blackburn-empire-Dolly Forever

Dolly Forever

    MUSIC

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Wednesday 23rd September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

“Dolly Forever” isn’t just a show – it is a celebration of one of the world’s biggest stars. It captures that famous Dolly Parton humour and her greatest songs, plus a few cover versions.

The live five-piece band are handpicked to create that authentic Dolly sound. They are all fully professional touring musicians who have performed in shows around the world, including London’s West End!

The show features all the “Dolly” favourites including “Jolene”, “Nine to Five”, “Islands in the Stream” and the show-stopping ballad “Little Sparrow”.

So, dust off your cowboy boots and come along to see this amazing show!

 

blackburn-empire-Comedy Double Bill

Comedy Double Bill

    DRAMA

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From Wed 4th March 2026 to Sat 7th March 2026


by Blackburn Drama Club – 4 shows to choose from.

The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish by David Tristram

Henry and Alice Smith’s marriage has lost its spark – so they each escape into wild fantasies to cope with the boredom of everyday life. Henry imagines himself a daring hero; Alice dreams of passion with a mysterious French lover. As their daydreams spiral out of control, fantasy and reality hilariously collide — all under the silent gaze of Orca, their goldfish, who sees everything. A witty and fast-paced comedy about love, imagination, and what happens when the grass on the other side of the fishbowl isn’t quite as green as it seems.

Romance is Dead by Ben Lewis

Lauren is a psychic… and she can see the dead! Once they realise she can see them, they cling to her, desperate for her to deliver their final messages. Ghosts follow her everywhere, from a 300-year-old highwayman to her recently departed flatmate. Meanwhile, Lauren is searching for love. When a disastrous date leaves her drinking alone, she meets Jamie, who works in his family’s antiques business. He confides that he’s discovered his brother has been siphoning money from the company and doesn’t know how to stop him.

But the night takes a tragic turn when Jamie is struck and killed. Death, however, isn’t the end. Jamie remains, haunting Lauren’s world, needing her help to settle his unfinished business before he can finally fade away.

 

blackburn-empire-Dancing... Through Life by Sutcliffe School of Dance

Dancing… Through Life by Sutcliffe School of Dance

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From Thu 5th February 2026 to Sun 8th February 2026


Sutcliffe School of Dance proudly presents…

Dancing… Through Life

Get ready to be swept off your feet as the Sutcliffe School of Dance takes you on a spectacular journey of movement, music, and magic in our latest show: Dancing… Through Life!

This dazzling production celebrates the rhythm and joy of life through a dynamic showcase of tap, modern, ballet, and theatre dance styles. From the tiniest twirlers at age 3 to our accomplished senior performers, every dancer will bring their passion to the stage in a heartwarming, high-energy extravaganza.

Expect show-stopping numbers, stunning costumes, and unforgettable performances as we explore the many stages of life through the power of dance. Whether it's the playful innocence of childhood, the excitement of youth, or the elegance of experienceDancing… Through Life is a celebration for the whole family.

️ Don’t miss your chance to see our talented performers light up the stage — it’s a show full of heart, sparkle, and surprises!

Let us take you on a journey…
Because when words fail, we dance.

 

blackburn-empire-Desperate Scousewives

Desperate Scousewives

    COMEDY

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Wednesday 3rd June 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Get ready for a riotous, fast-paced comedy following the lives of three loud, no-nonsense Liverpool women and one nervous newcomer, all navigating life, love, loyalty, and lipstick on a tightly knit street.

Susan, Vanessa, and Lily dominate the street with their big personalities, big voices, and even bigger secrets. But everything is turned upside down with the arrival of Trisha, a single mum from Manchester, thrown into the lion’s den of long-established friendships and fierce loyalty.

Starring TV comedy legend Crissy Rock (Benidorm, I’m A Celebrity) and the show’s writer and director Lynne Fitzgerald, Desperate Scousewives is packed with unforgettable one-liners, high heels, heartbreak, and hilarity.

Not for the faint-hearted!

 

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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Thursday 26th March 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-poster-Elvis Remembered

Elvis Remembered

    MUSIC

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Saturday 22nd August 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Elvis Remembered takes you through the career of the King of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley from the hits of the 50s n 60s to the concert shows of the 70s. Paul Molloy and The Memphis band bringing you a full two hour live show.