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

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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…

 

The History of Rock

    MUSIC

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Friday 10th April 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Relive the greatest years of rock live
on stage!

THE HISTORY OF ROCK is back and ready to
take you on the ultimate journey through the genre’s most iconic and
electrifying eras!

Forget the history books—this year,
we're putting a spotlight on the greatest years of rock! From stadium-shaking
concerts and iconic festivals to legendary albums and unforgettable anthems,
prepare for a thrilling, year-by-year celebration of the moments that defined a
generation.

Experience the sound and energy of the
'70s and '80s with a massive, hand-picked setlist featuring a wide mix of
classic rock giants. Think Queen, Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC, Metallica, Black
Sabbath, and many more! Whether it was a pivotal album release or a legendary
live performance, we're bringing the most important milestones of rock history
back to life.

Featuring an exceptional band of
world-class musicians, you’ll hear these iconic songs performed with power,
precision, and passion.

Don't miss the ultimate rock and roll
time machine! Join us for a concert celebration of the greatest years and
relive the music that changed the world.

Book your tickets now and experience THE
HISTORY OF ROCK!

 

blackburn-empire-The Rod Stewart Songbook

The Rod Stewart Songbook

    MUSIC

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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

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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-Strange

Strange, But True Crime

    VARIETY

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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

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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

 

blackburn-empire-SPAMALOT

SPAMALOT

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From Mon 11th May 2026 to Sat 16th May 2026


by Blackburn Musical Theatre Company – 7 shows to choose from.

It’s just a flesh wound! The fantastic Blackburn Musical Theatre Company returns in 2026 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the side-splittingly hilarious MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python And The Holy Grail.

Retelling the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, Spamalot features killer rabbits, French people, knights that say ‘Ni’, cows, a bevy of beautiful show girls, and the unforgettable anthem, Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.

Bursting with unforgettable songs, absurd humour, and zany characters, this musical is a celebration of all things Monty Python, which will leave audiences in stitches from start to finish.

The original 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, and its success continued on the West End the following year, with BMTC celebrating 20 years since its London premiere with their latest venture.

If you loved BMTC’s spectacular record-breaking production of Beauty And The Beast in 2025, or the foot-stompingly joyous 2024 hit production Sunshine On Leith, don’t miss out on the hilarious triple Tony Award-winning musical Spamalot!

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

 

blackburn-empire-Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green

Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green

    MUSIC

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Friday 16th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Celebrating the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac. Guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums to perform music from throughout Peter Green's career. Including such classics as Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).

 

blackburn-empire-poster-MAMA presents - A Tribute to Genesis

MAMA presents – A Tribute to Genesis

    MUSIC

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Saturday 2nd May 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Experience the power, passion, and precision of one of the UK’s most acclaimed Genesis tribute bands – Mama.

Renowned for their phenomenal musicianship and authentic recreations, Mama faithfully reproduce the sights and sounds of a high-octane Genesis rock concert, bringing fans the very best of this legendary band’s music.

From the progressive early Peter Gabriel years, through the chart-topping Phil Collins era of the 70s and 80s, right up to the band’s final studio album We Can’t Dance, Mama take you on an unforgettable journey through Genesis’ incredible catalogue.

Expect to hear all the classics – In The Cage Medley, Mama, Los Endos, Home By The Sea, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, and Ripples – plus fan favourites such as Follow You Follow Me, In The Air Tonight, No Son Of Mine, Land Of Confusion, and A Trick of The Tail.

Frontman John Wilkinson delivers the unmistakable Phil Collins vocal sound with electrifying accuracy, backed by a line-up of exceptional talent – Andy Keegan (keyboards), Simon D’Vali (guitars), James Cooper (drums), and Dave Jones (bass, 12-string guitar, bass pedals). Together, they create a show bursting with energy, emotion, and musical excellence.

As John says:

“The idea of a Mama show is to celebrate the music of Genesis by having a Genesis party. We’re huge Genesis fans, just like our audience. It’s amazing to meet so many likeminded fans as we tour the UK year after year – they know what they like!”

Join Mama for a night of epic anthems, musicianship, and nostalgia – a spectacular live celebration of Genesis that no true fan should miss!

 

Patience

    MUSIC

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From Wed 22nd April 2026 to Sat 25th April 2026


by Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society – 4 shows to choose from.

In a world gone mad with lovesick ladies and pretentious men, the women abandon their handsome soldiers and instead pursue the fake poet Reginald Bunthorne, who thrives on admiration. But he loves the village milkmaid, Patience, who doesn't like poetry or understand love. When Patience finally learns what love is, it is Reginald’s rival she falls for: Archibald Grosvenor, another insipid poet who thinks all women adore him. All the women (except one) fall for him and desert Bunthorne. Then fashions change, the poets become ordinary and the women return to the soldiers. Just one or two romantic loose ends remain…