THE dawning of an exciting new era for Blackburn Empire Theatre.

That’s how chairman Michael Berry described the appointment of Steve Burch as the theatre’s new manager.

“We are very lucky to be able to bring someone of Steve’s experience to the theatre,” said Mr Berry. “It is a very exciting development for everyone here. It will give us the opportunity to take the theatre to the next level.”

Steve Burch has been a familiar figure on the East Lancashire entertainment scene for more than 30 years having been events and promotions manager for King George’s Hall in Blackburn and Darwen Library Theatre until 2017.

He said: “This is a really exciting challenge for me. I have seen the theatre blossom from its very early days and I hope that I can use my experience and contacts to help the Empire Theatre to build on the strong foundations which everyone involved here has laid down.

“The theatre has a fabulous team of volunteers, without whom none of what we do would be possible, and I am looking forward to getting to know them and working with them.”

Formerly the Red Brick Theatre, the theatre - a registered charity - opened in 2002 after Mr Berry spearheaded a £1million fund-raising drive to refurbish the derelict premises.

Since then the 330-seat venue has become one of the busiest venues in East Lancashire and celebrated a record-breaking pantomime season over the festive period. It is also home to a number of groups and societies.

“It shows just how far we have come from humble beginnings that we can bring in someone like Steve as manager,” said Mr Berry, who has been dealing with day-to-day operations for the past six years.

“The time is right for me to hand that responsibility over to Steve and we’re delighted he has joined us.”