blackburn-empire-The Pirates of Buccaneer Bay

The Pirates of Buccaneer Bay

    FAMILY

%%tb-image-alt-text%%

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!

 

blackburn-empire-STRONG ENOUGH – Ultimate Tribute Concert to Cher

STRONG ENOUGH – Ultimate Tribute Concert to Cher

    MUSIC

%%tb-image-alt-text%%

Thursday 22nd October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Get ready for an unforgettable evening, celebrating the global superstar and great female icon that is Cher.
Featuring all of the classic hits including Turn Back Time, I Found Someone, Believe, Strong Enough, Gypsies Tramps and Thieves, her modern Abba remixes and many more.

This is one show-stopping dazzling extravaganza you do not want to miss!
This show will take you on a musical journey from the Dark Lady days, to the rocking 80’s perm days and the celebration disco hits as we TURN BACK TIME and celebrate the queen of pop and rock.

‘Strong Enough’ features 25 smash hits, six decades of stardom and enough costume changes to cause a sequins shortage…
With full live band and dancers, come along and experience the passion, the flair and the glitter!

 

blackburn-empire-The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band  Celebrate The Iconic Music of Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell

The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band Celebrate The Iconic Music of Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell

    MUSIC

%%tb-image-alt-text%%

Sunday 7th June 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell are both ranked in Rolling Stone’s ‘Top Ten Singer-Songwriters of All Time’ and their legacy is honoured in this stunning tribute, ‘The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band’.

With unrivalled musical authenticity this multi-instrumentalist five-piece covers all the hits including ‘Like a Rolling Stone’, ‘Both Sides Now’, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’, and ‘Big Yellow Taxi’. The band is fronted by Bob Thomson and Isabelle Nutton as Bob and Joni.

An exhilarating evening of songwriting genius, expertly presented with passion and humour. Audiences will be taken on a journey through Joni’s and Bob’s histories, poetry and artistry, their trademark guitars and pianos backed by a full band and augmented with the evocative sounds of the Wurlitzer, harmonica and dulcimer.

Be totally swept along on the trip by loving recreations of the pair’s most recognisable finery, with stops in Greenwich Village, Laurel Canyon, Isle of Wight and beyond. This talented and enigmatic freewheelin’ five-piece with an eye for detail will make you feel like you’re really there, man…

 

blackburn-empire-The History of Rock

The History of Rock

    MUSIC

%%tb-image-alt-text%%

Friday 10th April 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Join us as we celebrate a rock line-up like no other headlined by one of the greatest bands of all time!

As always, we'll be taking audiences on a thrilling ride through the history of rock – but this time, we're turning the spotlight on Led Zeppelin, as they headline the ultimate rock concert line-up the world has ever seen.

A must see for any fan of ROCK!
Experience this iconic music brought back to life by an exceptional band consisting of some of the finest musicians and performers from around the world.

So join us and experience a rock show like no other with THE HISTORY OF ROCK!

 

blackburn-empire-The Rod Stewart Songbook

The Rod Stewart Songbook

    MUSIC

%%tb-image-alt-text%%

Friday 25th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Rod Stewart Songbook are delighted to be returning to Blackburn Empire Theatre. 

Their spectacular theatre production is the ultimate homage to Sir Rod Stewart, featuring the sensational Pete McCall. 

⭐️ Rod Stewart’s sister, Mary Cady, said to Pete “you were excellent”.

⭐️ The Hull Daily Mail wrote, “Pete McCall is the next best thing to seeing Rod himself”. 

Along with his fantastic Live Band, you will be taken on a musical journey spanning 50 years, when one of rock music’s greatest icons sold over 250 million records worldwide. 

These unforgettable hits include Sailing, Maggie May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Some Guys Have All The Luck, Baby Jane, Rhythm Of My Heart, You Wear It Well, Hot Legs and many many more.

 

blackburn-empire-The Adult Panto: Snow White and the Magnificent Seven

The Adult Panto: Snow White and the Magnificent Seven

    COMEDY

%%tb-image-alt-text%%

Saturday 28th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Taking the UK by storm since 2004, the Market Theatre’s Adult Panto Company are back on tour and out to corrupt another classic fairy tale beyond recognition with their unique style of Adult Panto.

Can this fearless company of just three actors hold it all together and pull off their biggest challenge yet – their very own adult version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – using a minimum of set, props, costume and actors!?

Get ready for an evening of slick, fast-moving, farcical fun and bawdy sexual innuendo – for adults only.

Not suitable for under 16s.

“Another very naughty 'big' show, pulled off with ease – exactly what the audience expects!”
A View from the Stalls (on Beauty and the Big Beast)

“It’s fast, furious and very funny…”
Choice Radio, Worcester (on Hansel & Gretel Go Down in the Woods)

“Some of the sketches are worthy of The Two Ronnies with their extensive wordplay, faultlessly delivered.”
Choice Radio, Worcester (on Peter Panties)

“Quintessentially British… Like a Carry On film made by a Rugby Club!”
The Stage Newspaper

 

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

Taylor Fever – The Ultimate Tribute to Taylor Swift

    MUSIC

%%tb-image-alt-text%%

Friday 9th January 2026 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!

 

The Cavern Beat Club starring The Fabs

    MUSIC

%%tb-image-alt-text%%

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-Strange

Strange, But True Crime

    VARIETY

%%tb-image-alt-text%%

Wednesday 11th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Join us for a stranger than fiction night of true crime with ex-forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees who explores the world's most shocking and unbelievable cases. Jennifer's previous theatre tour, The Psychology of Serial Killers, was a huge hit with audiences, selling out across the UK and Ireland to rave reviews.

In this new show, Jennifer explores stories such as the serial killer who gained work in law enforcement whilst on the run – and ended up hunting himself; the female, balloon-carrying killer clown; serial killers on game shows – how their appearances led to their identification, and many more stories.

A fascinating look at the strangest, but true crime stories, perfect for fans of true crime documentaries and podcasts.

"Riveting content, and extremely well delivered. 10/10"Audience Review

 

blackburn-empire-Thank ABBA for the Music

Thank ABBA for the Music

    MUSIC

%%tb-image-alt-text%%

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