Promotional image for the show 'Twist and Shout' in April 2027 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.
Blackburn Empire Theatre

Big nights out with real community spirit

From live music and family favourites to comedy, drama and dance, Blackburn Empire Theatre brings together great entertainment and the homegrown creativity that gives the venue its character.

Now booking: Twist and Shout – 8 April 2027

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SELLING FAST
Panto is coming soon

Aladdin – Blackburn Christmas Pantomime 2026

21 November to 3 January 2027 BLACKBURN'S BIG PANTO
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Featured at the Empire

Shows in the spotlight

Promotional image for the show 'Carpenters Experience' in October 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.
Music

Carpenters Experience

Saturday 24 October 2026, 7:30pm

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...

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Featured right now

Big nights out, made in Blackburn

From live music to family favourites, every visit feels different.

Promotional image for the show 'Cluedo' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.
Drama, dance and community

Where local talent takes the spotlight

Dance showcases, stage schools and community productions sit alongside visiting shows.

Cluedo More drama shows More dance shows
Explore the programme

Find your kind of night

Choose what suits you and book in seconds.

Music

Tribute nights, classic artists and big singalong shows.

  • Big singalong nights
  • Nostalgia and crowd favourites
More music shows

Family

Shows designed for shared experiences across generations.

  • Ideal for mixed-age groups
  • Daytime and early evening options
More family shows

Comedy

Stand-up and touring comedy for a proper night out.

  • Big laughs, close-up atmosphere
  • Great for couples and groups
More comedy shows

Drama and dance

A mix of local productions, visiting performances and showcases.

  • Local talent and touring work
  • Dance schools and stage productions
More drama shows More dance shows
On sale now

Coming up at Blackburn Empire

Book ahead and see what is on sale now.

Promotional image for the show 'Cluedo' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.CluedoWednesday 16 to Saturday 19 September 2026Promotional image for the show 'Dolly Forever' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.Dolly ForeverWednesday 23 September 2026Promotional image for the show 'The Rod Stewart Songbook' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.The Rod Stewart SongbookFriday 25 September 2026Promotional image for the show 'The UK Rock Show' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.The UK Rock ShowSaturday 26 September 2026Promotional image for the show 'A Tribute to Sting & the Police - Starring the Rozzers' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.A Tribute to Sting & the Police – Starring the RozzersSunday 27 September 2026Promotional image for the show 'ConneXtion - The Dance Showcase 2026' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.ConneXtion – The Dance Showcase 2026Wednesday 30 September 2026Promotional image for the show 'Celine - My Heart Will Go On' in October 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.Celine – My Heart Will Go OnThursday 1 October 2026Promotional image for the show 'An evening with Esoteric Medium David Holt' in October 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.An evening with Esoteric Medium David HoltFriday 2 October 2026
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Community and culture

A theatre with history and heart

Blackburn Empire is more than a feed of events – it is a charity, a local venue and a home for community creativity.

Rooted in Blackburn, open to everyone

Blackburn Empire Theatre is a volunteer-led charity with a long story and a strong local role. It is a place where audiences can enjoy visiting productions, while local groups, performers and community activity continue to have a real home on stage.

Every booking helps support something bigger than one night out.

Read about the charity Explore the theatre’s history Meet the affiliated groups

Plan your visit with confidence

Make it easy to say yes, with quick routes to seating, access, FAQs and directions before you ever reach checkout.

See the seating plan View access information Find us and contact us Read FAQs

Support the theatre

Book a ticket, donate, become a Friend or volunteer – every route helps keep live entertainment and community theatre thriving in Blackburn.

Donate to the Empire Become a Friend Volunteer with us

Ready for your next night out? From live music to family favourites, comedy, drama and dance, Blackburn Empire Theatre is packed with reasons to come back.

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