blackburn-empire-Empire Comedy Club July 2026

Empire Comedy Club July 2026

    COMEDY

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Thursday 2nd July 2026 at 8:00pm


by Plane Comedy for one night only

The Empire Comedy Club returns with a top line-up and big laughs at Blackburn Empire Theatre!

Your host and MC, Colin Manford, is one of the North West’s strongest compères – warm, quick and fearless with the room, with writing credits including 8 Out of 10 Cats and Walk on the Wild Side.

On the bill: Rachel Creeger, a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, director and broadcaster, and resident MC at London’s Comedy Upstairs at the Adam & Eve. She also co-hosts the podcast Jew Talkin’ To Me? and the Neighbours superfan podcast, Leaving Erinsborough.

Also appearing is Jack Kelly, a Manchester-based stand-up originally from Blackpool, described as “a sensational stand-up”. Heard on BBC Radio 2, Jack’s packed with sharp wit and brilliantly observed storytelling.

Headlining the night is Daliso Chaponda, the Malawian-born comedian who shot to international attention as a Britain’s Got Talent 2017 finalist (including Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer) and went on to finish third. Expect smart, insightful stand-up with huge laughs – shaped by global touring and razor-sharp observation.

Tickets are still just £7.50 – and if you’re coming to all three Comedy Club nights this year, you can get the 3-show bundle for £19.95: add tickets for each show to the same basket to unlock your season pass to laughs.

Please note: Line-ups are always subject to change

 

blackburn-empire-poster-Empire Social Club - Community • Friendship • Fun

Empire Social Club – Community • Friendship • Fun

    VARIETY

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From Tue 10th February 2026 to Tue 30th June 2026


The Empire Social Club is a warm, welcoming get-together at Blackburn Empire Theatre, created to bring people together through Community • Friendship • Fun.

Running every two weeks, it’s open to anyone who fancies a relaxed couple of hours out – whether you’re coming along with friends or popping in on your own to meet new people.
Expect a friendly atmosphere with a mix of light activities and social time – from games like Scrabble, dominoes, cards and sudoku, to themed “fun sessions” such as crafts, art and other easy-going activities. Or simply enjoy a good chat over a brew.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are available, with a suggested £2 donation to support future social and volunteer activities.

Free to attend – no need to book – just turn up.

Location: Berry Room
Entrance: via the Box Office door at the back of the theatre

  • Tue 13 Jan 2026

  • Tue 27 Jan 2026

  • Tue 10 Feb 2026

  • Tue 24 Feb 2026

  • Tue 10 Mar 2026

  • Tue 24 Mar 2026

  • Tue 7 Apr 2026

  • Tue 21 Apr 2026

  • Tue 5 May 2026

  • Tue 19 May 2026

  • Tue 2 Jun 2026

  • Tue 16 Jun 2026

  • Tue 30 Jun 2026

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    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-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-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.

     

    blackburn-empire-Forever Clapton

    Forever Clapton

        MUSIC

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    Saturday 11th April 2026 at 7:30pm


    For one night only

    A brand new production for 2026 and outstanding tribute to one of the most iconic Blues and Rock guitarists of all time!

    Forever Clapton is a fully LIVE 6 piece showband that along with audio-visual displays tells the story of the incredible guitarist Eric Clapton.

    Taking you through Clapton's career from 1965 to present day, from the Blues Breakers, to Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and of course those unplugged performances.

    This faultless show is performed by Benny "guitar" Smith, who along with his hand picked band perform all the greats such as –
    I shot the Sheriff, Lay down Sally, Cocaine, Crossroads, Holy mother, Layla
    and so many more iconic songs in this near 2 hour show.