blackburn-empire-Beauty and the Beast - Easter Pantomime

Beauty and the Beast – Easter Pantomime

    FAMILY

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Sunday 12th April 2026 at 1:00pm


by Tom Rolfe Productions for one night only

Get ready for a magical Easter treat of a Tale as Old As Time as Tom Rolfe Productions (the same team behind our smash hit Christmas panto Snow White!) return to The Empire with a brand-new panto promising dazzling costumes, catchy songs, and laugh-out-loud comedy for the whole family.

Starring Tom Rolfe as the cheeky Tommy Teacup and Stee Leahy as the fabulous Tilly Teapot, join Belle on an unforgettable journey to break the Beast’s curse in this enchanting tale with a panto twist.

A spellbinding adventure awaits — don’t miss out, book your tickets now for a brew-tiful family day out!

 

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-Celine - My Heart Will Go On

Celine – My Heart Will Go On

    MUSIC

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Thursday 1st October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Step into the world of Celine Dion like never before with My Heart Will Go On, a breathtaking concert experience that brings the legendary singer’s iconic hits to life. This electrifying production has been wowing audiences across Europe for four years, earning critical acclaim and rave reviews for its powerhouse performances and unforgettable musical journey.

Featuring a sensational live band, My Heart Will Go On takes concertgoers on a thrilling ride through four decades of Celine Dion’s greatest songs. From timeless classics like The Power of Love and It’s All Coming Back to Me Now to the soulful All By Myself and the unforgettable ballad My Heart Will Go On, each performance captures the magic and heart of Celine’s unparalleled career.

A must-see for fans and music lovers alike, this celebration of Celine Dion’s music promises to leave you inspired, moved, and filled with the energy of her extraordinary legacy.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the music that has touched hearts around the world.

 

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-Choose Geroge: Celebrating George Michael

Choose George: Celebrating George Michael

    MUSIC

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Thursday 8th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

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