blackburn-empire-Thank ABBA for the Music

Thank ABBA for the Music

    MUSIC

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Sat 6th February at 2:30pm & Sat 6th February 2027 at 7:30pm


Dust off your platforms and flares for a journey back in time to when ABBA ruled the airwaves! 

Thank ABBA For The Music is an epic two-hour ABBA-fest that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history’s most phenomenal bands.

Expect all of ABBA’s iconic hits including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Super Trouper, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, SOS, Waterloo, Take A Chance On Me, Voulez-Vous and many more!

Featuring a dynamic cast of outstanding singers, dazzling choreography and interactive video projection – early booking is advised for what promises to be a high-octane extravaganza for ABBA-lovers everywhere.

As always ABBA and 70’s fancy dress is 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-Oh What a Night!

Oh What a Night!

    MUSIC

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Friday 26th March 2027 at 7:30pm


For one night only

OH WHAT A NIGHT! takes you back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Valli’s unmistakable voice dominated the airwaves for more than two decades with classics such as Sherry, Let’s Hang On, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, December 63 (Oh What A Night), Bye Bye Baby, Who Loves You and many, many more. Selling over 100 million records worldwide, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons secured their place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

OH WHAT A NIGHT! combines infectious personalities, amazing vocals, slick harmonies and even slicker dance moves to deliver a show full of energy and nostalgia which always leaves audiences wanting more.

Don’t miss the ultimate celebration of one of the world’s greatest Rock & Roll bands!

 

blackburn-empire-Tease - the Ultimate Burlesque & Cabaret Experience

Tease – the Ultimate Burlesque & Cabaret Experience

    VARIETY

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Friday 5th February 2027 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Step into the world of "Tease" – the ultimate burlesque and cabaret experience where sensuality and unadulterated fun collide to create an unforgettable evening.

Led by London’s top comedy compere and award-winning West End burlesque sensations, "Turkish Delight" and "Violet Thistletease", and our famous "Tease" group dancers. Combined with cabaret, circus and variety acts from across the UK, set to hit tracks from "Burlesque", "Chicago" and chart-topping tunes from Cher, Christina Aguilera and many more favourites, "Tease" is a captivating experience that will linger in your memory long after the curtains fall.

As the lights dim and the music fills the air, surrender yourself to the allure of "Tease." Feel liberated, sexy, and empowered as you laugh, cheer, and applaud along with a crowd united in the joy of the moment. Experience "Tease" – it's a celebration of love, life and the power of self-expression.

So book now and let's make a night to remember!

 

blackburn-empire-The Adult Panto: Puss & Dick!

The Adult Panto: Puss & Dick!

    COMEDY

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Saturday 13th February 2027 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.

The fearless company of just 3 actors are here with an hilarious and extremely naughty take on the traditional tale of Dick Whittington, 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 16’s.

PRESS

‘Another very naughty "big" show, pulled off with ease – exactly what the audience expects!’ – A View from the Stalls (on the Adult Panto 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-The Dazzling Diamonds – Comedy Drag Show

The Dazzling Diamonds – Comedy Drag Show

    VARIETY

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Fri 15th January at 7:30pm & Sat 16th January 2027 at 7:30pm


Following their 2026 SOLD OUT show and fresh off the stage in London’s West EndThe 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 comedysensational 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 fourth and biggest tour to dateThe 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 gangdust 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 ELO Encounter - Face the Music

The ELO Encounter – Face the Music

    MUSIC

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Sunday 23rd August 2026 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.

★★★★★ “An incredible evening! It isn't often we get shows of your calibre!” — Muni Theatre, Colne
★★★★★ “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
★★★★★ “Certainly went down a storm!” — Quay Theatre
★★★★★ “Best Tribute band we have seen at the Fisher.” — Fisher Theatre

 

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-Patience

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…

 

blackburn-empire-Sound & Vision – A tribute to David Bowie

Sound & Vision – A tribute to David Bowie

    MUSIC

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Thursday 29th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Fasten your seatbelts – the Starman is here!!

Sound & Vision – A Tribute to David Bowie was launched on what would have been Bowie’s 75th birthday in 2022.

While his career spanned five decades, he maintained his relevance to both his long-term ardent fans and younger emerging audiences. There has never been an artist that has offered inspiration to so many people within the music industry. His songs still have the ability to affect and influence music lovers across the world.

What makes Sound & Vision so special is their note-perfect recreation of the legend himself and the iconic musicians he loved to work with. The 7-piece band offers audiences a chance to fully appreciate each complex nuance of his many, many songs. And they’re all there… Ziggy Stardust, Life on Mars, Starman, All the Young Dudes, Rebel-Rebel, China Girl… and so many more.

Chris Burke has an unmatched vocal similarity to Bowie. His vocal ability allows you to enjoy each song being performed as you’d want them to be – perfectly recreating his voice. Close your eyes… you’d think he was in the room.

But it’s not just about the vocals. The musicianship and talent of the other band members is truly world class. The line-up includes:
Jeff John (Lead Guitar), John Wilmott (Bass), Colin Elward (Keyboards), Simon Harry (Rhythm Guitar), Gareth Addey (Drums) and Mike Davies (Saxophone).

The show is mesmerising with lights and a wonderful soundscape, designed to stimulate all your senses… and it includes a few surprises too. Suitable for all ages, and guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles.

Celebrate David Bowie’s amazing music with us. It’ll be a memorable rock experience with the UK’s best sound-alike Bowie show.

 

blackburn-empire-The D-Day Darlings – VICTORIOUS

The D-Day Darlings – VICTORIOUS

    VARIETY

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Sunday 4th April 2027 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Direct from the Royal Albert Hall

Following the success of their VE Day 80 Tour and triumphant performances at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, Britain’s beloved songbirds, The D-Day Darlings, proudly present their brand-new stage spectacular – Victorious, fronted by founder and lead singer Katie Ashby.

This uplifting show takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through the defining sounds of the 20th century, from the heartfelt harmonies of the 1940s to the swinging rhythms of the post-war eras.

With vintage glamour, soaring vocals, and moving storytelling, Victorious pays tribute to the heroes of the past while igniting the spirit of a new generation.

Expect timeless classics from Vera Lynn, The Andrews Sisters, and other musical icons whose songs have stood the test of time and stirred the hearts of millions.

The D-Day Darlings deliver another unforgettable show filled with patriotism, elegance, and joy. This is more than a performance… it’s a celebration of resilience, love, and legacy.

Suitable for all the family! NOT TO BE MISSED!