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 – 5 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-This is DISCO

This is DISCO

    MUSIC

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Thursday 24th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Grab your dancing shoes, flares and feather boas* as we take you on a whirlwind trip back to the 70s!

Starring the sensational, world’s greatest, LIVE Disco review – Uncle Funk. Famous globally for their electrifying performances and impeccable renditions of all your favourite DISCO anthems, they have been setting festivals and dance floors alight (quite literally) for over 25 years. Infectious energy, stunning stage presence and world-class musicianship awaits as the band captures the very essence of the disco era.

Direct from Glastonbury and into your theatre, this 9-piece Supergroup have performed on some of the world’s biggest stages including multiple appearances at Glastonbury Festival, Standon Calling, Cambridge Club Festival, Camper Calling, Secret Garden Party, Shambala, Smukfest Denmark and many more – including a recent appearance at London’s O2 with legends Heather Small, Sybil and Galaxy.

The evening promises to be an unforgettable night of music, dance, and nostalgia, as the band transports you back to the glamorous and exuberant heyday of DISCO. Expect classics from Donna Summer, Bee Gees, Chic, Earth, Wind & Fire – hits including Stayin’ Alive, Le Freak, Boogie Wonderland and many, many more. Performed with Uncle Funk’s legendary flair and passion, alongside eye-popping costumes and super-fly choreography.

You’ve heard the hype, now buy the ticket!
Fancy dress is not mandatory, but wholly encouraged.

Praise for Uncle Funk

Bootsy CollinsGodfather of Funk
Thanks For Keepin’ The Funk Alive.

Robert ‘Kool’ BellKool & The Gang
I LOVE Uncle Funk! Keep on funking!

Graham Gouldman10cc
If you wanna get down with the hippest, funkiest band in the land then go and see Uncle Funk!

 

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-The Johnny Cash Roadshow: The Prison Years Tour

The Johnny Cash Roadshow: The Prison Years Tour

    MUSIC

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Thursday 15th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

This year Johnny Cash Roadshow invites you to step into the raw and gritty world of Johnny Cash's prison era with their electrifying show that has captivated audiences for two decades.

Set on a Folsom Prison style stage, this production brings Cash’s most iconic performances to life, immersing you in the raw, unfiltered energy of his legendary concerts behind bars.

Award-winning Clive John, hailed as an exceptional Cash, channels the spirit of the legend with his unique warmth and authenticity. He is joined by the captivating Ashley Cavell as June Carter and an ensemble of world-class musicians.

With standing ovations every night, the Johnny Cash Roadshow is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that leaves audiences yearning for more.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unparalleled celebration of Johnny Cash – the show that keeps his spirit alive, stronger than ever.

“Clive captures my Grandfather JUST as he was.”
Caitlin Crowell, Granddaughter of Johnny Cash

 

blackburn-empire-Tiny Tim’s Stand Up Adventure

Tiny Tim’s Stand Up Adventure

    COMEDY

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Wednesday 25th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

8 years ago Tiny Tim decided to go on his own adventure, navigating through adult life and posting about his calls on social media.

With over 250 million views on YouTube and over 10 million followers on all social media platforms, I’m sure at some point you have all seen the hilarious videos of the legend that is Tiny Tim’s Adventures.

Now it’s your turn to join the man behind the voice on his BIGGEST adventure to date.
Come along for a night with Tiny Tim – LIVE. ON STAGE. IN PERSON.

Note: There will be moderate swearing, adult material and sexual references throughout the performance.
Suitable for ages 16+.

 

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-The Poppy Holiday Show

The Poppy Holiday Show

    MUSIC

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Monday 2nd February 2026 at 2:00pm


For one night only

Brought to You by Poppy & Friends get ready for a feel-good, toe-tapping afternoon as Poppy & Friends deliver timeless, unforgettable songs direct to your seat!

From classic hits like “Shout,” “Don’t Call Me Baby,” “Runaround Sue,” “Tell Me Ma,” and “Puppet on a String “to many more crowd-pleasing favourites, this show is bursting with nostalgia and energy.

Expect sing-alongs, fun, laughter, and surprises in an action-packed live music and theatre experience that's perfect for all ages.

This performance is especially close to Poppy’s heart and her friends’ too so if you can come along and join us, please do! Your support means the world.

 

blackburn-empire-The Pirates of Buccaneer Bay

The Pirates of Buccaneer Bay

    FAMILY

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Sunday 26th October 2025 at 1:00pm


by Tom Rolfe Productions for one night only

All aboard for a swashbuckling adventure like no other!

From the award-winning team behind Sleeping Beauty and The Wizard of Oz comes a brand-new family spectacularThe Pirates of Buccaneer Bay! Packed with laughs, thrills, and jaw-dropping surprises, this is the high-seas panto experience you won't want to miss.

Join the lovable Buckle the Cabin Boy as he sets sail on a wild quest packed with pirates, peril and plenty of pirate booty! Expect chaos and comedy galore from the side-splittingly funny Stee Leahy as the outrageous Tilly Knickerbocker, plus a full supporting cast of West End-quality performers.

This dazzling production features stunning illusions, edge-of-your-seat danger, world-class circus acts from across the globe, and the return of the world-famous U.V. Blacklight Puppets – a visual feast that will leave audiences of all ages gasping in amazement.

Whether you're 4 or 104, this is a family adventure brimming with magic, music and mayhem. So hoist the anchor and set a course for Buccaneer Bay – it’s the most fun you can have without walking the plank!

Book now – treasure awaits!