blackburn-empire-Shrek The Musical JR.

Shrek The Musical JR.

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Shrek The Musical JR.

Wednesday 2nd April 2025 at 7:00pm

by Act One Beginners for one night only

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Following on from their SOLD OUT production run of Disney's Frozen JR. in July 2024, Lancashire based Performing Arts School, Act One Beginners, are back for three more nights in 2025 with their latest production of DreamWorks Shrek The Musical JR.

Shrek The Musical JR. follows an ogre named Shrek who has learned the hard way that “people hate the things they cannot understand.” For many years he has protected himself from the hurtful actions of those who are scared of him by living as a recluse in a cosy cesspit. One day, his peaceful swamp is disturbed by new tenants: fairy-tale misfits — including Pinocchio, the Ugly Duckling, the Wicked Witch, Peter Pan, the Three Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf — have been banished there by the villainous Lord Farquaad.

In order to gain back his land, Shrek makes a deal with Farquaad to rescue the feisty princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a fierce dragon. Setting off with his faithful companion, Donkey, Shrek begins the journey of a lifetime filled with adventure, romance, and hilarity.

With music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, Shrek The Musical is based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film and the book Shrek by William Steig. The original Broadway production, starring Brian d'Arcy James as Shrek and Sutton Foster as Fiona, ran for twelve months and received a total of twelve Drama Desk Awards and eight Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical.

Running time is approximately 90 minutes, including an interval.

Further details about Act One Beginners can be found on their website actonebeginners.uk or via the usual social media links.
Shrek Jr. Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the Book by William Steig. Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.
Music by Jeanine Tesori. Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions.
Original Production Directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford. “I’m a Believer” by Neil Diamond. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MT I www.mtishows.co.uk

 

blackburn-empire-Songbird: A Celebration of Eva Cassidy

Songbird: A Celebration of Eva Cassidy

    MUSIC

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Songbird: A Celebration of Eva Cassidy

Thursday 9th April 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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Songbird: A Celebration of Eva Cassidy honours and pays tribute to one of America's most renowned singers, who found posthumous fame with her heartfelt and spellbinding interpretations of classic songs, including ‘Over The Rainbow’, ‘Fields of Gold’, and ‘Songbird’.

The show is performed by four world-class jazz musicians and passionate Eva Cassidy fans, blending their own artistic interpretations with Eva’s classic renditions for a moving and unforgettable musical experience.

 

blackburn-empire-poster-KDA presents Into the SPOTLIGHT!

KDA presents Into the SPOTLIGHT!

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KDA presents Into the SPOTLIGHT!

From Sat 12th July 2025 to Sun 13th July 2025

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Join KDA as our talented students take to the stage and step Into the SPOTLIGHT to showcase a fusion of Dance, Musical Theatre, and Drama.

Inspired by some of the most influential and iconic artists from the world of pop and theatre, our performers are sure to impress you with their energy, passion, and talents!

 

Sleeping Beauty

    FAMILY

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Sleeping Beauty

Sun 13th April at 1:00pm & Sun 13th April 2025 at 5:00pm

by Tom Rolfe Productions – 2 shows to choose from.

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We are thrilled to welcome back the legendary Linda Lusardi and the sensational Lucy Kane to Blackburn Empire Theatre in the spellbinding Easter Pantomime, Sleeping Beauty! This magical production by Tom Rolfe Productions promises laughter, wonder, and an unforgettable family experience.

With Linda Lusardi as the enchanting Fairy, Lucy Kane as the beautiful Sleeping Beauty, the hilarious Tom Rolfe as Tommy, and the delightfully wicked Stee Leahy as Carabosse, this all-star cast is ready to dazzle and entertain.

Follow the tale of Princess Beauty, whose life takes an unexpected turn when the evil Carabosse casts a wicked spell on her 21st birthday. But with the Fairy’s magic, Tommy’s antics, and a host of delightful characters, can true love’s kiss save the day?

Packed with dazzling costumes, laugh-out-loud comedy, and spectacular songs, Sleeping Beauty is the perfect way to make magical memories with your family this Easter.

 

blackburn-empire-Disney’s Beauty And The Beast

Disney’s Beauty And The Beast

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Disney’s Beauty And The Beast

From Sat 3rd May 2025 to Sat 10th May 2025

by Blackburn Musical Theatre Company – 9 shows to choose from.

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Blackburn Musical Theatre Company invites you to Be Our Guest, as we return to the Empire with the ‘tale as old as time’ – Disney’s Beauty And The Beast.

Step into an enchanted world, where Belle – a young woman trapped in a provincial town, is looking for more in life, and the Beast – a young man trapped under an enchantress’s spell, must learn to love to break the curse or be doomed for all eternity. But time is running out…

Featuring the much-loved characters from the Academy Award-winning animated feature, prepare to meet the castle’s enchanted residents, debonair Lumiere and stuffy Cogsworth, motherly Mrs Potts and her adorable child Chip, and more.

This live adaptation of the classic movie promises wonderful music from Alan Menken (Little Shop Of Horrors, Sister Act, The Little Mermaid) Howard Ashman (Aladdin, Little Shop Of Horrors, The Little Mermaid) and Tim Rice (Chess, Evita, The Lion King), spectacular costumes and dazzling dance routines.

If you loved BMTC’s foot-stompingly joyous 2024 hit production Sunshine On Leith or the whip-crackingly brilliant Calamity Jane in 2023, don’t miss out on the international sensation and Olivier Award-winning musical Disney’s Beauty And The Beast!

Disney’s Beauty And The Beast – the Broadway musical 
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Originally directed by Robert Jess Roth
Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International

 

blackburn-empire-Katie Hopkins: Batsh*t Bonkers Britain

Katie Hopkins: Batsh*t Bonkers Britain

    COMEDY

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Katie Hopkins: Batsh*t Bonkers Britain

Thursday 15th May 2025 at 7:30pm

For one night only

FIND OUT MORE OR BOOK NOW

Click to join the waiting list

Are
you ready to escape the madness here in Britain?

Then
why not come join Katie Hopkins for her BRAND NEW tour for 2025 Batsh*t
Bonkers Britain and remember what it’s like to have a proper belly
laugh. 

Katie’s
daily ‘Batsh*t Bonkers’ briefing is now the most trusted source of news for
those wanting a speedy update on what's actually going on, with a side order of
snark and laughter.

Whether
it’s poking fun at sickly sweet celebrities, sticking two fingers up at
hypocrites in charge, or tearing herself a new one, Katie is unapologetically
bold. This is a laugh out loud escape for all the adults in your family.

“Having
spent time in the media, I know how these idiots operate and I am calling them
out on their nonsense”.

Katie
adds “People are told to believe stuff that they can see with their own eyes is
simply not true. That is the definition of madness. I’d love to take credit for
Batsh*t Bonkers but honestly, most days, it writes itself”.

What
the public say about Katie's shows: 

“I
haven’t laughed like that in years” Sue, Glasgow

“I
don’t find women funny. But this bird is bloody hysterical” Simon, Leeds.

“Next
time I am wearing my TENA LADY’s” Pam, Swindon. 

“It’s
so refreshing to hear someone who doesn’t care about pleasing others. She
shoots from the hip” Claire, Newcastle

“Katie
is my daily dose of sanity” Michael, London

“Katie
is a national treasure. Protect her at all costs” Colin, Stafford

The
Batsh*t Bonkers Britain UK Tour runs from May through July 2025. With more
dates and venues than ever before, there’s a place for everyone. No matter what
your views or beliefs, your age or your background we can all agree we need to
laugh together and feel better. And that’s what Katie Hopkins promises to
deliver.

Katie
says: “For almost 20 years in the public eye I have stayed true to my beliefs.
I am beyond thrilled to have a platform on which to shine a light about the
things that matter to regular people in the UK. I have no paymaster and no one
to please. I’m here telling it like it is because I really want people to know
they are not alone. Being a part of this tour is not about me; it's about
knowing you belong. And together we will laugh hard at the insanity that
surrounds us”.

 

Lewis Costello: Full Kit

    COMEDY

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Lewis Costello: Full Kit

Thursday 25th September 2025 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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The Hometown Show!

Lewis Costello is a stand-up comedian, writer, presenter, and announcer for Blackburn Rovers.

After his first performance at the age of 15, Costello quickly began opening for some of the biggest names in comedy, including Ed Byrne and Doug Stanhope. He has since performed in New York, Toronto, and Amsterdam, and toured his own shows across the UK.

In 2022, Costello became a commentator for Prime Time Wrestling alongside Santino Marella. With live broadcasts on DAZN and Triller, the promotion quickly became one of the biggest in Europe. In 2023, he was a presenter for Floyd Mayweather’s UK PPV fight at the O2 Arena.

Shortly after, he became the announcer for his hometown football team, Blackburn Rovers, and can now be heard weekly on the Kicking Back podcast with Millie Chandarana (Nottingham Forest Women).

In 'Full Kit', Costello presents his unique blend of stand-up, music, and shin pads.

 

blackburn-empire-DS:UK…in Tribute to Dire Straits | ON anoTHEr NIGHT

DS:UK…in Tribute to Dire Straits | ON anoTHEr NIGHT

    MUSIC

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DS:UK…in Tribute to Dire Straits | ON anoTHEr NIGHT

Friday 9th October 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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DS:UK – The ON anoTHEr NIGHT TOUR – 2026

1991 brought us the final Dire Straits album – On Every Street – and was
commemorated by an enormous 2 year world tour that was one of their
most successful to date.

In On Every Street, Mark created some classic Dire Straits songs such
as Calling Elvis, The Bug and On Every Street and the expanded line-up
created yet another ‘sound’ that remained instantly recognisable as
“Dire Straits”.

Over the past few tours, , DS:UK have become THE Dire Straits tribute show for true fans of Mark
Knopfler’s incredible band, earned by delivering the music with an attention to detail that few
tribute bands strive for.

The ON anoTHEr NIGHT show is DS:UK’s 5th tour, representing the
final era of Dire Straits’ phenomenal career, and brings a genuine and
unique experience that will bring fans the tracks they love from On
Every Street, alongside the classic Dire Straits songs you love to hear.
This will be DS:UK’s most packed and exciting set yet… are you and
your friend gonna come around?

Reviews

Becs Gifford recommends DS:UK -THE Dire Straits Tribute Show.
December 29, 2024

"Oh my we had such a lovely time seeing DS:Uk in Norwich, Maddermarket theatre. The quality of
the band members are amazing and it was very moving listening to Romeo and Juliet and Sultans
of Swing. The stories in between the songs added to the evening, and everyone we went with had
a great time. We can’t wait to see the Brothers in Arms tour 2025. If you love Dire Straits then do
go and see DS:Uk it’s a brilliant tribute to the music.

The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells recommends DS:UK -THE Dire Straits Tribute Show.
December 22, 2024

"The closest you’ll get to seeing the Real Dire Straits! These guys are the best Dire Straits tribute
on the circuit, and are great to work with! We look forward to their next visit!

Nick Markwell recommends DS:UK -THE Dire Straits Tribute Show.
December 18, 2024

"These guys are great band and a must see for any Dire Straits fan. We saw them in Canterbury
and enjoyed it so much we went to see them again two weeks later in Deal!
Very much looking forward to seeing them again in Canterbury 2025 for their Money for their
Brothers in ‘85 tour!!

John Bunning recommends DS:UK -THE Dire Straits Tribute Show.
December 14, 2024

"Have seen their show a few times and have again booked for another. If you are a Dire Straits fan
or enjoy live music then you will not be disappointed. One of the best band I have seen and they
continue to impress. One show not to be missing.

Links:

Website : www.direstraitstribute.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/dsuktribute
X: x.com/dsuktribute
Instagram: instagram.com/dsuktribute

 

blackburn-empire-That’s So 90s!

That’s So 90s!

    MUSIC

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That’s So 90s!

Saturday 5th July 2025 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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Get ready to Spice Up Your Life with The One and Only 90’s show that’s taking the UK by storm this autumn: That’s So 90s!

From iconic Britpop anthems to the revolutionary sounds of 90s dance, from Girl Power to Cool Britannia, join us for a celebration of the greatest decade EVER – reliving the energy, the fashion, and the unforgettable moments as we take you on a nostalgic joyride through the sights and sounds of the 1990s.

Featuring all of the decade’s greatest acts including the Spice Girls, Take That, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Fugees, Blink 182, Aqua… and of course, Blur and Oasis. So Don’t Look Back in Anger… Let Us Entertain You with this immersive journey into 90s nostalgia!