The Stadium Rock Experience

    MUSIC

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Friday 30th January 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Stadium Rock Experience delivers all the excitement of arena rock with classic anthems from the biggest acts!

Described as an audio and visual sensation, the Trigger band are thrilled to return to The Empire Theatre with our esteemed Stadium Rock Experience show. This promises to be an entertaining and uplifting evening, delivering the excitement and spectacle associated with arena rock, with the highest standard of musicianship, and the most popular hit songs from the biggest mainstream rock acts.

The Stadium Rock Experience show includes a variety of staging, visuals, effects and lighting, to recreate the monumental majesty of the arena rock genre. Our set list includes classic anthems from the likes of Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Queen, Status Quo, Kiss, Journey, ABBA, Guns N Roses, Cher, Whitesnake, AC/DC, and Tina Turner amongst many others, which are all energetically performed to keep everyone engaged, excited and participating from the very first song right through to the finale.

When you absolutely, positively need thrilling entertainment, look no further than Trigger: The Stadium Rock Experience!

 

blackburn-empire-Sound & Vision - A David Bowie Tribute Show

Sound & Vision – A David Bowie Tribute Show

    MUSIC

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Friday 18th July 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Fasten your seatbelts – the Starman is here!!

‘Sound & Vision – A tribute to David Bowie’ was
launched on what would have been Bowie’s 75th birthday in 2022.

While his career spanned five
decades, he maintained his relevance to both his long-term ardent fans and
younger emerging audiences. There has never been an artist that has offered
inspiration to so many people within the music industry. His songs still have
the ability to affect and influence
music lovers across the world.

What makes Sound & Vision so
special, is their note-perfect recreation of the legend himself and the iconic
musicians he loved to work with. The 7-piece band offers audiences a chance to
fully appreciate each complex nuance of his many, many songs. And they’re all
there… Ziggy Stardust, Life on Mars, Starman, All the Young Dudes, Rebel-Rebel,
China Girl… and so many more.

Chris Burke, has an unmatched vocal similarity to
Bowie. His vocal ability allows you to enjoy each song being performed as you’d
want them to be. Perfectly recreating his voice. Close your eyes… you’d think
he was in the room. But it’s not just about the vocals. The musicianship and
talent of the other band members is truly world class. The line-up includes
Jeff John (Lead Guitar), John Wilmott (Bass), Colin Elward (Keyboards), Simon
Harry (Rhythm Guitar), Gareth Addey (Drums) and Mike Davies (Saxophone).

The show is mesmerising with
lights and a wonderful soundscape, designed to stimulate all your senses… and
it includes a few surprises too. Suitable for all ages, and will have you
dancing in the aisles.

Celebrate David Bowie's amazing
music with us. It’ll be a memorable rock experience with the UK’s best
sound-alike Bowie show.

 

blackburn-empire-poster-Taylor Fever – The Ultimate Tribute to Taylor Swift

Taylor Fever – The Ultimate Tribute to Taylor Swift

    MUSIC

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Friday 3rd October 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Blackburn, get ready to be swept off your feet!

Taylor Fever, the ultimate tribute to the sensational Taylor Swift, is coming to the Empire Theatre on October 3rd, and you’re invited to join in on the excitement!

Secure your spot now by snagging your tickets before they vanish!

Alongside a talented squad of dancers, this tribute act will have you grooving and belting out Taylor’s iconic tunes, from “Ready For It” to “Shake It Off” and beyond.

It’s more than just a concert; it’s a one-of-a-kind live experience that’ll create lasting memories for everyone, regardless of age.

Don’t let this magical evening slip away – be a part of it!