blackburn-empire-DESPERADOS: The Music & Legacy of Eagles

DESPERADOS: The Music & Legacy of Eagles

    MUSIC

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Thursday 3rd September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Prepare to be transported back to the golden era of classic West Coast rock as Desperados faithfully captures the essence and spirit of EAGLES. Their impeccable harmonies, flawless instrumentation, and passion for their craft make their show one not to be missed!

Expect all the classics including Hotel California, Lyin’ Eyes, Peaceful Easy Feelin’ – as well as songs from Don Henley, Glenn Frey & Joe Walsh’s solo careers.

Sit back, Take It Easy, and bask in the glow of one of music history’s greatest songbooks.

 

blackburn-empire-Empire Comedy Club September 2026

Empire Comedy Club September 2026

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Thursday 10th September 2026 at 8:00pm


by Plane Comedy for one night only

The Empire Comedy Club is back with another top line-up – big laughs, sharp crowd work, and a brilliant night out at Blackburn Empire Theatre.

Your host and MC, Colin Manford, is a top North West compère – quick, likeable, and great with any room, with writing credits including 8 Out of 10 Cats and Walk on the Wild Side.

On the bill is Joe Zalias – a stand-up with a life story to match his material: ex-firefighter, ex-cage fighter, devoted dad and “spiritual ninja”. Expect raw honesty, warmth, and plenty of laughs, with support slots featuring names like Bill Bailey and Noel Fielding.

Also appearing is Ravi Saini, a fast-rising British Indian comedian delivering relatable, everyday humour with a fresh perspective.

Headlining the night is Alex Boardman, one of the most in-demand interactive comics on the circuit. His free-flowing style, natural charm, and trademark “flattery and abuse” (all in good fun) make for a set that’s different every single time.

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-Empire Comedy Club March 2026

Empire Comedy Club March 2026

    COMEDY

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Thursday 19th March 2026 at 8:00pm


by Plane Comedy for one night only

The Empire Comedy Club is back for another cracking night of stand-up at Blackburn Empire Theatre!

Headlined by Sam Avery – award-winning comedian, bestselling author, renowned speaker and viral blogger – this show brings together a top-tier line-up and a room full of laughs. Sam’s debut tour sold out venues across the UK, and his online videos have racked up 15 million+ views.

Joining him are two brilliant rising and established acts: Eddie Fortune, the Liverpool comic described as a “comedic tornado”, mixing rapid-fire gags with the occasional existential twist (and even the odd poem or song), plus Liam Alexander, a Manchester-based comedian who started in 2023 and has quickly become a fresh new name on the circuit.

Holding it all together is your host and MC Colin Manford – a razor-sharp compère with credits including writing for 8 Out of 10 Cats and Walk on the Wild Side, plus a growing reputation for handling any crowd and keeping the pace flying.

Tickets are just £7.50 – and if you’re planning to come to all three Comedy Club nights this year, you can grab the 3-show bundle for £19.95: simply add tickets for each show to the same basket and your season pass discount will apply.

Please note: Line-ups are always subject to change

 

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-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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Sunday 8th February 2026 at 2:00pm


For one night only

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-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.