A LEADING East Lancashire theatre has changed its name - and believes it will really put itself on the map.

New signs went up yesterday at the Blackburn Empire Theatre, formerly the Thwaites Empire Theatre.

Michael Berry, the theatre chairman, said: “We are dealing with promoters, agents and bookers all the time for shows and we always have to explain where the theatre is.

“We are very proud to be part of the community in Blackburn so it was a natural thing to change the name to the Blackburn Empire. Also it’s a good name, it sounds like a proper theatre which is what we have become.”

The theatre opened in 2002 after Michael raised around £1M to create a theatre from the derelict shell of a former cinema at Ewood.

“When we were looking to open the theatre we received a great deal of support from Thwaites and we now continue to get great support from Marstons who have taken over the brewery,” said Michael.

A registered charity, the theatre is the permanent home to Blackburn Musical Theatre Society, Blackburn Drama Club, Blackburn Gilbert and Sullivan Society and Pendle Productions. The Zoe Taylor School of Dance also recently moved into the theatre.

“It is amazing how far the theatre has come in a relatively short space of time,” said Michael. “From being a shell of building 15 years ago, we now have four paid employees and around 50 volunteers. We have had the support of so many generous sponsors which has enabled the theatre to become part of the the town.

“It always amazes me at how much affection there is for the theatre.”

The theatre website has also changed to www.blackburnempire.com.

“It will just make everything so much easier for people to find out about us,” said Michael.