Aladdin – Blackburn Christmas Pantomime 2026 – EARLY ACCESS

    FAMILY

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From Sat 21st November 2026 to Sun 3rd January 2027


by Tom Rolfe Productions – 39 shows to choose from.

Dust off your flying carpet and take a trip to Twankey’s Laundry as Tom Rolfe Productions return to the Blackburn Empire Theatre for an adventure like no other – bursting with comedy, chaos, a magical Genie, and plenty of audience participation, as well as all the usual panto fun Lancashire audiences love year after year!

More fun. More performances. Great views from every seat, free parking, and great value for the whole family!

So what are you waiting for? Make a trip to the Empire Theatre one of your three wishes at Christmas 2026!

 

Snow White – Christmas Pantomime 2025

    FAMILY

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From Sat 22nd November 2025 to Sun 4th January 2026


by Tom Rolfe Productions – 35 shows to choose from.

The Fairest Pantomime of Them All

Mirror Mirror On The Wall…What’s The Fairest Pantomime of Them all?

It’s SNOW WHITE, of course, and it’s heading to The Blackburn Empire at Christmas 2025… Oh yes it is!

Tom Rolfe Productions are thrilled to be back with a brand new production bursting with dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, sensational singing, beautiful scenery, and the coolest Magnificent Seven ever!

Will the wicked Queen Horibella manage to win the hand of Prince Charming? Will Snow White find the secret cottage? Will everyone live happily ever after? Find out by booking your tickets today!

Join us for Christmas 2025 and enjoy the fairest pantomime of them all! It’ll be Wicked!

 

blackburn-empire-Katie Hopkins: Free Range

Katie Hopkins: Free Range

    COMEDY

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From Wed 27th May 2026 to Sat 30th May 2026


Come and join your family on the road for another cracking evening out with British funny woman, Katie Hopkins. Whether you are 18 or 80, on date night with your hubby, a Single Pringle Mingle or a bus load of sturdy lesbians, you belong. Never heard of her? Even better.

After a fully SOLD OUT run in 2025, KATIE IS BACK with an ALL NEW SHOW for 2026, Katie will bring her unapologetic humour back to the stage for a night of laugh-out-loud stand-up comedy where you will remember how it feels to belong.

Katie is giving herself ‘FREE RANGE’ on all the usual targets: useless politicians, idiot celebrities and the morons in our midst. All your favourites from ‘Batsh*t Boners Britain’ will be in there: Lanyard Linda, Fat Brenda and Ceramic Bob head Rachel Reeves, together with Katie’s new characters for 2026.

Katie overshares her own humiliating failures for the biggest laughs; including her struggles with the thought police, Anusol sponsorship and a drooping undercarriage.

“I’m giving people free range to laugh with me and at me: No rules; no limits; no apologies. Have a night off from pretending to be proper, and laugh till your face hurts”. 

Quotes:

“We haven’t laughed that hard since the 70s” Adam, Rugby

“I brought my husband. He doesn’t know Katie. He is now her biggest fan, best date night ever” Rachel, Perth

“I laughed till I cried. I cannot remember the last time I laughed like that” Carolyn, Swansea

“What a lovely audience, all ages, all sorts” Skegness Empire Theatre

 

blackburn-empire-Ultimate Pop Gods – 80s v 90s

Ultimate Pop Gods – 80s v 90s

    MUSIC

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Sunday 22nd March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Ultimate Pop Gods – 80s V 90s is the biggest tribute to the Pop Gods of the 80s & 90s.

With a live band and over 40 amazing costume changes, this mega fun-time, feel-great tribute is a show of two spectacular halves… the like of which has never ever been seen before at Blackburn Empire Theatre.

First Half – The 1980s

You’ll be dancing to the huge singalong classics of the 1980s including:
Cyndi Lauper, Erasure, Human League, Wham, A-Ha, Whitney, Bananarama, Queen, Bon Jovi and many more.

So, make sure you backcomb that hair, dust off those legwarmers and get your feet ready to dance the night away.
(And remember during the slow set, keep those hands where we can see them!)

Second Half – The 1990s

The show takes it up a notch with the biggest anthems of the 1990s.

Grab your glowsticks and UV face paint and sing your head off to the music of:
2 Unlimited, Snap, Spice Girls, Britney, Shania, Vengaboys, S Club, Steps, B*Witched, Take That, Boyzone, Backstreet Boys, Five and Westlife.

And MC Hot Honey will immerse you with fun & games, including 1980s spin the wheel and 1990s crowd karaoke.

So… let’s go girls… what’s your costume gonna be… Whitney or Britney?

 

blackburn-empire-poster-Ultimate 70s Show

Ultimate 70s Show

    MUSIC

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Saturday 5th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Travel back in time and relive the sights and sounds of the seventies. The Ultimate 70’s show rolls back the years and takes you on a roller coaster ride with a show encompassing all the biggest glam hits form that era.

It was the decade that time forgot – so dust off your tank tops, lace up your platform boots, spray on the Old Spice, it’s time to rock!! A six piece line up faithfully recreate huge anthems by Slade, T-Rex, Bowie, The Sweet, Mud, Alice Cooper to name a few.

The audience are encouraged to dress with the times and join in the fun in this high octane show.

Leave your inhibitions at the door for a night of pure seventies glam rock!!

Fancy dress not necessary but strongly encouraged!!

 

blackburn-empire-Wonders of Our Universe - The Next Chapter

Wonders of Our Universe – The Next Chapter

    FAMILY

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Wednesday 28th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Presented by The Average Scientist

Step into a world of wonder with Wonders of Our Universe – The Next Chapter, an awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos that takes you deeper into the mysteries of space and time. This brand-new instalment of the acclaimed show stands proudly on its own, welcoming both returning fans and first-time explorers alike.

Join Astrophysicist Ian Hall FRAS and Exoplanet Research Scientist Charlotte Alexandra FRAS for an unforgettable evening of breathtaking visuals, captivating storytelling, live demonstrations, and atmospheric live music—all presented on a stunning HD screen.

Together, they’ll uncover more of the universe’s secrets, from the beauty of the stars to the fundamental nature of reality itself.

Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or simply curious about the cosmos, The Next Chapter promises to ignite your imagination and leave you gazing at the stars with renewed wonder. An unmissable experience for dreamers of all ages.

 

blackburn-empire-We Will Rock You: The Musical by Queen & Ben Elton

We Will Rock You: The Musical by Queen & Ben Elton

    MUSIC

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From Thu 23rd July 2026 to Sun 26th July 2026


by Made for Stage – 6 shows to choose from.

WE WILL ROCK YOU – THE MUSICAL by QUEEN & Ben Elton

Presented by Made For Stage UK Ltd & ALTD Productions

Get ready to rock as we bring you the iconic, high-energy musical We Will Rock You to the stage!

Set in a dystopian future where live music is banned, instruments are forbidden, and individuality is crushed, We Will Rock You follows a group of rebel Bohemians fighting to bring back freedom of expression — and rock ‘n’ roll.

At the heart of the story is Galileo, a dreamer who hears strange words in his head. Alongside the fierce and fearless Scaramouche, they join the rebellion to challenge the tyrannical Globalsoft Corporation, led by the Killer Queen. Their mission? To rediscover the lost power of rock and unleash the spirit of Queen once more.

Featuring over 20 of Queen’s greatest hits — including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Under Pressure,” and of course, “We Will Rock You” — this electric jukebox musical is a celebration of music, rebellion, and staying true to who you are.

With spectacular vocals, epic rock anthems, and plenty of laughs along the way, this is a night out that will have you clapping, stomping, and singing along from start to finish.

We Will Rock You is presented through special arrangement with and all
authorised performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights
Worldwide (TRW) www.theatricalrights.co.uk

Music and Lyrics by QUEEN

Story and Script by BEN ELTON

Original Vocal Score by MIKE DIXON, BRIAN MAY and ROGER
TAYLOR

Original Orchestrations by STEVE SIDWELL

Music and Lyrics by QUEEN and Script by BEN ELTON
Original

Vocal Score by MIKE DIXON, BRIAN
MAY, & ROGER TAYLOR

Original Orchestrations by STEVE SIDWELL

 

blackburn-empire-VIVA LA VIDA - The Greatest Hits Of Coldplay

VIVA LA VIDA – The Greatest Hits Of Coldplay

    MUSIC

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Saturday 18th April 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

“Absolute Paradise for Coldplay Fans”

The closest thing you will see to Coldplay anywhere on the planet!

VIVA LA VIDA – The Greatest Hits of Coldplay is a truly authentic tribute celebration of the British hitmakers' iconic 25-year career.

With a sensational live band and a truly charismatic frontman, this show features the closest lookalike to Chris Martin you’ve ever seen. Audiences are amazed by his striking likeness, combined with the same incredible and haunting vocal range and power.

This inclusive tribute production captivates and recreates the euphoric vibrancy and colourful energy of a live Coldplay concert, delivering a real ‘festival headline performance’ feel.

Featuring all of the biggest hits, including:Yellow, Viva La Vida, Clocks, Paradise, Fix You, and the latest number one single feelslikeimfallinginlove and We Pray from Moon Music.

Become the honorary ‘fifth’ member of the band as we invite you to sing, dance, laugh, and love with VIVA LA VIDA – The Greatest Hits of Coldplay.

 

blackburn-empire-Unicorn Live!

Unicorn Live!

    FAMILY

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Thu 19th February at 1:00pm & Thu 19th February 2026 at 4:00pm


by Darling Productions – 2 shows to choose from.

After the sell out success of Princess Live! Darling Productions UK are proud to announce a brand new show for 2026… Unicorn Live!

Harmony, Melody and Starlight are the best of unicorn friends… Join them as they use their magical unicorn powers to save the show and conjure up the magical fourth band member. Watch in amazement as they use the power of song and dance to create the band, Unicorn Live!

Featuring your favourite pop and musical theatre songs, dazzling costumes, and a real unicorn called Sparkle. This show is like no other and will be sure to entertain children of all ages.

After every performance there is a free photo opportunity with Harmony, Melody and Starlight.

Let’s sing, dance and make kindness thrive – book your tickets now for Unicorn Live!

 

blackburn-empire-Tits Up!

Tits Up!

    DRAMA

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Tuesday 27th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Three women. Three lives. One fight!

Tina is a devoted mother, Rachel, a career-driven businesswoman, and Rosie, a rebellious young spirit. They couldn’t be more different. But when breast cancer brings them together, they find strength, laughter, and resilience in the most unlikely of places – Oncology Outpatients!!

Tits Up is a powerfully funny and deeply moving play about life, choices, and the bonds that get us through the rollercoaster of emotions felt by anyone who has ever travelled this road.

Crissy Rock – Leah Bell – Alison Stanley – Rosie Fox