blackburn-empire-Les Misérables : School Edition

Les Misérables : School Edition

    MUSIC

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From Fri 17th July 2026 to Sun 19th July 2026


by Act One Beginners – 5 shows to choose from.

Following
on from their two previous SOLD OUT productions of Disney's Frozen JR. in July
2024, and Dreamworks Shrek JR. in March 2025, Lancashire based Performing Arts
School, Act One Beginners, are back for FIVE PERFORMANCES in 2026 with the most
popular musical of all time 'Les Misérables'.

Winner
of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide,
Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human
spirit. Now adapted for high school performers, Les Misérables School Edition
features one of the most memorable scores of all time and some of the most
memorable characters to ever grace your stage.

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust
imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment.
He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long
struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector
Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the
Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean
spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured
the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter.

Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables School Edition packs an emotional
wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. The sung-through piece
is ideal for a cast of exceptional singers and overflows with melodies that are
already standards. This author-approved edition has been abridged to a running
time of just over two hours, while carefully maintaining the integrity of one
the greatest musicals ever written.

Further
details about Act One Beginners can be found on their
website actonebeginners.uk or
via the usual social media links.

Les
Misérables : School Edition

Performed entirely by
students.

A musical by ALAIN BOUBLIL and CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG

School Edition special adaptation licensed by

MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL and CAMERON MACKINTOSH (OVERSEAS) LIMITED

 

blackburn-empire-poster-MAMA presents - A Tribute to Genesis

MAMA presents – A Tribute to Genesis

    MUSIC

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Saturday 2nd May 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Experience the power, passion, and precision of one of the UK’s most acclaimed Genesis tribute bands – Mama.

Renowned for their phenomenal musicianship and authentic recreations, Mama faithfully reproduce the sights and sounds of a high-octane Genesis rock concert, bringing fans the very best of this legendary band’s music.

From the progressive early Peter Gabriel years, through the chart-topping Phil Collins era of the 70s and 80s, right up to the band’s final studio album We Can’t Dance, Mama take you on an unforgettable journey through Genesis’ incredible catalogue.

Expect to hear all the classics – In The Cage Medley, Mama, Los Endos, Home By The Sea, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, and Ripples – plus fan favourites such as Follow You Follow Me, In The Air Tonight, No Son Of Mine, Land Of Confusion, and A Trick of The Tail.

Frontman John Wilkinson delivers the unmistakable Phil Collins vocal sound with electrifying accuracy, backed by a line-up of exceptional talent – Andy Keegan (keyboards), Simon D’Vali (guitars), James Cooper (drums), and Dave Jones (bass, 12-string guitar, bass pedals). Together, they create a show bursting with energy, emotion, and musical excellence.

As John says:

“The idea of a Mama show is to celebrate the music of Genesis by having a Genesis party. We’re huge Genesis fans, just like our audience. It’s amazing to meet so many likeminded fans as we tour the UK year after year – they know what they like!”

Join Mama for a night of epic anthems, musicianship, and nostalgia – a spectacular live celebration of Genesis that no true fan should miss!

 

Legends of American Country

    MUSIC

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Thursday 29th January 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Now seen by over 350,000 fans live and watched by
millions on TV, Europe’s No.1 multi-award-winning show "The
Legends of American Country",
 this hit country show returns for
another fantastic night of toe-tapping Country nostalgia!

The upcoming tour will showcase highly
acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy
Cline, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette
 and Kenny Rogers and
new tributes to icons Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and the
new kid on the block Luke Combs 
 with countless other well-known
singalong hit songs  in this must-see musical extravaganza.

"Pure raw Classic  Country at its
best" – CMT

The show also features three superb singers
 who are all accompanied by a fantastic  live band of musicians.
Watch that real authentic Tennessee sound coupled with an authentic stage set
and state-of-the-art production that is guaranteed to transport you all the
way, hand clapping and toe-tapping, to Nashville and back in one night.

One thing is for sure, if it’s Country music
you like then this is the only show in town!

Over 2,000 5-star reviews! 

Country Music Northern Ireland “As
good as Country show that you will see live anywhere outside Nashville “ 

Hot Country TV  “fantastic show
of nostalgic country at its best with superb vocalists and musicians “

 

blackburn-empire-Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green

Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green

    MUSIC

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Friday 16th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Celebrating the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac. Guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums to perform music from throughout Peter Green's career. Including such classics as Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).

 

blackburn-empire-LET THE MUSIC PLAY - Celebrating the music of BARRY WHITE

LET THE MUSIC PLAY – Celebrating the music of BARRY WHITE

    MUSIC

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Saturday 14th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Direct from the USA, it’s the critically acclaimed Barry White Revue, starring the big man with the big voice – William Hicks.

Get ready to experience the magic of Barry White’s timeless hits, including:You’re the First, the Last, My Everything, Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe, You See the Trouble with Me, Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up, Just the Way You Are, What Am I Gonna Do With You, I’ll Do for You Anything You Want Me To, Baby, We Better Try to Get It Together, Don’t Make Me Wait Too Long, Sho’ You Right, and, of course, Let the Music Play… you’re never more than a song away from another million-selling hit.

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, William’s mesmerising stage presence effortlessly recreates the distinctive style and silky-smooth bass-baritone vocals of the three-time Grammy Award-winner.

Joined on stage by his Soul Unlimited Orchestra and supported by the stunning Motown trio, The Supreme Dreamgirls, this show delivers incredible attention to detail and has really “got it together.”

If you love soul and Motown, you will love this—book your seats now!

100 million records sold, 20 gold and 10 platinum singles – the world loves Barry White, and Barry White loved the world.

 

blackburn-empire-Oasiz

Oasiz

    MUSIC

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Friday 13th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

OASIZ are one of the UK’s most authentic tribute bands, a point proved in 2023 when a short clip of frontman Steve performing as Liam went viral on social media with over half a million views. Many fans were convinced the clip was actually of Liam Gallagher himself, which led to the story being covered in the national press as well as a high-profile TV appearance later that year.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the record-breaking Oasis shows at Knebworth, OASIZ are embarking on their third UK tour – and this is your chance to see them in top form. The setlist will pay homage to the most memorable parts of the Knebworth shows and will also include all the big-hitting, career-spanning anthems that you would associate with a greatest hits tour.

One not to miss!

 

blackburn-empire-Nearly Elton - The Ultimate Tribute Show to Elton John

Nearly Elton – The Ultimate Tribute Show to Elton John

    MUSIC

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Friday 20th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Experience the ultimate Elton John tribute concertNearly Elton is a stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest showmen of our time.

Starring Lee Brady as Elton and featuring an outstanding full live band, this phenomenal production is an exciting, heartfelt concert that has been described as:

“A powerhouse performance that delivers on every level…”

Take a magical ride through five decades of hits, including:
Rocketman, Your Song, I’m Still Standing, Candle in the Wind, Sacrifice, I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues, and many more…

 

blackburn-empire-Jive Talkin' perform the Bee Gees

Jive Talkin’ perform the Bee Gees

    MUSIC

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Friday 12th June 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and THE ONLY Bee Gees tribute show that has actually performed with the original Bee Gees! In 1997 Gary & Darren from Jive Talkin performed LIVE on HEART FM with THE BEE GEES and received great compliments from both Maurice and Barry Gibb.

As with the original Bee Gees, Jive Talkin is very much a family affair, with brothers Gary and Darren Simmons taking the roles of Barry and Maurice Gibb, with Darren's son Jack joining the group in 2014 and taking on the role of Robin Gibb. The guys are supported musically by a four piece band with Lead Guitar, Violin, Cello and Drums, to ensure that every note in every song is just right!

Wherever the group play they receive superb plaudits; "The Soundalike quality is quite sensational" (The Stage), "Amazing similarity to the real Bee Gees" (Wakefield Express), Absolutely Brilliant (Maurice Gibb), WOW (Barry Gibb).

For a truly amazing experience and an opportunity to hear all the great Bee Gees hits; Tragedy, Night Fever, Massachusetts, Stayin Alive, jive Talkin, etc, in a 2 hour explosion of music and vocal harmony, this is a night not to be missed!

 

blackburn-empire-Forever Clapton

Forever Clapton

    MUSIC

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Saturday 11th April 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

A brand new production for 2026 and outstanding tribute to one of the most iconic Blues and Rock guitarists of all time!

Forever Clapton is a fully LIVE 6 piece showband that along with audio-visual displays tells the story of the incredible guitarist Eric Clapton.

Taking you through Clapton's career from 1965 to present day, from the Blues Breakers, to Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and of course those unplugged performances.

This faultless show is performed by Benny "guitar" Smith, who along with his hand picked band perform all the greats such as –
I shot the Sheriff, Lay down Sally, Cocaine, Crossroads, Holy mother, Layla
and so many more iconic songs in this near 2 hour show.

 

blackburn-empire-It's A Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens - The Neil Diamond tribute

It’s A Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens – The Neil Diamond tribute

    MUSIC

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Friday 30th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

From London's West End to your doorstep

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled celebration of the legendary Neil Diamond's music with our internationally acclaimed production!

Fisher Stevens Takes Center Stage:
Experience the sheer brilliance of Fisher Stevens, undeniably one of the BEST Neil Diamond impersonators. Direct from the Lyric Theatre in London's Shaftesbury Avenue, Fisher Stevens and our fantastic cast of professional musicians and singers are ready to transport you through five decades of musical brilliance.

A Musical Icon Celebrated:
Neil Diamond, a musical icon with a career spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the music world. From his Brill Building hits to The Jazz Singer and unforgettable live concerts, his legacy is celebrated in every note of this exceptional show.

Sparkling Musical Gems:
Join us on a musical adventure like no other, revisiting over 130 million albums' worth of classic hits. From Love On The Rocks to Sweet Caroline, Forever In Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, I am… I Said, America, Cracklin’ Rosie, Red Red Wine, I’m A Believer, and many more – each song is a sparkling gem that has defined generations.

Don't miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration! Secure your tickets now and get ready to be transported through the timeless sounds of Neil Diamond.