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-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 George: 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

 

blackburn-empire-It's A Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens - The Neil Diamond tribute

It’s A Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens – The Neil Diamond tribute

    MUSIC

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Friday 30th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

From London's West End to your doorstep

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled celebration of the legendary Neil Diamond's music with our internationally acclaimed production!

Fisher Stevens Takes Center Stage:
Experience the sheer brilliance of Fisher Stevens, undeniably one of the BEST Neil Diamond impersonators. Direct from the Lyric Theatre in London's Shaftesbury Avenue, Fisher Stevens and our fantastic cast of professional musicians and singers are ready to transport you through five decades of musical brilliance.

A Musical Icon Celebrated:
Neil Diamond, a musical icon with a career spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the music world. From his Brill Building hits to The Jazz Singer and unforgettable live concerts, his legacy is celebrated in every note of this exceptional show.

Sparkling Musical Gems:
Join us on a musical adventure like no other, revisiting over 130 million albums' worth of classic hits. From Love On The Rocks to Sweet Caroline, Forever In Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, I am… I Said, America, Cracklin’ Rosie, Red Red Wine, I’m A Believer, and many more – each song is a sparkling gem that has defined generations.

Don't miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration! Secure your tickets now and get ready to be transported through the timeless sounds of Neil Diamond.