blackburn-empire-Empire Comedy Club July 2026

Empire Comedy Club July 2026

    COMEDY

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Empire Comedy Club July 2026

Thursday 2nd July 2026 at 8:00pm

by Plane Comedy for one night only

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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-Dolly Forever

Dolly Forever

    MUSIC

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Dolly Forever

Wednesday 23rd September 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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“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-Desperate Scousewives

Desperate Scousewives

    COMEDY

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Desperate Scousewives

Wednesday 3rd June 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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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-Folk Rock Pioneers Steeleye Span In Concert

Folk Rock Pioneers Steeleye Span In Concert

    MUSIC

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Folk Rock Pioneers Steeleye Span In Concert

Sunday 26th April 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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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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Elvis Remembered

Saturday 22nd August 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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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-Choose George: Celebrating George Michael

Choose George: Celebrating George Michael

    MUSIC

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Choose George: Celebrating George Michael

Thursday 8th October 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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With the production now in its third year, CHOOSE GEORGE – Celebrating George Michael continues to amaze fans throughout the UK and Europe. The show features early Wham! hits right through to George Michael’s later songs, all performed perfectly by the incomparable Steve Mitchell.

Steve is considered by many to be the closest George’s vocal fan for most of his life, which is apparent in his detailed and passionate performance of the songs. Shirley Lewis (George Michael’s long-time backing vocalist) said “…Having listened to George Michael up close and personal, Steve has a similar timbre to my ear”.

The show also features Ex-Wham! bassist, Dave West who worked with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley on the first sessions for Wham Rap, Careless Whisper and Club Tropicana.

Just a few quotes from George fans at recent shows…

“Absolutely the most spectacular and special thing I have ever seen…”
“So like the real George. You’ve got to see him…”
“The energy was incredible. Constant dancing…”
“Steve has the voice of George Michael, so uncanny and incredible. Close your eyes and its George Michael.” – BBC

 

blackburn-empire-DS:UK…in Tribute to Dire Straits | ON anoTHEr NIGHT

DS:UK…in Tribute to Dire Straits | ON anoTHEr NIGHT

    MUSIC

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DS:UK…in Tribute to Dire Straits | ON anoTHEr NIGHT

Friday 9th October 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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DS:UK – The ON anoTHEr NIGHT TOUR – 2026

1991 brought us the final Dire Straits album – On Every Street – and was
commemorated by an enormous 2 year world tour that was one of their
most successful to date.

In On Every Street, Mark created some classic Dire Straits songs such
as Calling Elvis, The Bug and On Every Street and the expanded line-up
created yet another ‘sound’ that remained instantly recognisable as
“Dire Straits”.

Over the past few tours, , DS:UK have become THE Dire Straits tribute show for true fans of Mark
Knopfler’s incredible band, earned by delivering the music with an attention to detail that few
tribute bands strive for.

The ON anoTHEr NIGHT show is DS:UK’s 5th tour, representing the
final era of Dire Straits’ phenomenal career, and brings a genuine and
unique experience that will bring fans the tracks they love from On
Every Street, alongside the classic Dire Straits songs you love to hear.
This will be DS:UK’s most packed and exciting set yet… are you and
your friend gonna come around?

Reviews

Becs Gifford recommends DS:UK -THE Dire Straits Tribute Show.
December 29, 2024

"Oh my we had such a lovely time seeing DS:Uk in Norwich, Maddermarket theatre. The quality of
the band members are amazing and it was very moving listening to Romeo and Juliet and Sultans
of Swing. The stories in between the songs added to the evening, and everyone we went with had
a great time. We can’t wait to see the Brothers in Arms tour 2025. If you love Dire Straits then do
go and see DS:Uk it’s a brilliant tribute to the music.

The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells recommends DS:UK -THE Dire Straits Tribute Show.
December 22, 2024

"The closest you’ll get to seeing the Real Dire Straits! These guys are the best Dire Straits tribute
on the circuit, and are great to work with! We look forward to their next visit!

Nick Markwell recommends DS:UK -THE Dire Straits Tribute Show.
December 18, 2024

"These guys are great band and a must see for any Dire Straits fan. We saw them in Canterbury
and enjoyed it so much we went to see them again two weeks later in Deal!
Very much looking forward to seeing them again in Canterbury 2025 for their Money for their
Brothers in ‘85 tour!!

John Bunning recommends DS:UK -THE Dire Straits Tribute Show.
December 14, 2024

"Have seen their show a few times and have again booked for another. If you are a Dire Straits fan
or enjoy live music then you will not be disappointed. One of the best band I have seen and they
continue to impress. One show not to be missing.

Links:

Website : www.direstraitstribute.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/dsuktribute
X: x.com/dsuktribute
Instagram: instagram.com/dsuktribute

 

blackburn-empire-Carpenters Experience

Carpenters Experience

    MUSIC

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Carpenters Experience

Saturday 24th October 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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When we were young, we’d listen to the radio, waiting for our favourite songs. Now they’re back again, like a long-lost friend, all the song we loved so well…

The UK’s leading Carpenters show, featuring the amazing voice of Maggie Nestor and eight top-class musicians, captures the sights and sounds of the amazing talents of Richard and Karen Carpenter.

Karen’s silky contralto is combined with Richard’s delightful piano and seamless harmonies in this big production that brings Close To You, We’ve Only Just Begun, Top of the World, Rainy Days and Mondays, Solitaire, Goodbye to Love, Please Mr Postman, For All We Know, Only Yesterday and dozens more classic songs to the stage.

The Carpenters Experience is coming to town for an evening of non-stop hits – it’s yesterday once more…

 

blackburn-empire-Cal Halbert - 100 Impressions In One Hour

Cal Halbert – 100 Impressions In One Hour

    COMEDY

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Cal Halbert – 100 Impressions In One Hour

Wednesday 21st October 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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Cal Halbert is one of the UK's top all round entertainers, and the top comedy impressionist working the UK comedy circuit.

As one half of The Mimic Men, he appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2016, receiving a standing ovation and 4 yeses. He has since gone on to appear on The Gadget Show, BBC, ITV and Channel 5.

'Uncanny imitations' (The Sun).
'Hard to beat' (British Comedy Guide).
‘Something For Everyone' (The Scotsman).
'You blew my mind' (Michael McIntyre).
'Hilarious' (Daily Mail).
'Excellent' (Daily Mirror).

plus support

 

blackburn-empire-An Evening of Mediumship with Craig Morris

An Evening of Mediumship with Craig Morris

    VARIETY

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An Evening of Mediumship with Craig Morris

Wednesday 26th August 2026 at 7:30pm

For one night only

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Join Craig Morris, one of the UK’s most respected and trusted psychic mediums, for a truly unforgettable evening of clairvoyance.

Experience a night filled with connection, laughter, love, and messages from the spirit world. Craig delivers heartfelt, uplifting messages from loved ones in spirit, bringing comfort, hope, and healing to the audience. Every event is different — every message has meaning.

Expect an evening of warmth, authenticity, and emotional depth, as Craig shares real connections that remind us love never dies. Whether you’ve attended before or are coming for the first time, this night promises to be a moving and inspiring experience.

Craig Morris is a renowned psychic medium known for his warm, down-to-earth personality and incredible accuracy. With years of experience touring across the UK and beyond, Craig’s events leave audiences feeling uplifted, comforted, and connected. His events are a perfect blend of emotion, insight, and humour — proof that connecting with spirit can bring light and laughter as well as love.

Don’t miss this special night, book your seat today and experience the magic of spirit communication live with Craig Morris!

For entertainment purposes only.