blackburn-empire-Happy Birthday Elvis with Paul Molloy

Happy Birthday Elvis with Paul Molloy

    MUSIC

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Sunday 17th January 2027 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Happy Birthday Elvis is a high-energy celebration of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, taking you on a journey through Elvis Presley’s career – from the iconic hits of the 50s and 60s to the powerhouse concert years of the 70s. Fronting the show is Paul Molloy – newly crowned European Elvis Tribute Champion 2026 – backed by The Memphis Band for a full live sound and big-stage atmosphere.

Known for capturing the spirit and vocal style of Elvis’ earlier era, Molloy brings the charisma, moves and unmistakable swagger that made Elvis a legend – with a set packed full of crowd-pleasers and singalong moments.

 

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!

 

blackburn-empire-Les Misérables : School Edition

Les Misérables : School Edition

    MUSIC

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From Fri 17th July 2026 to Sun 19th July 2026


by Act One Beginners – 5 shows to choose from.

Following
on from their two previous SOLD OUT productions of Disney's Frozen JR. in July
2024, and Dreamworks Shrek JR. in March 2025, Lancashire based Performing Arts
School, Act One Beginners, are back for FIVE PERFORMANCES in 2026 with the most
popular musical of all time 'Les Misérables'.

Winner
of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide,
Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human
spirit. Now adapted for high school performers, Les Misérables School Edition
features one of the most memorable scores of all time and some of the most
memorable characters to ever grace your stage.

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust
imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment.
He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long
struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector
Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the
Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean
spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured
the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter.

Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables School Edition packs an emotional
wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. The sung-through piece
is ideal for a cast of exceptional singers and overflows with melodies that are
already standards. This author-approved edition has been abridged to a running
time of just over two hours, while carefully maintaining the integrity of one
the greatest musicals ever written.

Further
details about Act One Beginners can be found on their
website actonebeginners.uk or
via the usual social media links.

Les
Misérables : School Edition

Performed entirely by
students.

A musical by ALAIN BOUBLIL and CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG

School Edition special adaptation licensed by

MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL and CAMERON MACKINTOSH (OVERSEAS) LIMITED

 

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-Forever Billy Joel

Forever Billy Joel

    MUSIC

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Sunday 6th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Get ready for an unforgettable musical journey as Phil Mountford, multi award-winning film composer and renowned performer, leads the sensational Forever Billy Joel tribute show! Celebrating the iconic songs and timeless hits of the legendary Piano Man, this tribute show delivers a powerful experience that will have you singing, swaying, and reminiscing from start to finish.

From “Piano Man” to “Uptown Girl”, “New York State of Mind” to “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”, and “We Didn’t Start the Fire” to “Just the Way You Are”, the unforgettable performance delivers so many iconic songs you know and love.

This dedicated group of musicians, Forever Billy Joel, reimagines the sound and spirit of Billy Joel’s greatest hits, ensuring a seamless blend of nostalgia and fresh energy.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Billy Joel’s music or discovering his brilliance for the first time, Forever Billy Joel promises an incredible night of musical nostalgia, energy, and pure entertainment.

Join us for a tribute that honours the man, the music, and the legend.

 

blackburn-empire-Just Tina

Just Tina

    MUSIC

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Sunday 31st May 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Come and shake a tail feather with the UK's supreme Tina – Justine – and her talented cast from the hit show Totally TINA!

This breathtaking recreation of a live Tina Turner concert celebrates the golden anniversary of the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll's signature tune Proud Mary. Tina's no-holds-barred take on the song established a reputation for fearsome live performances – and those never-ending legs!

Early hits, including River Deep – Mountain High and Nutbush City Limits, were just a taste of what was to come. We Don't Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What's Love Got to Do With It, I Don't Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over propelled Tina to stadium concert stardom.

Supported by her dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine recreates those famed live performances for one night only.

 

blackburn-empire-Folk Rock Pioneers Steeleye Span In Concert

Folk Rock Pioneers Steeleye Span In Concert

    MUSIC

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Sunday 26th April 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Together for fifty six years now, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever by taking it into the world of gold discs and international tours. Now they return with Conflict, their first full studio album in over five years. All traditional singers have sung modern and self-composed pieces alongside old songs, Conflict is an album that follows in that very tradition. The album’s title was chosen as much to reflect the times we find ourselves in, but also the stretch and tear of our relationship with this planet that hosts us.

The band will undertake a full UK tour in support, their first live dates of the year. As ever – and with such a rich history to choose from – the night will offer a selection of songs from across the years and firm fan favourites.

“Don't miss them…” – The Independent

 

blackburn-empire-Katie Hopkins: Free Range

Katie Hopkins: Free Range

    COMEDY

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From Wed 27th May 2026 to Sat 30th May 2026


Come and join your family on the road for another cracking evening out with British funny woman, Katie Hopkins. Whether you are 18 or 80, on date night with your hubby, a Single Pringle Mingle or a bus load of sturdy lesbians, you belong. Never heard of her? Even better.

After a fully SOLD OUT run in 2025, KATIE IS BACK with an ALL NEW SHOW for 2026, Katie will bring her unapologetic humour back to the stage for a night of laugh-out-loud stand-up comedy where you will remember how it feels to belong.

Katie is giving herself ‘FREE RANGE’ on all the usual targets: useless politicians, idiot celebrities and the morons in our midst. All your favourites from ‘Batsh*t Boners Britain’ will be in there: Lanyard Linda, Fat Brenda and Ceramic Bob head Rachel Reeves, together with Katie’s new characters for 2026.

Katie overshares her own humiliating failures for the biggest laughs; including her struggles with the thought police, Anusol sponsorship and a drooping undercarriage.

“I’m giving people free range to laugh with me and at me: No rules; no limits; no apologies. Have a night off from pretending to be proper, and laugh till your face hurts”. 

Quotes:

“We haven’t laughed that hard since the 70s” Adam, Rugby

“I brought my husband. He doesn’t know Katie. He is now her biggest fan, best date night ever” Rachel, Perth

“I laughed till I cried. I cannot remember the last time I laughed like that” Carolyn, Swansea

“What a lovely audience, all ages, all sorts” Skegness Empire Theatre

 

blackburn-empire-Moments Of Pleasure - Ultimate Tribute to Kate Bush

Moments Of Pleasure – Ultimate Tribute to Kate Bush

    MUSIC

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Sunday 20th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Moments of Pleasure: The Ultimate Tribute to Kate Bush present This Woman’s Work, a journey through the career of one of the UK’s greatest musical artists.

Featuring the astounding vocal performance of Lisa-Marie Walters and a band of virtuoso musicians, Moments of Pleasure are hailed by The Sunday Times Magazine as one of
the UK’s top 10 tributes. Widely acclaimed as the closest you can get to experiencing Kate Bush live, the band have been exciting audiences across the country for over five years.

Kate Bush’s debut single, Wuthering Heights, was nothing short of a phenomenon. She was the first female artist to have a self-penned No. 1 hit, at only nineteen years old, and has not stopped her artistic innovation since. With every album she has broken new ground and yet has still managed to consistently make music that masses of people want to listen to.

Join Moments of Pleasure as they take you through Kate’s astonishing body of work from The Kick Inside to Aerial. The show includes hits like the mischievous Babooshka and surprise 21st Century smash Running Up That Hill, through fan favourites such as Them Heavy People and Hammer Horror, to a few deep cuts like Night of The Swallow and The Wedding List.

This is an evening that no Kate Bush fan would want to miss. A joyous celebration of all things Kate!

“With your eyes closed, you could be in the presence of the originator. If you need to hear these songs live, this is the way to do it.” – ROCKFIEND

“It’s good to know that we can still hear accurate live renditions of Kate’s music today courtesy of the likes of Lisa-Marie.” – CHOICE RADIO, WORCESTER