ONE of Blackburn town centre's best-known pubs is set to be transformed into a cabaret club.

Work has begun to bring the colour and spectacle of The Friends of Dorothy to The Adelphi, in Railway Road.

Ambitious impresarios Tony and Tom Bromwich have already been packing in the crowds at The White Bull, in Livesey Branch Road, on a regular basis.

And now they are looking to add a little sparkle to the Cathedral Square watering hole, with a stage already being installed.

Drag queen Marie La Rae has been hired as the attraction's entertainments manager and the opening night has been pencilled in for October 19, with star turn David Dale headlining.

Comic James Hughes and Blackburn's own Jay Scott are also on the bill with Marie compering.

Bosses at Admiral Taverns had been in discussions with Tony and Tom over them taking over The Adelphi, which closed again after last New Year's Eve.

Tony said: "When we saw the size of it, and the fact it's right in the middle of Blackburn town centre, we thought it was just right for us.

"Admiral had seen what we've done with The White Bull so we did a bit of a survey among customers and we've gone for it."

His plans are for Friends of Dorothy to stage cabaret club nights at The Adelphi on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

This would run in parallel to their cabaret pub programme at The White Bull on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

"We've got some of the best names from Brighton, London and Blackpool coming to Blackburn in the very near future," added Tony, who is looking to host drinks promotions at his new hostelry through the week.

"This will be something new and different for the town centre's night life."