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What's On - Box Office 01254 685 500
November 2011
PRE THEATRE SUPPERS AT THE CLOG AND BILLYCOCK
Thwaites Empire Theatre is delighted to have teamed up with the renowned "Clog and Billycock" to offer pre show suppers.
From 4: 30 on a show day theatre goers can enjoy a superb specially devised menu at the set price of £11.50. "The Clog and Billycock" is the best place to enjoy a leisurely meal in wonderful surroundings. Why not treat yourself and your companions?
Booking is essential, direct to The Clog on 01254 201 163, at the time of booking you must mention Thwaites Empire Theatre .
The map is fully functional, A is the Theatre, B Is the Clog & Billycock
What more could you want!!?
Watch this space for more news of exciting special offers.
"He who comes first, eats first" Eike Von Repkin
Tickets: "Pre Theatre Dinner" priced at £11.50
THEATRE VOUCHERS MAKE A GREAT PRESENT
Why not treat your loved ones to something special?
A Thwaites Empire Theatre Voucher could be just the ticket. Priced from only £10 they last all year and can be exchanged for any shows.
If you know someone who has never enjoyed a night out at The Empire this could be the perfect introduction for them. Once seen never forgotten.
Thwaites Empire, "Blackburn's most entertaining theatre."
Vouchers on sale now. .
"What a wonderful and orignal gift. I am overjoyed"
(Norma Spaul.Thwaites Empire regular)
Tickets: Vouchers can be purchased in any quantity of units from £10.
January 2012
REPUBLIC DAY presented by THE INDIA LEAGUE as a Multicultural Event.
The India League return to the Empire for their annual celebration of Republic Day with a showcase of dances from various cutures including The Pat Eakets School of Dance, The Zoe Taylor School of Dance, The Irish School of Dance, Nrutya Sarita Dance School of The India League, Arabic Dancers and Aashana and Sonalia and much more.
An evening not to be missed.
Tickets: £5 including snacks. Note the starting time of 7pm.
DANCE 2012 PRESENTED BY KTZ DANCE
Come and join us for a spectacular celebration of the best in dance.
Tickets: Adults £6 Children ( under10) and Senior Citizens £4
February 2012
MACBETH - PRIVATE
This is a special staging of the Shorter Version of the famous "Scottish Play" by pupils of "Our Lady and St. John College", Blackburn.
The audience will be pupils of the College who will experience the thrill of seeing the play performed by 24 of their collegues in a traditional theatre setting.
"The temple-haunting martlet doth approve"
Tickets:
KILLER - THE JERRY LEE LEWIS STORY
Jerry Lee Lewis was the first wild man of rock and without doubt rock n roll's most exciting performer, his nickname of 'Killer' accurately reflecting the dynamism of his stage show.
This show tells the story of Jerry Lee from his meteoric rise to fame through hits such as 'Great Balls of Fire' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin' to his equally as fast fall from grace when he married his 13 year old cousin, back to his reinstatement as one of music's biggest names with his triumphal return to the top in the mid 1960s when he performed at The Star Club in Hamburg.
Featuring more than 20 of his hits, all the energy, all the tragedy and all the glory.
www.beyondeternitypromotions.com
***Do not forget a pre-show supper is available from 4:30 for just £11-50 at “The Clog And Billycock” for this show. See the top of this events listing for full details.***
Tickets: £13 & £11
THE GO's on the Monday Club - February
ON THE GO
This month, February, we are proud to be welcoming "THE GOs." The GOs are much a travelled troupe of performers, dancers, and singers who seek unashamedly to entertain in "the old fashioned way." While many of their colourful routines take their cue from contemporary sources, their delivery engages and enthralls audiences of all ages.
So ..why not give them a GO!?
"The Monday Club" is a special Club for Members and their guests. Directed towards Senior Citizens, although open to all, it aims to offer top class entertainment for a couple of hours once a month, usually on a Monday, including free tea, coffee and biscuits included in the ticket price. Membership is £5 for one year lasting from the time of joining with tickets priced at £2-50 thereafter or £3-50 for "guests". Our Musical Director is Colin Hilton. Your host and compere is Mr. Michael Berry.
Tickets: £3.50 (Members £2.50) Membership is £5 for one year.
COLIN FRY - THE HIGHER SENSES TOUR
COLIN FRY – THE PEOPLES MEDIUM HIGHER SENSES TOUR 2012
We are delighted Colin Fry is coming to Thwaties Empire. In response to the many requests on his Facebook page to do so. Being one of the World’s most recognised Spiritualist Mediums and Healers, Colin’s TV series “ 6ixth Sense” has now been broadcast worldwide for 10 years making his public performances an International demand. This year’s tour will once again see Colin Fry bring his own unique form of comfort and upliftment to ordinary people living ordinary lives, proving once again he IS very much the "Peoples Medium."
QUOTE: Torquay Journal:, “If you only ever go to see one Medium, make sure it is Colin Fry"
***Do not forget a pre-show supper is available at 4:30 for just £11-50 at “The Clog And Billycock” for this show. See the top of this events listing for full details.***
Tickets: £15 now on sale but... going fast!!
BUDDY HOLLY and THE CRICKETERS
The Greatest Rock ’n’ Roll Show On Earth!
Thwaites Empire Theatre is proud to welcome this great shows straight from their appearance on The BBC with Graham Norton
This is a non-stop, rock’n’rollercoaster of a show for the whole family.
Featuring all Buddy’s hits and much, much more, it is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles.
For two decades, the boys have received wild receptions and standing ovations from audiences across the world, especially in Buddy’s homeland of the USA.
Book today for a great night out!
“The audience were dancing in the aisles and roaring for more”
The Stage
“We defy any country fan not to appreciate this supercharged show”
Country Music Round-up
*** Do not forget to book your pre-show supper from 4:30 at “The Clog And Billycock” for the special price of just £11-50.
See the top of this listing page for full details ***
Tickets: £15
TRIAL BY JURY & HMS PINAFORE - Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan
Hurrah!! It is G. and S. time again!!
And the very model of a modern major G. and S. Society, i.e. Blackburn's is proud to present not one but two rollicking good operettas. As with most Gilbert and Sullivan operas, the plot of Trial by Jury is ludicrous, but the characters behave as if the events were perfectly reasonable.
If you are an Englishman then you will love HMS Pinafore. Written to build on the commercial success of The Sorcerer, Gilbert and Sullivan produced one of their most cutting and witty operas, full of tunes that you will know and hum along to.
“This is Gilbert And Sullivan at its mightiest best” Noma Spaul
Tickets: £12 & £10 Now available
An intimate evening with bestselling novelist JOSEPHINE COX
We are delighted that the Blackburn born best-selling author is coming to the theatre for a special one off intimate eveneng. Introduced by BBC Radio Lancashire's Joe Wilson this promises to be a very special opportunity to meet one of the UK's most loved and successful novelists. Jo's latest paperback " MIDNIGHT" is now riding high in the charts. To whet your appetites here is a brief taster.
"Molly and Jack are deeply in love but their relationship is being torn apart by Jack's nightmares. Trapped by a place where he sees eyes in the gloom, it is becoming harder for Molly to pull him through, and when daylight comes the haunting visions remain...... "
If you want to see what happens go and buy the book , then buy your tickets to meet Jo in person. All proceeds from this event will go to "Child Action North West."
***Do not forget a pre-show supper is available at 4:30 for just £11-50 at “The Clog And Billycock” for this show. See the top of this events listing for full details.***
Tickets: £7 Concessions £6
March 2012
THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE EMPIRE
With a fabulous line up this show is a wonderful chance to experience the Empire at its liveliest. With all proceeds going to charity this promises to be one of the most memorable events so far this year.
For your delight and delectation performing are:
The Zoe Taylor Dance Academy
Bobby Kay - The hilarious L'pool comic
Billy Bedlam - The unique speciality star
Pamela James - A golden voice and a favourite song
Roy Chappell - A regular draw at The Empire
All under the expert direction of Maestro Colin Hilton and, direct from The Jolly Sailor cabaret bar in The Canary Islands and brought to you at emormous expense, your host Mr. Michael Berry.
Tickets: £10
THE ADVENTURES OF ANDY KERSHAW
He's A Rebel
Andy Kershaw truly has no off switch. Already he’s lived ten lives to everyone else’s one. As a teenager, he was promoting major rock gigs. He was Billy Bragg’s driver and roadie one day and presenting Whistle Test and Live Aid the next.
John Peel
Andy is among the UK’s most-decorated broadcasters, working for Radio 4 and, for fifteen years, as a Radio 1 DJ, where he shared an office with John Peel and legendary producer John Walters. It was Andy’s enthusiasms that made him the central figure in the popularisation of world music. More recently a presenter on Radio 3, he has also worked for the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen.
Andy Kershaw was born in Rochdale in 1959 and was liberated by Bob Dylan. Barely out of his teens, and looking about eleven, he presented Whistle Test and Live Aid for the BBC. For most of the past twenty-five years he has had a weekly radio show pioneering extraordinary music from all over the world.
Whether it applies to foreign adventures, romances, motorcycles, nervous breakdowns or relationships with a piece of music, Andy has always lived by his most reliable maxim:
"If you’re going to have one, have a BIG ONE"
STEPHN FRY LIKES ANDY KERSHAW.
(This is what he has to say about Andy and his recently published autobiography, "No Off Switch")
"Andy Kershaw has led an extraordinary life. His unrivalled role in bringing World Music to the ears of the West is just part of the story of this man whose zest for life, music, people, experience and travel made him the finest British broadcaster bar none. That his life had had its ups and downs is to say that the Alps have snowy peaks, but throughout this, dizzingly paced and often wildly hilarious book, he brings alive his matchless career and the cultural life of a Britain that seems to be vanishing; forget Media Studies and a life of student debt: read "NO OFF SWITCH" and learn what it is to be a real broadcast journalist, a real acheiver. A real someone." Stephen Fry
***Do not forget a pre-show suppers are available from 4:30 for just £11-50 at “The Clog And Billycock” for this show. See the top of this events listing for full details.***
Tickets: £15 - Early booking is strongly advised.
KEY FOR TWO - Blackburn Drama Club
Blackburn Drama Club contininue their outstanding season with a very funny sex comedy. From the pens of John Chapman and Dave Freeman this amoral farce is designed for people who like their comedy broad and uncomplicated. Harriet is "entertaining" a married man named Gordon who dutifully leaves her household money after complaining about the cost of maintaining a wife, a family and a mistress. Once Gordon leaves the sheets are changed and enter Alec! He too complains about the expense of supporting his mistress as well as his wife. Harriet points out that the toaster and many other household items need replacing. Both Alec and Gordon think they are the only man in Harriet's life.
When Ann, Harriet's close friend, turns up it throws Harriet's double life into dissray.
"Key For Two" is a slick fast moving farce that leaves little to the imagination!!
Tickets: £9
A KNIGHT OF VARIETY with the Royal Society of St George
Starring
Colin Hilton - Musical Director
Michael Berry - Host and Compere
Pete Lindup- Instrumentalist
Jim Fitzgerald - Tenor
J Pasquelle - Doris Day Tribute artist
Will Barrow - Comedian
Miranda Myles - Vocalist
Bernese School of Theatre Dance
Tickets: £12
Monday Club Variety Show - March
Starring
Malcolm Povah - The Banjo Man
Lisa Schilze - Female Vocalist
Ricky Lee - Male Vocalist - Blackburn's Matt Munro
Michael Berry - Compere and Host
Colin Hilton - Musical Director
Tickets: £3.50 (Members £2.50)
"OF MICE AND MEN" by John Steinbeck - DJ Theatre Productions
“Of Mice And Men” by John Steinbeck is one of the best loved novels of all time. Shortly after its massive success as a book Steinbeck adapted it for the stage. The story of George and Lennie and their dreams of a better life is a timeless classic. DJ Theatre Productions has assembled an exceptional cast. The production is in the capable hands of local award- winning director Paul Mason.
One warm evening in 1937 California two men walk down from the highway to a pool by the Salinas River. They reflect on their escape from the last town they were in and their new job at a nearby ranch. So begins the story set over three days and ending tragically. Never sentimental, Steinbeck paints a vivid picture of men caught up in the depression and their hopes of finding a way out of their loneliness and desperation. “Of Mice And Men” was named as one of the most significant texts of the twentieth century. It has a power and a beauty that never fails to move audiences.
“Someday we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an ‘ a cow and some pigs and live off the fatta the land.”
Tickets are on sale now.
For details of school or group booking call 07851910802 or 07772192658.
*** Do not forget to book your pre-show supper from 4:30 at “The Clog And Billycock” for the special price of just £11.50 See the top of this listings page for full details ***
Tickets: £10
FILM CLASSICS - Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band with guests Blackburn and Darwen Junior Band
Tickets: £8 Now available
April 2012
April Monday Club
Tickets: £3.50 (Members £2.50)
CELTIC DREAM
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO EXPERIENCE THIS WONDERFUL SHOW AND MEET THE CAST AFTERWARDS. To enter email your answer to the question:
"What country is known as The Emerald Isle?" to empirepantomime@yahoo.co.uk no later than February 10th
Celtic Dream has been created to bring one of the most original & authentic shows in the world to you. With a selection of the finest dancers, vocalists and musicians from around Ireland, Celtic Dream will enchant and take you on an uplifting journey of song and dance with a kaleidoscope of colour against a backdrop of highly infectious, powerful and spirit invoking music. A real touch of the old Irish ‘Craic’.
SPECIAL EARLY BIRD OFFER - BOOK 2 TICKETS BEFORE 10TH FEBRUARY AND RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT, quote 141211
You are sure to be delighted with time honoured tunes like ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘Carrickfergus’ to the haunting modern day classics of Sarah McLachlan's ‘In the Arms of the Angels’.
“To experience Celtic Dream is to experience the genuine heart and soul of Ireland.”
Check out Celtic Dream at www.facebook.com/celticdreamshow or follow on Twitter at @CelticDream Show
*** Do not forget to book your pre-show supper from 4:30 at “The Clog And Billycock” for the special price of just £11-50.
See the top of this listing page for full details ***
Tickets: £20 & £18 Concessions
BOTOWN
Dubbed as Bollywoods's answer to The Commitments - catch the band that has sold out venues all over the country.
"If you like "60s" soul or Bollywood you will love BOTOWN!" (The Times)
Try something new.. an Indian Summer evening full of soul, funk and Bollywood grooves guaranteed to have you up dancing and singing along.
BOTOWN IS A CHART TOPPING, HI OCTANE MULTICULTURAL SOUL BAND.
"Your favourite Bollywood hits, rebooted with Soul. A MUST SEE." (Eastern Eye)
Soulful but spicy.. yeh.
Tickets: £15 - Early Bird up to March 3rd £10
THE STONES
"THE STONES" bring to the stage all the energy of a live Rolling Stones concert.
This is not a "tongue in cheek" approach but a serious tribute. The greatest tribute band playing honour to the Greatest Rock And Roll Band in the World.
The current line of "THE STONES" and the legends they represent is:
Richard - Guitar and vocals - Keith Richard
Jason-Guitar and vocals - Mick Taylor
Steve - Bass and vocals - Bill Wyman
Wayne -Drums - Charlie Watts
J. Black - Keyboards, guitar, percussion, vocals - Nicky Hopkins
"IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING SATISFACTION OR YOU ARE ON THE VERGE OF YOUR 20TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, GET OFFA YOUR CLOUDS AND ROCK ON DOWN TO THE EMPIRE"
Tickets: All tickets £16
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS - Rossendale Amateur Operatic Society
Little Shop of Horrors satirizes many things: science fiction, ‘B’ movies, musical comedy itself, and even the Faust legend. Seymour, our hero, comes across a strange and interesting plant sold to him by a mysterious Chinese man during an eclipse of the sun. The plant is put on display at the ailing Mushnik’s Flower Shop on Skid Row and soon begins to attract new custom to the shop. Seymour discovers however that traditional growing methods just won’t work on this plant and that the only way he can nurse it back to health is by feeding it blood, must be fresh, must be human! Soon Seymour’s anaemic state means he needs to find a fresh source for this blood, and suddenly people begin to disappear.....................under the expert direction of Paul McGowan, renowned of course throughout all Lancashire, this is a show guaranteed to send you away with a grin on your face, but remember.... "they may offer you fortune and fame, love and money and instant acclaim, but, whatever they offer you, don't feed the plants!"
"FEED ME"!
Tickets: £12 & £10
GYPSY FIRE
"Gypsy Fire" create stunning accoustic instrumental performances, combining breathtaking musical virtuosity and exhilarating dynamics, breathing new life into music from the world of classical, jazz, rock, blues and beyond.
Their music is filled with passion and flair. They utterly engage their audiences, surprising them with twists and turns of harmony and rhythm.
You can learn more about these unique artistes at www.gypsyfire.co.uk
or follow them on FACEBOOK @GYPSYFIRE QUARTET
*Do not forget to book your pre show supper for just £11-50 at the "Clog and Billycock" - for full details see the top of this listing.
Tickets: £12 & £10
May 2012
CAROUSEL - Blackburn Musical Theatre Company
Tickets: Mon/Tues £10 - Wed/Thurs £12 & £10 - Fri/Sat £12 - Family Ticket (2+2) £42 available Friday and Saturday only
STRINGERS LAST STAND - Blackburn Drama Club
For their last play of the current season Blackburn Drama Club bring a very funny play to the stage of The Empire. Written by Alfred Bradley and Stan Barsow ("A Kind Of Loving"), "Stringer's Last Stand" tells the comic story of what happens when the domineering father of a Northern family is discovered to be having an affair. When his daughters find out they exact their revenge with hilarious consequences. Directed by Club Favourite Dorothy Perkins, this is a little gem of a play you can not afford to miss.
* Do not forget to book your pre theatre supper at
The "Clog And Billycock" for just £11-50.
See the top of this listing for full details.*
Tickets: £9
May Monday Club
Tickets: £3.50 (Members £2.50)
THE UPBEAT BEATLES
Tickets: £15 & £13 Concessions available soon
COOL BRITTANIA
COME AND CELBRATE THE OLYMPIC MOOD
The only show that celebrates all that is great about British Rock and Roll. Rocking through 5 decades the ultimate Brit Rock experience starts right here.
Featuring world class musicians and singers who have perfomed with the likes of The Ruts, Aztec Camera, Marc Almond and The Sex Pistols, this is a show guranteed to get you in the mood and rocking.
THE WHO... THE FACES.. . BLUR .. so many songs.... so little time.
"The feel good show of the Century"
Tickets: £16
VARIETY SHOWTIME for East Lancs Hospice
Variety Showtime is in aid of East Lancashire Hospice.
Appearing in the show:-
Julie A Scott - Vocal Entertainer - Direct from cruises.
Des Day - Compere/Comedian
Michael Berry - Vocalist
Brian Sefton - Magic at It's
Linda Dee - Vocalist
Suzanne Roberts Dancers
Colin Hilton - Musical Director
Click here to go to the East Lancashire Hospice website
Tickets: £9
June 2012
BUZZ HAWKINS
Tickets:
TRIBUTE JUBILEE SHOW
Tickets:
BEST OF BRASS - Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band
Tickets: £8 Available soon
June Monday Club
Tickets:
NORTHERN SOUL NIGHT
EDWIN STARR’S BAND THE TEAM
With Lead Vocalist ANGELO STARR + Special Guest Northern Soul legend LORRAINE SILVER
Performing Soul & Motown hits including
AGENT 00 SOUL * LOST SUMMER LOVE * 25 MILES
THE HAPPY FACES * STOP HER ON SIGHT * I’LL KEEP HOLDING ON * TIME * LANDSLIDE * WAR * GOODBYE NOTHING TO SAY * HEADLINE NEWS * I’LL DO ANYTHING * EYE TO EYE CONTACT
Summer is certainly not over and we have not yet parted because we welcome the late great EDWIN STARR’S brother ANGELO STARR is the original musical director of THE TEAM. He has now taken over lead vocals performing all the fantastic Edwin Starr classics, plus dynamic performances of some great Northern Soul covers. EDWIN STARR’S original 8 piece band THE TEAM who backed Edwin on all his shows are still intact, with sax, keyboard, lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, percussion & female backing vocalist.They have a new CD out called “Keeping the Faith ”The first track is titled “Bless My Northern Soul” www.theteam-online.co.uk
‘Northern Soul legend’ LORRAINE SILVER recorded “LOST SUMMER LOVE” when she was 13 years old in 1965. It became iconic at the legendary Wigan Casino in the 70’s without her knowledge. It is still a massive record on the Northern Soul & Scooter scene and is featured on numerous compilations. Find out more of her at www.lorrainesilver.com
Tickets: £20
DANCE FACTORY
Tickets:
CHANTELLES DANCE SHOW
Tickets:
July 2012
THE 39th NDFA BRITISH ALL WINNERS DRAMA FESTIVAL
Tickets:
September 2012
TRIBUTE TO ROY ORBISON
Tickets:
THE JERSEY BOYS
Tickets:
AROUND THE WORLD - Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band
Tickets: £8 Available soon
November 2012
BLACKBURN AND DARWEN BRASS BAND
Tickets: £8 Not yet available