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Charity Number 508465

Company Registration 1411764

 

2010 Project Web Site

Heritage Lottery Fund

www.empirearchive.net

Dance and Drama Groups for Children

 

Bernese School of Theatre Dance and Drama

 

Blackburn Youth Theatre

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Staircase to balcony
  
On Stage at The Empire
  
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What's On - Box Office 01254 685 500

July 2010

'A BIG NIGHT IN' - FITTER FOR WALKING AWARDS

Thursday 29 July 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

'A BIG NIGHT IN' - FITTER FOR WALKING AWARDS

‘ A Big Night In'

Presentation of Fitter For Walking Awards

Led Walk of People and Picture Houses Centenary Walk

Presentation by Local Author Nick Burton of stories and pictures that celebrate our walking heritage.

This event commences with a guided walk (1.3m-easy) setting off at 6.15pm from outside Thwaites Empire Theatre,Blackburn

Returning for the Theatre Presentation which commences at 7.30pm

For more details contact;

Bernard Kennedy

Regional Coordinator

Fitter for Walking (North West)

07590 048494

 

Tickets: This is a free event

August 2010

WHISTLE DOWN THE WEST END

Friday 6 August 2010 7pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

WHISTLE DOWN THE WEST END
Our Panto star Anthony Batey teams up with Chantelle's Dance Academy for a special show full of songs and dance.

Tickets: £7

THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR

Saturday 7 August 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR

Fun all the way as the “Purveyors of Cool” come to town with a sensational show featuring the greatest music of the 20th Century.

This show has been successful all over the world from the USA to Turkey, is totally live, and every song is an absolute classic – Come Fly With Me, Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Lady Is A Tramp, Mack The Knife, and many more of your favourites. Interspersed with lots of hanky panky, their timeless soiree remains the hottest party around.

See for yourself at www.ratpack.biz

 TO BOOK ONLINE PLEASE CLICK HERE

Tickets: £17

DAPA (Drama and Performing Arts Centre) Monday Club

Monday 9 August 2010 2pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

DAPA (Drama and Performing Arts Centre)   Monday Club

Song, Dance and Drama variety show.

(Children welcome)

 

Tickets: £5 Members £2.50

AN EVENING OF MEDIUMSHIP IN AID OF MADISON ALLAN

Thursday 12 August 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

AN EVENING OF MEDIUMSHIP IN AID OF MADISON ALLAN

Tickets: £10

CENTENARY COMMAND PERFORMANCE

Saturday 14 August 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

CENTENARY COMMAND PERFORMANCE

A fabulous night of music and comedy, celebrating 100 years of entertainment at Thwaites Empire Theatre.

Apprearing

NORMAN PRINCE

DONALD BANKS

SARAH LOUISE 

JAMES LOYNES

MIRANDA MYLES 

THE BERNESE SCHOOL OF THEATRE DANCE 

 

COLIN HILTON - MUSICAL DIRECTOR

MICHAEL BERRY - COMPERE

 

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE 

Tickets: £10

PINOCCHIO

Sunday 15 August 2010 3pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

PINOCCHIO

PINOCCHIO

T.J.Lince, writer/director of our pantomime presents a new take on the classic story - for all the family. 

 

Tickets: £5

A TRIBUTE TO ELVIS WITH CHRIS CONNOR & STEVE PRESTON

Monday 16 August 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

A TRIBUTE TO ELVIS WITH CHRIS CONNOR & STEVE PRESTON

Don't miss A Tribute to Elvis starring two of the world's finest Elvis acts - Chris Connor and Steve Preston. 

As if from nowhere, Chris exploded onto the Elvis scene only last year and has already built up an endless list of awards and achievements including being voted The World's Number One Look-a-like by E.P.I.M and touring the UK with Elvis's original backing singers, The Sweet Inspirations.  After his recent performances many fans now believe he could be remembered as the world's greatest ever Elvis tribute artist.

The show also stars the legendary STEVE PRESTON.  In a professional career spanning 20 years Steve has also notched up an incredible list of achievements.  He has toured internationally in the highly acclaimed Legen ds show and in1995 he became the only tribute artist ever chosen to appear on the Royal Variety Performance for Her Majesty the Queen.  Steve also performed with members of Elvis's original band at the 2008 World's Greatest Elvis Concert at the Bolton Arena

Book your seats now for A Tribute to Elvis... You won't believe your eyes!!!

  

A show not to be missed!

TO BOOK ONLINE PLEASE CLICK HERE   

 

Tickets: £11

LEWIS COSTELLO

Saturday 21 August 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

LEWIS COSTELLO
Stand-up comedy from rising star Lewis. Not for the easily offended.

Tickets: £5

THE DRAGON WHO LOST HIS HOME

Sunday 22 August 2010 3pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

THE DRAGON WHO LOST HIS HOME

 

A charming, original family tale from Pendle Productions.

Tickets:

OUT OF THE ARK PRODUCTIONS - Monday Club

Monday 23 August 2010 2pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

OUT OF THE ARK PRODUCTIONS - Monday Club

 

Variety Show staged and produced by local young people presented by Chris Arkley.

Tickets: £5 Members £2.50

September 2010

IF THESE BRICKS COULD TALK

Thursday 9 September 2010 – Saturday 11 September 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

IF THESE BRICKS COULD TALK

A specially-commissioned play combining theatre, dance, and video to tell the history of Thwaites Empire Theatre and the part it has played in Blackburn life. Spanning over 100 years, with 125 speaking parts and the involvement of local community groups this ambitious production celebrates a century of great entertainment at the venue.

Written and Directed by TJ Lince of Pendle Productions.

  

Thursday September 9th 

Friday September 10th

Saturday September 11th

Tickets: £5 Concessions £2.50

CENTENARY THANKSGIVING SONGS OF PRAISE

Sunday 12 September 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

CENTENARY THANKSGIVING SONGS OF PRAISE

On our Centenary Anniversary this is an opportunity to give thanks for everything the venue has given to the lives of local people, the joy of friendship and community, and of the talents that we share.

An ecumenical act of Christian worship featuring Bible readings, multi-media images, solo performances and hymns accompanied by the Blackburn & Darwen Brass Band, led by the Reverend Yvonne Pearson, this event is produced by Mike Johnson.

The tickets are free (there will be a collection on the evening for the Empire 100 Raise the Roof Fund) - book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tickets: FREE

REBECCA JOY - Monday Club

Monday 13 September 2010 2pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

REBECCA JOY - Monday Club

Effortless entertainment with a stunning blend of classic jazz, swing and contemporary ballads.

her soulful vocal style will enchant those who hear her sing.

A 'Sultry Soloist Show'

Tickets: £5 Members £2.50

JOANNE GREGORY - CLAIRVOYANT

Wednesday 15 September 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

JOANNE GREGORY - CLAIRVOYANT

Widely recognized as an extremelygifted psychic medium, Joanne Gregory's reputation for accuracy and honesty hasfilled venues across the country. Now, following an amazing first visit to theThwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn in April, audiences will once again have achance to see Joanne demonstrate her remarkable gift, as she seeks to provethat we all survive death by relaying messages to the audience from the spiritworld.

It is hard to find a medium today that commands the  stage with such ability, as shecommunicates with loved ones across a compelling and uplifting evening, oftenfilled with humour, laughter and joy. Her increasing popularity and growinginternational acclaim has brought her many celebrity clients from Hollywood,TV, film and the music industry. Her first book, Ask and It Will Happen, is published by Cico books this September.

Join Joanne, as she returns to theThwaites Empire Theatre for what promises to be a memorable evening as shedemonstrates her medium-ship, narrowing the divide between here and other side.

CLICK HERE TOBOOK ONLINE 

Tickets: £12

WIFE BEGINS AT FORTY CANCELLED

Wednesday 22 September 2010 – Saturday 25 September 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

WIFE BEGINS AT FORTY CANCELLED
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this tour has been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Tickets:

BOUNCERS by John Godber

Thursday 23 September 2010 – Saturday 25 September 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

BOUNCERS by John Godber

 It's Friday night, it's disconight ? time for Bouncers to come alive!

In this outrageous and hilariousparody of the contemporary club scene, four Bouncers portraying over 20different characters invite us for a night out on the town. We meetgiggly girls, Lager louts on the pull, Hooray Henrys and a smoothtalking DJ, all against the tatty, glitzy glamour, flashing lights andpulsating beat of the disco floor. Bouncersis a celebration and a warning of the nightlife of modern

Britain, its excitement anddisappointments, its comedy and tragedy and its winners and losers, allportrayed with a technique and energy that will leave you breathless to keepup! 

"Down in the disco is theplace to be The lights are so bright like a colour TV The music is loud and thebeer flows free it's a disco place for you and me" Godber's cult classicis back in town, bigger and badder than ever before!

Feelthe weekend come alive before your eyes. Meet the smooth talking DJ, the lager chugging ladslooking for a lay and the lipstick, lacquered girls gyrating to the pulse ofthe dance floor. Whilst outside in the freezing cold, skulk the ever watchful,ever ready, Lucky Eric,

Judd, Les and Ralph, Hold tight,for a white knuckle ride to remember! 

"You'llbe rolling in your seats and bursting at the seams" Daily Mirror 

"Awhirlwind mixture of witty one-liners" The Hull Daily Mail

WINNEROF 7 LOS ANGELES DRAMA CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS

VOTEDAS ONE OF THE BEST PLAYS OF THE 20TH CENTURY BY THE NATIONAL

THEATRE

 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE

Tickets: £9

THE UPBEAT BEATLES

Sunday 26 September 2010 – Sunday 26 September 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

THE UPBEAT BEATLES

Since their formation in 1997, The Upbeat Beatles areconsidered to be The Premier Beatle tribute band. 4 professional musicians,with no tricks, perform all the Beatles greatest hits. No backing tracks,authentic equipment to recreate The Beatles sound. Great powerhouse vocals,close harmonies, a dedication to their craft that will give you a night toremember.

So expect a night packed with audience participation, they’ll have you rollingas well as rocking in the aisles - the nearest you get to the real thing.

K.K Downing guitarist of Judas Priest says:

The UpbeatBeatles are a great tribute band, musically they are faultless, with tight,

accurate harmonies and instrumentation, the boys will not disappoint you!
I saw them in my home  town ofBridgnorth in Shropshire and they bought the house down.
NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

K.K. Downing guitarist of Judas Priest!

 

 

Tickets: £12

HOWARD JONES ORDINARY WORLD ACOUSTIC TOUR

Thursday 30 September 2010 7.30pm

Click here to book

HOWARD JONES ORDINARY WORLD ACOUSTIC TOUR
Keyboard legendHoward Jones comes to town with a show featuring  new material from his critically acclaimed ‘Ordinary Heroes' album alongside the hits such as ‘ What Is Love' , ‘New Song' , ‘LikeTo Get To Know You Well',‘No One Is To Blame', ‘Everlasting Love' and the haunting ‘Hide and Seek'.

This acoustic showwill feature Jones on piano and vocals, accompanied by Jonathan Atkinson onpercussion.   With stories andanecdotes from his 26 year career, Jones will take you on an emotional rollercoasterride not to be missed.  Get yourtickets now!

"An album that's not just his most consistentlyfulfilling but also his most promising."  **** MOJO on Ordinary Heroes

For more information www.howardjones.com

BOOK ONLINE HERE 

Tickets: £15/£14

October 2010

A NIGHT ON BROADWAY - Blackburn & Darwen Brass Band

Friday 1 October 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

A NIGHT ON BROADWAY - Blackburn & Darwen Brass Band

Tickets: £7

FREDDIE STARR - CANCELLED

Saturday 2 October 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

FREDDIE STARR - CANCELLED

 

Due to Freddie Starr having a heart attack his public appearances have been cancelled for the next six months.

If you have booked any tickets for this show, please contact the Theatre for a refund or a transfer to another show.

For more information visit Freddie's official website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tickets: £21 Concessions £20

CANNON & BALL

Saturday 2 October 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

CANNON & BALL

Stepping in after Freddie Starr pulled out, we're delighted that one of the UK's top comedy double acts are returning to Thwaites Empire Theatre.

Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball have been entertaining audiences since the late 1960s and are now as busy and popular as ever, touring the country with their Laughter Shows which appeal to fans old and new.

More recently, the duo have starred on ITV's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, which has won them a whole new generation of fans, and were the headline act on the Great British Variety Show that toured large theatres across the UK.

Come along and enjoy longest-running double act in British Comedy, still at the top of their game. 

 

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE

Tickets: £20

THE AMERICAN FOUR TOPS

Saturday 9 October 2010 8:00pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

THE AMERICAN FOUR TOPS

Back for a third sensational year! 

From Atlanta, Georgia, USA, William Hicks has become the most prominent ambassador internationally of Motown sound in the last two decades.

He formed Soul Satisfaction in 1990 and has taken the show across the globe from its roots in Atlanta to Europe and Asia performing on land and sea.

The show features the star and backbone Mr William Hicks on lead vocals. His superb vocal range seems to know no limits and his unique voice has been compared to that of Levi Stubbs of the original Four Tops.

William is responsible not only for arranging the splendid vocal harmony structures of his backing singers but also for choreographing the high stepping impressive dance routines keeping things pure Motown.

Plus Special Guest - the return of Jeff Lee! 

 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE 

Tickets: £12

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU

Tuesday 12 October 2010 – Wednesday 13 October 2010 Tues 1:30pm & 5pm. Wed. 10am, 1:30pm & 6pm.

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU


Adapted by David Wood OBE
Directed by David Wood OBE
Produced by Rose Theatre Kingston
and Sally Humphreys Productions

The classic story of Little and Big Nutbrown Hares' efforts to express their love for each other can now be enjoyed LIVE ON STAGE.

This publishing phenomenon has sold more than 22 million copies worldwide, 2.5 million copies in the UK alone and has been published in 37 languages. It remains one of this country's top selling books for young children.

Running at 55 minutes, this new show with songs has been adapted for the stage by the nation's favourite children's writer David Wood OBE, and will also feature the stories included in 'Guess How Much I Love You All Year Round'.

Tickets: £12 Schools £7

AUSTENS WOMEN

Thursday 14 October 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

AUSTENS WOMEN
Adapted & performed by Rebecca Vaughan
Directed by Guy Masterson

SUPERB HIT AT EDINBURGH 2009 & ADELAIDE FESTIVAL 2010!

Some of the most rewarding and exciting moments from the complete works of Jane Austen, the queen of English Literature! Brought to the stage in a superb performance of extraordinary virtuosity by Rebecca Vaughan, thirteen of Austen's beautifully observed women are assembled in one glorious distillation of 19th century feminism. From scenes of high comedy to moments of profound pathos, Vaughan takes us on a rich journey into Austen's "two inches of ivory" featuring Lizzy Bennet, Emma Woodhouse, Anne Elliot, the Dashwood Sisters and many more, as they fall in and out of love, make friends with some, alienate others and commit notorious improprieties!

 "Vaughan's performance is unfaultable...this is a thoroughly enjoyable exploration of women & is thoroughly recommended" (Edinburgh Guide)

 "A startling feat of performance, portrayal, writing & direction...each character has been carefully created and each is a piece in itself... a strongly recommended show" (Fringe Review)

Tickets: £12

THE GO'S SHOW - Monday Club

Monday 18 October 2010 2pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

THE GO'S SHOW  -  Monday Club

 

the Golden Oldies sing and dance to songs old and new.

Tickets: £5 Members £2.50

Blackburn Drama Club

Wednesday 20 October 2010 – Saturday 23 October 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

Blackburn Drama Club

Tickets:

WOLFMAN INVESTIGATIONS: THE CURSE OF THE MANIC MUSEUM

Wednesday 27 October 2010 2pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

WOLFMAN INVESTIGATIONS: THE CURSE OF THE MANIC MUSEUM

Wolfie returns in an all-new Spooktacular adventure for Halloween!

Join Wolfie once again for an exciting adventure in the haunted corridors of the old museum, as he battles evil mummies and Doctor ClockVerk - the most villainous villain he has ever faced!

He's once again joined by Lydia, M.A.G.I.C. - and you! Help him save the world before teatime (again).

Panto-style fun for the whole family. All tickets just £5.

 

Tickets: £5

BLOWERS - CAUGHT SHORT AND GRUMPY

Thursday 28 October 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

BLOWERS - CAUGHT SHORT AND GRUMPY
An Evening with Henry Blofeld

 

When Blowers is at the microphone, laughter and a touch of wickedness are never far away. He is constantly laughing at himself and tells great stories about his life and famous friends. He is a self-confessed stuffy old fart and a good deal of modern life gets up his nose. Political Correctness, ‘Elf and Safety and the EU all get it in the neck.

For the last half an hour Blowers hands the show to the audience and does his best to answer questions on anything and everything. It's terrific fun. Don't miss it.

Tickets: £16.50/£15

CIRCUS HILARIOUS

Friday 29 October 2010 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

CIRCUS HILARIOUS

Now 15 years old, Circus Hilarious is creating laughter and mayhem all over the UK.

Featuring the award-winning father & son duo Clive Webb and Danny Adams together with Cousin Timoni and Mad Mick's Clownforce they create side-splitting humour with all the fun, magic and excitement of the circus - live in the theatre.

Guaranteed to make all the family roar with laughter - we can confidently say you should be prepared to laugh your socks off!

Tickets: £10 or Family Ticket £36

November 2010

SARA - Monday Club

Monday 8 November 2010 2pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

SARA  -   Monday Club
A wonderful young singer with a light hearted spirit.

Tickets: £5 Members £2.50

THE GRUMBLEWEEDS

Sunday 14 November 2010 7.30pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

THE GRUMBLEWEEDS

Celebrating over 40 years in Showbiz, The Grumbleweeds are not an act to rest on their laurels. With hit TV and radio series behind them they've drawn on all their years of experience and know-how to develop a brand-new, exciting, fast moving act still firmly based on music, comedy and impressions.

Constantly updated, the duo comprises of founders Robin Colvill and Graham Walker who are firmly established as a top comedy duo the whole family can enjoy.

Tickets: £10 or Family Ticket £36

JUNIOR SHOWTIME 2010

Saturday 20 November 2010 2pm & 7pm

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

JUNIOR SHOWTIME 2010

Tickets: Adults £9 Children £6

December 2010

MOTHER GOOSE

Wednesday 1 December 2010 – Sunday 02 January 2011 Various times

Booking office open Monday to saturday 10am to 12:30pm. You can also book many shows online - click here to visit our online booking site

MOTHER GOOSE

CENTENARY PANTOMIME - MOTHER GOOSE

GROUP BOOKINGS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR MOTHER GOOSE.

PRESENTED BY PENDLE PRODUCTIONS

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY TIM LINCE

 

SCHOOL AND GROUP BOOKINGS HOTLINE

 07971 167946

Click here to go to the Pantomime Website

email: panto@thwaitesempiretheatre.co.uk

 

Public tickets on sale from 1st September

Tickets: Available from 1st September