blackburn-empire-The Story Behind Motown

The Story Behind Motown

    MUSIC

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Friday 12th September 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Step into the world of Motown and experience the magic behind the music that defined an era. The Story Behind Motown, founded by the legendary Mr Berry Gordy Jr., takes you on an unforgettable journey back to Detroit City, famously known as Hitsville USA.

Featuring original footage shown on the big screen and classic hits performed by the incredibly talented singers Anita and Courtney, this show is a tribute to the golden years of Motown. With stunning harmonies, iconic dress changes, and two high-energy dancers, you'll be up on your feet singing and dancing along to the timeless hits of The Four Tops, Jackie Wilson, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Sam Cooke, and many more.

This captivating production also includes soulful touches from artists like The Drifters, Marvin Gaye, and even a little Northern Soul for good measure.

Here’s what audiences are saying:

  • "We enjoyed every minute. It was brilliant! Well done to all of you!"
  • "What a great show, well done to all involved!"
  • "Absolutely amazing, and the dresses were gorgeous."
  • "Brilliant show! Now I know more about Motown. Didn’t want it to end."
  • "Seen it twice now and love it! Couldn’t stop dancing."

So, grab your dancing shoes and singing voices as we take you back through the Motown years once again. This is a show you won’t want to miss!

 

blackburn-empire-The Class of 55

The Class of 55

    MUSIC

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Friday 16th January 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Get ready to rock and roll as the Class of '55 reunites for an unforgettable night celebrating the legendary sounds of Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis!

This spectacular production promises to transport you back in time with all the electrifying energy of a live band that will have you dancing in your seat. The Class of '55 comes alive with vibrant visuals that enhance every note and every beat.

Experience the raw power of Johnny Cash, the infectious melodies of Buddy Holly, and the wild, piano-pounding antics of Jerry Lee Lewis—all performed by a talented ensemble that captures the spirit of these rock and roll icons.

Feel the nostalgia in the air as classic hits echo through the venue, accompanied by stunning lighting effects that create an immersive atmosphere. This is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of the music that defined a generation.

Join us for a night filled with laughter, memories, and timeless tunes that continue to inspire and entertain.

Don’t miss your chance to relive the magic of rock and roll history—'It’s a Rock 'n' Roll Rewind'!

 

blackburn-empire-The Freddie & QUEEN Experience

The Freddie & QUEEN Experience

    MUSIC

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Friday 10th October 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Along with the many fans who mourn the loss of Freddie Mercury, The Freddie & The Queen Experience, aim to celebrate the wealth of talent that came together in Queen by recreating, with breathtaking accuracy, the style and excitement of a LIVE Queen concert, which sadly, will never be seen with Freddie Mercury again. 

The Freddie & QUEEN Experience are the UK's Premier Queen & Freddie Mercury Tribute Band who are internationally & critically acclaimed. 

The band performs all over the world with sell out shows in the UK & abroad, with most recently in UAE & Europe. They deliver a passionate & energy packed show full of all QUEEN's greatest hits! 

Ian as Freddie Mercury replicates Freddie Mercury's live shows with the looks, mannerisms, vocals, charisma, passion, high energy & showmanship with fun that Freddie was so loved, adored & famous for.

The fully live 5 piece band consisting of some of finest musicians in the UK perform with replica outfits instruments & perform a full recreation of QUEEN's Live shows, based around QUEEN at there very best, the 86 'Magic tour'. It's simply a great show not to be missed!

 

The Dazzling Diamonds – Comedy Drag Show

    COMEDY

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Saturday 10th January 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Fresh off the stage in London’s West End, The Dazzling Diamonds proudly present their smash-hit comedy variety drag show.

This isn’t just any show – these “ladies” deliver a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud spectacle like no other.

Featuring a cast of three internationally acclaimed performers, the show is a dazzling mix of outrageous comedy, sensational live vocals, and jaw-dropping dance routines.

Expect iconic hits from Tina Turner, Adele, Lady Gaga, Elton John, and many more – though not quite like you’ve seen them before!

Heading out on the road for their third and biggest tour to date, The Dazzling Diamonds are bringing an all-new show packed with hilarious new routines, alongside some of the fan favourites that audiences have come to know and love.

They’ve been wowing audiences everywhere, leaving them with aching jaws, tears of laughter, and standing ovations night after night.

Don’t miss your chance to see why audiences are calling this “the funniest night on the road.”

So, grab your gang, dust off the sequins, and get ready for an evening of glitz, glamour, and non-stop entertainment.

The Dazzling Diamonds are here to shine – and trust us, you won’t want to miss a moment.

 

blackburn-empire-The Greatest Star - Barbra Streisand Tribute Show

The Greatest Star – Barbra Streisand Tribute Show

    MUSIC

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Sunday 12th October 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Barbra Streisand is, by far, one of the worlds best known artistes in recent times. The Broadway star went from dust to stardom in the blink of an eye, most famous for her role in Funny Girl, she is a phenomenon. With a career extending over 6 six decades, Barbra always had her role on the music scene. Whether it be the big stage, studios or TV, Barbra has always been a favourite.

Starring Kearra Bethany, as seen on ITV’s STARSTRUCK, ‘The Greatest Star – Barbra Streisand Tribute Show’ takes you on a magical musical journey through time as you sit back & relax enjoy the sounds of this fabulous ‘concert style’ production. Backed by a fabulous LIVE band, joined on stage by guest artistes for the iconic duets, it’ll bring back all the ‘Mem’ries’.

This 2 hour spectacular will have you singing along, tapping along and even laughing to the FABULOUS storyline. But most of all you’ll be with Kearra, celebrating songs such as ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’, ‘No More Tears’, ‘Guilty’, ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’, ‘Memory’ plus many more.

 

blackburn-empire-The ELO Encounter - Blue Sky Tour

The ELO Encounter – Blue Sky Tour

    MUSIC

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Sunday 7th September 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Roll over Beethoven, because the greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra is here!

In an all live show featuring soaring strings, striking vocal harmonies and playing all the much loved songs from ELO’s hit-filled library including Evil Woman, Telephone Line and Don’t Bring Me Down. The ELO Encounter promises a night filled with rock, roll and Blue Skies that would make even Mozart mambo and Bach boogie! So Hold On Tight because Rock and Roll Is King in a show that is guaranteed to have you partying All Over The World.

Not only flawlessly recreating the wonderful music of ELO, it’s a spectacular live show from start to finish. Stunning lights and special effects create an atmosphere that will have you fully immersed in the whole experience. As the ELO Encounter reel off ELO classic hit after hit, it’s guaranteed to have the hairs on the back of your neck dancing in time to the music!

As a recent reviewer remarked, “Not really a tribute, that cheapens what this band does, which is to transport you back to those days. So sensitively and authentically done, at times it felt like it was actually ELO being mirrored up there on the stage”.
That’s what The ELO Encounter tribute show is all about. 

★★★★★ “Certainly went down a storm!” – Quay Theatre
★★★★★ “A brilliant night out” – Steve Scruton – BBC Radio
★★★★★ “Amazing … a fantastic band” – Tony Fisher – BBC Radio
★★★★★ “I’ve never seen such a standing ovation here!” – Braintree Arts Theatre
★★★★★ “Simply outstanding … thank you ELO Encounter” – RoadHouse Birmingham
★★★★★ “Best Tribute band we have seen at the Fisher in a very very long time.” – Fisher Theatre

 

 

blackburn-empire-The Opera Boys - A Night at the Musicals

The Opera Boys – A Night at the Musicals

    MUSIC

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Thursday 23rd October 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Opera Boys return with their sell-out show, A Night at the Musicals – a fabulous evening of powerhouse vocals, immaculate four-part harmony, breath taking musical medleys, and stunning solo performances. All of this is delivered with the charm, style, and sense of humour that the boys have become known for.

Whether you’re a fan of modern-day smash-hit musicals like Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Wicked, and Frozen, prefer the classics from Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, or adore the definitive masterpieces like Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, and West Side Story, this show has something for everyone. It’s perfect for musical theatre lovers both young and old.

With beautiful vocal arrangements, spectacular close-part harmony, and a great line in humour, The Opera Boys have been delighting audiences all over the world. Their unique show combines beautiful, powerful, and emotional music with funny, engaging, and light-hearted entertainment.

The boys trained at some of the UK’s finest schools, including The Royal Academy of Music, and have each become highly successful performers in their own right. Between them, they have performed lead roles on London’s West End and Broadway in New York. They have also performed as backing vocalists for some of the world’s biggest superstars, including Russell Watson, Robbie Williams, Tom Jones, and Elton John.

In 2015, one of the boys appeared as part of the Belgian entry for The Eurovision Song Contest, performing to a global audience of 200 million and placing a very respectable 4th in the competition!

Together, the boys have performed in theatres and concert halls throughout the UK and have travelled all over the world with their show. In 2018, they performed as soloists with The National Symphony Orchestra.

They have also been invited to perform at a number of prestigious events, including the 10th Anniversary of the world’s most famous cruise ship, Cunard’s superliner Queen Mary 2, and the inaugural voyage of P&O’s largest cruise ship, Britannia, launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

 

blackburn-empire-The UK Rock Show

The UK Rock Show

    MUSIC

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Sunday 21st September 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Harder Rock Productions is Proud to bring you ‘The UK Rock Show’

Get ready to be transported back to the 80s heyday of classic rock, combining the feel of a
rock festival with the atmosphere of a top end rock arena tour. Expect fireworks, flames,
amazing lighting and exacting attention to detail as this amazing 5 piece band recreate hits
from rock gods such as Journey, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Kiss, AC/DC, Van Halen
and many more!

If you are a fan of live classic rock this is the show for you!

www.theukrockshow.co.uk

 

blackburn-empire-The Jerseys Live

The Jerseys Live

    MUSIC

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Friday 24th October 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Join The Jerseys as we celebrate the timeless music of the 100 million album selling Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Incredible falsettos, beautiful acapellas – the authenticity of the sublime harmonies of the 60s and 70s – with a huge repertoire including 'Sherry', 'Walk Like A Man', 'My Eyes Adored You', 'Grease', Rag Doll', 'Stay', 'Lets Hang On', ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ before finishing off with headline hit 'Oh What A Night'! This is much more than just another tribute show – this is a celebration of fantastic music performed by an array of incredible talent.

The Jerseys have performed in various prestigious venues, visiting the length and breadth of the UK. Some notable shows include a performance for Her Majesty The Queen on The Long Walk, Windsor Castle for her 90th Birthday Celebrations, and internationally including The Paris Casino in Las Vegas.

Along with their LIVE 4 piece band of internationally renowned musicians, this all – singing all – dancing show features hit after hit, comedy and more – the complete night out which will have you dancing in the aisles of the theatre and leave you ‘beggin’ for more!

 

blackburn-empire-poster-The Stadium Rock Experience

The Stadium Rock Experience

    MUSIC

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Friday 30th January 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Stadium Rock Experience delivers all the excitement of arena rock with classic anthems from the biggest acts!

Described as an audio and visual sensation, the Trigger band are thrilled to return to The Empire Theatre with our esteemed Stadium Rock Experience show. This promises to be an entertaining and uplifting evening, delivering the excitement and spectacle associated with arena rock, with the highest standard of musicianship, and the most popular hit songs from the biggest mainstream rock acts.

The Stadium Rock Experience show includes a variety of staging, visuals, effects and lighting, to recreate the monumental majesty of the arena rock genre. Our set list includes classic anthems from the likes of Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Queen, Status Quo, Kiss, Journey, ABBA, Guns N Roses, Cher, Whitesnake, AC/DC, and Tina Turner amongst many others, which are all energetically performed to keep everyone engaged, excited and participating from the very first song right through to the finale.

When you absolutely, positively need thrilling entertainment, look no further than Trigger: The Stadium Rock Experience!